Where are you from?
Los Angeles
How did you end up in Chicago?
I moved to Chicago to go to school and graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2015.
What is your favorite pastime?
Eating peanut butter.
What is your hidden talent?
I have a knack for impressions.
Do you have pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? Tell us about their personalities.
I have one long haired black cat named Randy! I adopted him from PAWS when he was a kitten and he will be 3 in March! He is a quirky cat who loves falling to the floor and getting belly rubs and will literally eat anything.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why?
I don’t know if this is the type of dog I would be, but I’d loooove to be a Siberian Husky. I can very easily picture myself treading through the snow, hunting and gathering in a past lifetime. Being one with nature.
If dogs could run for public office, which breed do you think would make the best president?
Well I feel like a lot of people’s gut instinct is to say a Golden Retriever. Something about a Golden Retriever is so classic American to me. But I think maybe something like a Border Collie. They come from a working breed so they would understand the working and middle class and the hard work and fortitude it takes to rise. They’re also a herding breed so I think they would have an advantage in uniting the country and bringing us together. Lastly, they’re very alert and intelligent dogs, so they would respond and act quickly to crisis.
Why did you decide to become a dog walker?
I love animals. Growing up, I would go to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center as a field trip with my after school program. Once I started those trips, I really gained an interest in working and helping with animals. Dog walking seemed like a great way to continue my passion for animals on a daily basis.
What’s the weirdest thing about being a dog walker?
Literally talking to dogs all day. I talk to them in weird voices and sing to them. I’m sure I look and sound insane.
What would people never guess is part of your job as a dog walker?
Hmmm I don’t know if there’s something that people are like, “wow, that’s part of your job?” However, I do get a lot of reactions to how many keys I carry around. My key chain is no small feat.
What is your biggest pet peeve while walking?
Bad and gross weather.
What’s the best part about being a dog walker?
I genuinely enjoy caring for another living creature. I am able to give love to an animal and receive their love in return.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Dakota! We’re so glad to have you on our team! If you would like to learn more about Dakota, take a look at her profile on our walker page.