Professional dog walks, trail hikes, and pet sitting in Chestertown, NY and surrounding areas.
12/03/2025
While I usually only use this page to post pictures of the many wonderful pets in my care (although I’m very behind!), I wanted to take a moment to thank so many of you for reaching out with your concern after the recent fire at my husband’s restaurant, Sticks and Stones in Schroon Lake. Sadly, the entire building was destroyed, but, most importantly, no one was hurt. Many of you have dined there with your pups on the dog-friendly patio. (This is a photo of two wonderful “pupstomers” that Steve and I share.) Steve, Gary, and their staff are devastated, but they will get through this, thanks to the amazing Schroon Lake (and beyond) community. Again, thank you all so much for your messages of love and support. And, because some of you have asked, I want to let you know that I am available as usual to care for your furred, feathered, and finned friends!
11/13/2025
Who can resist these beautiful faces?
10/27/2025
This sweet little dog crossed over the rainbow bridge this weekend. Despite his size, he had the biggest personality and was the boss of the two Dobermans in the house! He always greeted me with happy barks and thoroughly enjoyed his treats and being petted. I feel fortunate that I got to spend a lot of time with him over the past few years, and I will surely miss him. My heart goes out to his family. 🐾🌈
10/26/2025
Horses and kitties and dogs, oh my!
10/12/2025
My usual furry friends, plus some with fins!
09/30/2025
Fabulous fall fur-friends! 🍂🍁🐾
09/17/2025
UPDATE: Both dogs are in foster care! Thanks to everyone who shared!
These sweet dogs are located in Chestertown. Time is of the essence. Please see photos in the comments.
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09/15/2025
September sweetness!
08/29/2025
Sweet 16!
08/24/2025
I recently learned that this beautiful cat crossed over the "Rainbow Bridge" in May. She loved sitting on the screened porch and watching the birds and squirrels outside. I will miss her, and my heart goes out to her family. 🐱🌈💟
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Hi! I’m Hali, and I’ve been an animal lover my entire life. As a child, we always had at least one cat in our home, and each still holds a special place in my heart. My first case of “puppy love” was with my next-door neighbor’s yellow Lab, Charlie. From his soulful brown eyes to his tail that never stopped wagging, I couldn’t get enough of him. Each day after school, from about the age of 10, I would ring the doorbell and ask if I could play with Charlie and take him for a walk. Since I was not much bigger than him, many people who saw us would ask, “Are you walking him or is he walking you?!” After our walks, we’d play a game of fetch or tug, and then I’d go home to cuddle with Mitten, Puffy, Ginger, or Garfield. When Charlie’s family went on vacation, they hired me to care for him, and I loved every minute of it! By the time I was 12, I was pet sitting for other neighbors as well, and I cared for each dog or cat with tenderness, affection, and sheer joy, throughout high school and over college breaks.
In college, I studied Early Childhood Education and Human Development, and began teaching nursery school shortly after graduation. (In my many years of working with young children, I learned that children and dogs have many similar needs and desires-no offense to either! Both crave consistency, patience, clear communication, positive reinforcement, respect, trust, affection, and lots of opportunities to play!) After college, I married my husband, Steve, and we bought our first home, complete with fenced in yard. We couldn’t wait to adopt our first dog together, so, in June of 1987, on our first anniversary, we went to the Schenectady Animal Shelter and immediately fell head over paws in love with a four-month old yellow Lab mix. Shelby was playful, energetic, and so affectionate. Frisbee was her favorite game, and she could even catch my very bad throws! She became a loyal friend and very special family member. Over the years, I learned so much from Shelby and the other five dogs that have been a part of our family, each with their own unique personalities, likes and dislikes, needs and desires, fears and quirks. Two of them became certified therapy dogs, visiting nursing homes and working with troubled youth, and I’ve done agility with three of them. I also got to know many of my neighbors’ pets, and, in between teaching nursery school and raising our two wonderful daughters, I cared for them while their families were on vacation.
One of my favorite activities is to hike with my dogs, Sugar Bear (a Great Pyrenees mix) and Jasper (a chocolate Lab mix). There are so many great trails nearby, and we love to explore them! My other interests include reading (including books on animal behavior and positive dog training), kayaking, yoga, cross country skiing, and spending time with friends and family (especially my adorable two-year-old granddaughter!). I’ve hiked 28 of the 46 High Peaks, and I hope to someday finish. I volunteer for a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organization, as well as my local library. Now that I’m retired and living year-round near Friends Lake in the Adirondacks, I’m so excited to be starting my own dog walking and pet sitting business. Whether you're looking for someone to take your pup hiking on a local trail or walks around the neighborhood, drop by while you’re at work for a game of fetch and a belly rub, or provide complete care for your cats and dogs while you're away, please contact me to let me know how I can best meet your needs. I look forward to meeting you and your best friends!
Update Jan. 5, 2020
Wow, a whole year has gone by since I wrote this! During that time, I’ve had the privilege of walking / caring for twenty-two dogs and four cats, a few just once or twice and many on multiple occasions. I’m so grateful to their humans for entrusting them to me, and I look forward to spending more time with them in the future. I welcome the opportunity to meet and care for many more furry friends in 2020 and beyond!
