Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannalore Tice and Corey Shields.
Hannalore and Corey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hannalore: I grew up in the Hudson Valley in upstate NY surrounded by animals. I relocated to Georgia after college to teach high school, and while I loved it, I missed home. I moved to Boston and working with several rescues and training my own dogs, I realized that this was where my passion truly lies. Driven by a fierce love for animals and a soft spot for bully breeds, I started walking dogs. I apprenticed with various trainers for a while, and in 2013 my dream to make this hobby a lifestyle and career was realized by opening Boston for the Dogs. Corey, who also grew up around animals and worked for a family owned dog walking/training service growing up joined BFTD in 2016 as a co-owner and operator and we have been expanding our services ever since!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Is running your own business ever smooth?! There have certainly been bumps along the way, but the general path has been visible so we have kept at it. This business is a family to me, and I treat my clients and their pets as my own. And, well, with any family, you are going to have growing pains. But, the love of the dogs and the enthusiasm of their owners has kept me going. Having Corey by my side to help has certainly allowed me to dream bigger and our collective strengths have made this so much easier.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The mission of Boston for the Dogs is to cultivate a community of dog lovers and advocates, while providing a safe, reliable service for pets. We pride ourselves on our dedication to understanding each dog’s needs. It’s not simply about taking your dog for a walk; it’s about getting to know and understand each dog. We try hard to provide individualized care always in an effort to make people feel comfortable that their pets are being loved. We strive to support local businesses and use social media to create a network, a family really, for our clients to share ideas, product recommendations and funny stories or pics to make each other smile. We host get togethers for the dogs, but also for our clients. In addition to regular walking services, we run a group training session called ‘Practice in the Park’ on weekends in the Arnold Arboretum. This is an awesome way for clients to practice their skills, and for us to create community. We also have been known to brunch regularly after these classes, which is always fun.
What were you like growing up?
Hannalore: Growing up I was definitely a free spirit. I would spend all day exploring the woods around the Hudson River. My family always had multiple pets, and I have certainly kept that tradition up! I have always been outgoing and, well, some would say a little loud…
Corey: Um, yes, a little loud! I was much more quiet growing up (and still am!) I was a curious kid, and maybe a little bit of a trouble maker. I have always been interested in working with animals, and spent a lot of time working for a family owned dog walking/training business. So, I guess I’d say I was a lot like I am now.
Pricing:
- 25 Min walk-$20- Social dogs that can be walked solo or walked/play with others.
- 25 Minute Structured Solo walk-$25-Structured Training walk for dogs that cannot be walked with others, are reactive or working on training.
- 30 minute play group-$25-Pick up and drop off-Group play with other social dogs.
- HIKES-$35 Second dog $10 Spaces are limited.
- Senior/Puppy Potty Break-$15
- Weekend Visit-$25
- Practice in the Park: 1-1.5 hours-$20/family
- One-on-One Structured Training Walk, with Dog and Owner: $70/hr
Contact Info:
- Address: Boston for the Dogs
Roslindale, MA - Website: www.bostonforthedogs.com
- Phone: (845) 325-2318
- Email: bostonforthedogs@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonforthedogs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonfortheDogs/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HannaloreTice
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boston-for-the-dogs-roslindale
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