San Diego is the best city in the country to be a dog walker. Why? Because of the weather of course. 99% of the time it is sunny, warm, and beautiful. San Diego dogs love to walk in typical San Diego weather. They, like us,  get very spoiled in San Diego weather.. So what happens with spoiled San Diego dogs when we get rainy days like today? They do not want to go for a walk. As soon as you open the door and they see it is raining they make a beeline back into the house. And forget about trying to put on their raincoats.

Are you familiar with PAWS San Diego?The letters stand for Pets Are Wonderful Support.

PAWS is a non-profit organization that provides cat food, dog food, kitty litter and other pet supplies to San Diego County residents who are in difficult financial situations and are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. They are currently serving over 500 clients per month and it is all done through private donations from people like you. Monetary donations are always wonderful to receive but so are donations of dog food, cat food, litter,treats, toys, beds, and so on.

Yesterday I was walking two of my regular dogs who share a combined weight of at least 140 pounds. One of the dogs, who is as sweet as can be with people, is a recent rescue and has some dog reactive issues. When she sees dogs, she pulls very hard on the leash and tries to lunge at them.

As a professional dog walker I can manage a potentially negative situation by crossing the street or walking in another direction to avoid any confrontations.

However, when we encounter dogs off leash running out their front doors or from behind unsecured back yards, the situation becomes not only difficult to manage, but downright dangerous for the dogs I am walking, the loose dog, and myself.

I recently had a client  approach me on a matter of grave importance. He was putting together his Will and wanted to make certain his dog would be cared for should anything happen to him. He had set up a Pet Trust to provide funds for his dog's ongoing care but needed to appoint a caretaker to make sure his wishes for the dog were carried out. He asked me if I would perform that function. I was touched and honored that he has put that kind of trust and confidence in me and I said yes.

I pray that my client will live for many more years and be able to care for his companion but I am inspired by his commitment to fulfill his obligation to his dog even after his own death.