Hello world!
Is This Thing On? My Journey to Mr. Woof
Testing 1, 2, 3…
How do you start a blog? Build a website? Launch your first business? In my 50th year on this planet, I finally found out.
Today, I’m my own boss and the man behind Mr. Woof, a Denver dog walking and pet sitting service. The path here wasn’t quick or simple, but each twist and turn made it worth the journey.
From Sales to Sidewalks
For over a year, I had been dreaming about starting Mr. Woof. In July 2019, I quit my sales job of 12 years without a backup plan. Some called it early retirement, others a midlife reset, but to me it was a leap of faith.
Initially, I debated staying in the alcoholic beverage industry. I also considered returning to restaurants or switching careers entirely. Then, I remembered an old saying: Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What did I love most? Dogs and hiking. The answer was clear — I’d become a dog walker.
Falling in Love with the Job
I joined a local company and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed it. Not only did I lose weight and lower my blood pressure, but I felt healthier than I had in decades.
Most importantly, I got to spend my days with dogs. From Red, my childhood Irish Setter, to Nevada the singing mutt, to all of my past & present rescue Shiba Inus – Akiko, Kenji, Toshi & Hana — pups have always been a constant in my life.
That’s when it clicked: I would launch my own dog walking and pet sitting business in Denver.
Then… the Pandemic Hit
Just as my plans were taking shape, COVID-19 changed everything. People stayed home, avoided visitors, and didn’t need dog walkers. My schedule plummeted from eight dogs a day to one or two.
To make ends meet, I took on extra Grubhub shifts. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t the right time to launch a new business in an industry hit hard by the pandemic.
The Comeback
As restrictions eased, clients slowly returned. I began booking my own pet sitting gigs again, and the vision for Mr. Woof came back stronger than ever.
With support from my wife and family, I secured the funds to officially open. Today, Mr. Woof proudly serves Hilltop, Mayfair, Park Hill, Congress Park, Cherry Creek, and Montclair — offering walks, snuggles, and tail wags to Denver’s four-legged friends.
Mr. Woof’s roots run deep in Denver’s pet community—I got my start volunteering with Humane Colorado (formerly Dumb Friends League). They’re still doing amazing work for animals in need.
Fun Fact: My Dog Nevada Could Sing
Yes, it’s true. Nevada would “sing” along whenever I played the harmonica. He was a good boy. Like every pup I’ve loved, he inspired me to make caring for dogs my life’s work.
If you’re looking for a dog walker or pet sitter in Denver, I’d love to meet you and your furry family member.
Book a walk or pet sitting visit today and give your pet the care they deserve!
