Why Pack Walks?
It started as a necessity. I had no other choice! We were living in a basement apartment in Andersonville, where we absolutely were NOT allowed to: a. Run a business, b. Have that many dogs over at one time, or ESPECIALLY c. use the front garden area as our own personal dog run.
Breeeeech!
Luckily, our back door led directly into the alley and we were able to sneak in and out undetected.
“leaving by the back stairs, oh my!”
So because there was no yard, the first walk in the morning was the “go potty for the first time since last night” walk. There was no way I was going to bring SOME dogs and leave the others at home, miserably waiting their turns. I just couldn’t do it.
The basement apartment!
Thrust into an impossible situation, I did a very typical Dorothy thing. I dove in head first.
The horrible failures I faced when I first started out should have stopped me from continuing. It really, really helped that it was out of pure necessity. Knowing that we were on a mission was the only thing that kept me going.
Chester trying to make a break for it
I remember on days when it would be pouring down rain. We would come home soaking wet and miserable. I would hang the leashes and coats and harnesses up to dry, knowing full well they wouldn’t be dry again before our next walk. The worst!
Slowly but surely I found my rhythm. It took a while! I pieced together equipment to fashion a super handle. With all the leashes attached, it became one thing around my wrist instead of a thousand. That worked well for a long time until that rogue squirrel made his move. The pack answered the call of the wild and I got my ass dragged down the alley. Different post for another time!
An early master handle prototype
After that I got my first canicross harness and my life changed forever. Now everyone gets strapped to my waist, and I go hands-free. It led to one of my favorite clapbacks! When we’re out and about and people give me one of the top ten answers on the board:
Rando: “You’ve got your hands full!”
Me: “Nuh uh I’m hands free, babyyyyyy”
It always gets a good laugh.
The reactions people have are the most surprisingly delightful side effect of pack walks. Everyone has something to say. I think it’s because everyone wants to participate in the dog parade. The energy is palpable, even from a distance. We move as one, and everyone is always amazed. I am too! That’s why pack walks are my favorite things ever.
At this point they are just a regular part of our day. On days when we don’t packwalk – very rare, but it happens – I feel strange, like something is missing. They have become my secret weapon to exhaust everyone. I love being outside and I love feeling like a part of my neighborhood. Next time you see us out and about give a shout! Love, Dorothy and the pack
Pack walk queen!
