i would like to add one more thing about Erin Williams.. she is one of very few dog walkers in West Seattle who has taken the time and effort to become a certified trainer...

Why do you care? Because she does more than just walk your dog. She works the dogs she walks on obedience and behavioral modification... so every time she walks your dog she returns a dog to you that is better trained than when they set out for the walk.

She does this because she truly loves working with dogs... and because it is more fun for her if she trains them while she walks. Ask her to work on a specific issue with your pet and her eyes light up. Erin learns something new every time she works with a new dog or a new problem.

If she is already walking your dog, you might ask her what she has taught them while they were out getting their exercise. Don't expect parlor tricks, but you might be surprised at the good walking habits your dog has learned at Erin's side.

I highly recommend Erin Williams as well! She is incredible- the best in West Seattle. I have two dogs. With one dog, Erin worked on her (she was abused and I got her from the pound) and Erin has a way of connecting with the dogs- and people! Erin walks my dogs and comes to my house and cares for them when I'm away... I wouldn't trust my dogs with anyone else. Erin is trustworthy and great. Her email is punjabsfriend@yahoo.com.

I second the recommendation for Erin..

she has walked Yuki.. my little abused shiba rescue.. off and on for a couple of years now. She works with him on every walk and has done him a world of good.

Lyn... my heart goes out to you... it is hard to lose such a good friend.

I'm sorry about your loss, Lyn. I still miss my childhood dog. Sounds like he was really loved and that makes it easier.

Thanks a lot for the tip. I am actually looking for a dog walker and have emailed her.

Sorry to hear the sad news. I would see Erin and Koby on their walks while I was driving to work. You could tell just by looking that she was really patient and caring with animals. It always made me smile to see them together.

Thanks for the tip - and so sorry about Koby. It's always so hard to let them go, even when you know it's the right thing to do.

OMG seconded! I've never met someone so fantastic with dogs. Erin has the best attitude and is so patient and genuinely loving to even dogs who might be a bit of a challenge!

Some WSB readers may have met KOBY on his daily walk. He was a wonderful companion for the past six years.

Erin Williams has walked our blind and deaf senior Akita for almost two years now. She will have some available time now to help you with your pet now that Koby is "sleeping"; so sweet and with a wonderful personality, we recognized that he was in too much pain.

So, when you need a dog walker, trainer, or pet sitter I recommend that you contact Erin at Kinetica Dog, punjabsfriend@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much! Lyn