I rarely take the time to write reviews. I have been a dog lover and a dog Mom my entire life. I have raised two labs, one from midlife to end of life and one from pup to end of life. When my dog Abbi was a pup, (almost 20 years ago), I had to leave town and Stephen was recommended to me by a few people I knew. They affectionately called him "The Dog Whisper," which at the time I had no idea what they meant. I quickly learned why they said that. He has a non verbal communication with dogs. I know it sounds crazy but I believe he has mastered this. My friends said he is amazing and would care for Abbi while I was away and that I would not regret my decision, and I never have. What they said about him was spot on.
Stephen takes the time to truly get to know your dog. He has nicknames for each dog and he loves them like this own. He is the "DogFather" (as my kids and I call him) and has his own beloved rescues. I never once had Abbi stay with Stephen where she returned to me unhappy. We would often joke around with her about her HAVING to come home to us. She almost seemed sad to be leaving. Her coat seemed to be softer, (never verified but I swear he must just sit there and brush all the dogs in his care), and her eyes were brighter... her manners so improved. Happy. Tail wagging. Just a sweet loving girl.
When we brought her to him to her final visit, (we knew it would be THE one. The last one. Stephen was so kind and so gracious to our family. We hugged and cried and we felt the reality and the loss of her in our lives approaching. He advocated for her. For her peace. She had advanced cancer and was simply so old,16/17 years old... It was time. He was love to our Abbi girl, which he affectionately called "Ab Fab Lab" and to us, he is still her angel. We had a very hard time letting go. She could hardly walk and her quality of life was terrible. I will never forget his kindness to us and to her that day. It was not about a loss of income or about him, he was all about her, love and compassion for her. He had cared for her since she was a pup and it showed. She loved Stephen so much. Every time we would say "Oh Abbi, we are going to go to Stephens" her tail would wag and she would perk up and go towards the door. She loved him. She always remembered.
Fast forward to this year, to my Koda. My beautiful Doberman mix. He is a gem. He has already stayed with Stephen and it was like sending my crazy reactive puppy into a time machine. He came home so happy and so much better on leash! Less "Bitey" after spending time there. I know that spending time with "The Pack" (as we say) and walking with them, helps so much. Stephen will send updates to ease your mind when you are away and he often includes some dog psychology in the mix. I learn so much from seeing my dogs there with the pack when I am away. It is everything. Stephen has taught me so much about dogs, about life and love. He is very wise in his knowledge of dogs and he has taught me to be a better human for them. Most of the issues I have had with my dogs comes down to me. I have learned this. Stephen has taught me to be a better dog Mama without even trying. Just little tidbits here and there. They all add up and I pay attention.
I have been very annoyed to read a few posts recently from some local internet trolls. They have condemned Stephens actions while walking a lot of dogs in SR. All of the information they share is false. Stephen would never step outside of a loving, assertive and strong relationship with his pack. You can see this if you know him and you will see this if you take the time to actually look for more than .3 seconds. I know from experience with my very strong Doberman, while on leash, I MUST stay grounded, assertive, alert, especially while at a very busy intersection. Stephen may not be all "warm and fuzzy" to passerby's while walking a large pack and I certainly would not want him to with my beloved dog on one of the leads. He takes that job seriously and protects the pack. He is lead and he must present as such. Anyone that knows anything about dogs would know this. I am grateful he keeps his attention on the pack and not the ignorant bystanders and nosey members of the public who know nothing about him or the amazing job he does. Stop staring. Mind your own Business. He loves these dogs...They love him.
I wanted to take a moment to make it known how grateful I am for Stephen. He has been such a blessing in my life. I would trust him with my human children too (my dog is also my child) and I see him as family and this will never change. If you are looking for an amazing dog walker, dog sitter, look to no one else. He really is someone that will go above and beyond. I would never leave my dogs with anyone else.
Thank you Stephen. You have given my dogs (a lifetime), of roots and wings... and I will never forget it.
Keep Walking...
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