Written by Nikki Rockwell, The Monster Minders Assistant Manager
When I first knew that I was going to be jumping into the world of wet noses and wagging tails I consulted a friend in the dog-walking biz. She said “Dog-walking is an introvert’s dream job!” The first thing I thought was “Uh oh”. Being the rather extroverted, outgoing, will talk to a plant if it showed interest type of person I said “No Sir! How am I going to use my gift of gab?”
Before coming to the fuzzy friend world, I spent all of my adult life in front of a group of students (teenagers being my specialty) teaching, lecturing and creating a community through exchanged ideas. So when my friend said that dog-walking was an introvert’s paradise I was admittedly nervous about losing the sense of community that I’ve become so accustomed to. (Not to mention the captive audience forced to listen to my every thought.) Little did I know that I was simply going from one community to another! Now besides spending a good portion of my day talking to pups and receiving good, positive snargles in return, I’ve become a fixture in the neighborhoods I walk in.
There is not one day that goes by that I don’t hear “Oh, you are the dog-walker, I see you walking my neighbor’s dog!’ Or, “Where is Ellie? I was looking forward to seeing her all day!” Shopkeepers, PPA officers, postal workers, all of them know me and the pups that I walk, and all of them have stories to tell and snuggles to give (to the pups of course). I have heard all about their present and past critter kids and what makes them tick. One thing I’ve learned is that people will take any opportunity to rave on about their pets (and I absolutely LOVE listening about their pets’ quirks). I now know that Mr. Bo doesn’t like the rain but has a tail that looks like a shark fin when he is charging through feet of snow. I also know that Willis only likes dogs that are around his age and cannot be bothered with puppies. Sadly, I’ve also had several neighbors come up to me and give me pictures of their lost kitties so I could help keep an eye out for them on my travels around the neighborhood (I keep them in my binder just in case). Happily, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of a few reunions as well.
An introvert’s dream job? Only if you manage to run away from everyone you see! Animal lovers will seek you out and I (and most of my pup companions) gladly welcome the company! In fact, when I’m with a pup, I feel as if every person on the street is a potential new friend. But this could just reflect my dogs’ influence on me. Next thing you know I’ll be chasing squirrels!
