INTRODUCING THE LOVE BEHIND LOVE ON A LEASH

•Tammy Preast & Shelly Dueck •
Alpha Dog & Fairy Dogmother

I have an innate love for animals. My entrepreneurial side compliments this, which is why I manage Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care Services as the “Alpha Dog!”

Our company was born out of my frustrations, looking to secure proper pet care for my senior dogs, Casey & Finnigan. It was difficult to find someone trustworthy, loving and reliable to care for them properly when I wanted to take a vacation.

In 2008 Love on a Leash was launched and we’re proud to say that over the years, it has become very successful!

Our tag line is “Peace of Mind and a Happy Pooch!”

With nine caregivers on my team our little boutique dog business caters to those dog parents who would like a comforting, positive environment for their pooches.

We give your furry friend loads of personal one-on-one time, walks, treats and special outings. Our dog care is like summer camp for kids… in fact, it’s even better!

My wonderful sister, Shelly Preast-Dueck, aka “Fairy Dogmother” came on board with Love on a Leash in May of 2009 as a fellow dog lover & caregiver.

With more than 35 years of experience with dogs, Shelly’s knowledge of dogs is incredible. Her passion for animals is evident and displayed on a daily basis with the patience and love she bestows on each and every dog in her care.

She is truly a “Fairy Dogmother” and calmly leads her pack each day at her Love on a Leash facility, offering more than 2 acres of fenced in yard for dogs to frolic & play.

It’s true: A stay with Love on a Leash is like Summer Camp for dogs, 365 days a year!

•Ellen Ho •

Ellen Ho is a reputable, professional photographer in Vancouver who is also a full-time dog lover. Growing up with dogs, and enjoying their company, piqued Ellen’s interest in dog psychology.

Because of Ellen’s passion for dogs, and to help her grieve the loss of her own special pooch, she made the decision in early 2013 to train as a professional dog-handler and embarked on a professional course to better hone her canine understanding, skills, & training techniques.

Living in the vibrant and up-and-coming Mount Pleasant area close to the Olympic Village, Ellen loves taking dogs for walks around the seawall. Being a self-employed photographer with a flexible schedule, she also loves taking dogs to doggie beaches, parks, and forests for walks whenever she can. She enjoys taking photos of the dogs while she’s out with them.

Ellen believes in treating all dogs with positive reinforcement. She believes that the ingredients of a happy and balanced dog include providing them with love, proper care, regular walks, routine, rules and boundaries, and understanding them completely. She says “Happy dog, happy owner!”

Ellen is available for overnight dog boarding including daily walks of course, she can also dog sit in your home, and even provide her amazing dog photography skills when requested.

• Janice Williamson •

I am semi-retired and live in a condo in beautiful Kitsilano. I am a BIG dog lover and can be frequently seen stopping to talk to all the doggies I encounter while out on my daily walks. I lost my sweet Bichon, Elliot, to cancer several years ago and have not gotten another dog as my previous work led me to frequently relocate to different locations. I worked for 2 years on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and volunteered at the animal shelter where so many dogs were in desperate need of care and love. I was never without dog food and water in my trunk as I frequently stopped to care for dogs that were left in the sugar fields or by the side of the road.

Firmly back in Vancouver now, I have chosen to fulfil my need for doggie love over the years, by taking care of dogs whenever their owners wished to travel or when work required them to be away from home for long hours. I am out walking everyday, rain or shine, with or without a canine companion, exploring new neighbourhoods. My favorite walks include The Pacific Spirit Park trails, and of course lots of walks out to Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks.

I am available for overnight dog care in my home and can also come pick up your fur babies for daily walks.

• Ellen Pratt •

Ellen has loved dogs from childhood and fondly remembers the dogs her family had while she was growing up. Ellen started dog sitting for Love on a Leash in the Spring of 2010 and has opened the door to both her home and her heart to the dogs that come into her care.

Ellen’s specialty? Cozy snuggles at home and long walks at Jericho Beach. Ellen has many repeat “dog” clients who adore her and the time they spend with her while their parents are away on vacation.

•RUBY CHANG & ANDREW LEE •

Ruby and Andrew had vastly different childhood experiences with dogs, shaping their unique perspectives. During her teenage years, Ruby took a course on dog body language and volunteered at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter. Andrew, on the other hand, was bitten by his brother’s chihuahua and thought all dogs were alike until Ruby showed him each dog’s unique personality and their unconditional love.

A couple of decades later, in 2016, they met and embarked on a paw-fect foster and dog-sitting adventure together. Since then, they have fostered many dogs with local rescues and provided care for numerous LOAL paws. Their favourite memories include fostering a 2-month-old puppy from Manitoba, experiencing the joys and bittersweet moments of puppyhood and training until she found her forever home. They also cherish partnering with Love on a Leash’s annual canine fundraiser, “Santa Paws is Coming to Town,” which supports a local animal rescue each holiday season, and organizing their own fundraiser, “Winter Wonderpaws,” with Love on a Leash as a sponsor.

Ruby and Andrew work from home in a quiet North Shore neighbourhood with a fenced backyard, paw-fect for overnight dog care. They love playing fetch with dogs (if your dog is keen) and ensuring pets’ safety with their “dog park etiquette” knowledge.

They believe all pets deserve a happy, healthy, and safe home filled with love. As advocates for reading dog body language and proper introductions, they are dedicated to providing the best care for your furry friends.

•Susan Washington & Family •

Susan Washington, B.Ed, M.Ed., and her family, live in Kitsilano, near the dog beach.

Susan has her own business and works from home. Originally from Winnipeg, she grew up with multiple family dogs, both large & small, throughout her life.

She loves walking, playing with, and caring for dogs. They lost their beloved family dog, Mac, in January 2022 and can’t wait to spend time with your dog.

Susan and her family will offer your dog the same attention, care, love and cuddles that you provide at home.

•Irma Bieri •

My husband, Marcel, and I are both retired and live in Kitsilano, just a few blocks away from the beach. We are outdoor people and spend lots of time walking and hiking through beautiful Vancouver.

I grew up in Switzerland with fond memories of our family dog. At night I used to sneak out of bed and spend the night with the dog! Over the years, my own dogs have taught me how to be dog savvy, which in turn helps to ensure a happier healthier dog.

While Marcel and I were working full time we made the tough decision not to have a dog of our own. That led me to volunteer at the B.C.S.P.C.A. as a dog walker. On one of those days, I came across a dog named Walker, a 5 year old Rottweiler/German Sheppard cross who I totally fell in love with. Marcel moved his working days into our home and we were able to adopt Walker. He was a ray of sunshine for 6 years, when, with a heavy heart we said good-bye to him due to advanced & painful cancer and arthritis.

We do not currently have a dog of our own and truly miss that “dog love” which has led me to care for other pooches whenever I am able. We’d love to give your dog a home away from home while you are away. We will send photos and videos to let you know your dog is doing well so you can travel worry free knowing your pooch is in experienced, responsible and loving hands with us.

•Pat O’Gorman •

Growing up in New Zealand, we always had dogs as part of our large family. The most memorable was a Spaniel cross called Lucky who accompanied us on many adventures. Lucky was extremely loyal, intelligent, affectionate and resilient and always managed to shepherd us home safe and sound. I spent many vacations on country farms and was often spell-bound by the intelligence, hard work and devotion of the farmers sheep dogs to their craft.

As an adult, there was Cobweb, a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Border Collie cross who had a similar temperament to Lucky; she was very kind and protective as my kids grew up. Cobweb was loved by our family and friends alike until her passing a few years back. Lots of fond memories.

I have always loved dogs and they have always been welcome and well cared for in our home. I live in the Fairview Slopes area, just a stones throw from VGH and City Hall and a short walk to Charleson Park and the seawall. I look forward to welcoming your beloved dogs into my home and meeting many new four-legged friends.

MEET THE TEAM (click to know more about them)

CONTACT US

Keep your canine companion happy and healthy
Contact Love on a Leash to inquire about any of our services!

CAREERS

Think you’ve got what it takes to become one of the Love on a Leash Team? We are always looking for reliable, responsible, loving pet sitters to care for dogs in your own home (or care for pets in the owner’s home). Must be knowledgeable about all breeds of canines, be prepared to take the Dogsafe Canine First Aid Program – Levels I and II, have a

valid driver’s license and mode of transportation and have loads of common sense!! For more information, email us at info@loveonaleash.ca.

If you think you have what it takes to be a dog sitter or dog walker with Love on a Leash, contact us today!