Daphne's Dog Walking and Pet Care

12/10/2025

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially completed my mentorship program!

I’m incredibly grateful for such a supportive instructor, Dr. Kristina Spaulding, and an amazing group of classmates. The experience was challenging, thoughtful, and deeply rewarding.

Throughout this mentorship, I learned more than I ever expected about fear, impulsivity, and reactivity - not just how to define them, but also how to understand them and respond in ways that truly support a dog’s emotional well-being.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was creating a behavior plan for my own dog, Roxy, and seeing the results. She used to wake up panicked whenever my phone buzzed and would scratch at the door, unable to settle. Now, she’s relaxed. We’ve also seen real improvement with her fear of thunderstorms.

This experience has made me a better professional and a better advocate for the dogs I walk, visit, and love. I’m so grateful for the growth, the learning, and the support every step of the way. 🐾

📲 If you’re in the Charleston / Mount Pleasant area and looking for compassionate, professional pet care, I’d love to hear from you!

11/26/2025

If you love dog science, this one’s fascinating. 🐕

I came across this article today and wanted to share it. It dives into new research on wolf ancestry in modern dogs and challenges a lot of long-held assumptions about breeds.

Researchers analyzed nearly 2,700 dog and wolf genomes and discovered that most modern breeds have some wolf ancestry, often from just a few thousand years ago.

The surprising part?
Some very large dogs have no detectable wolf DNA, while smaller dogs (yes, Chihuahuas) have a little.

It’s a good reminder that:
🧠 Genetics are complicated
🐾 Breed ≠ behavior
❤️ Dogs are still very much dogs

Science like this helps dismantle old myths and replaces them with better understanding, which can only improve how we understand and support dogs.

About two-thirds of modern dog breeds carry some wolf ancestry introduced within the past few thousand years.

11/10/2025

🎧💛 Learning Through Sound 💛🎧
As part of my IAABC mentorship, I’ve been working with my dog Roxy to help her feel more comfortable with sudden noises, like text alerts and thunderstorms. 🌩️📱
We’ve been using gentle, positive, science-based methods to change how she feels about these sounds, pairing them with being calm, receiving treats, and lots of encouragement. It’s amazing to see the progress she’s making. 🐾
Noise sensitivity and reactivity can be stressful for dogs (and their humans), but progress comes one small, positive experience at a time.
Always learning, always growing for Roxy and every pet I care for. 💛

11/09/2025

Wonderful video from International Cat Care on how to approach a cat. 🐱
Understanding feline body language is key to creating trust.

This short video from International Cat Care does an excellent job showing how to approach a cat the right way: calmly, respectfully, and always on their terms.
Small changes in how we greet cats can make a big difference in their comfort and confidence.

🎥 Watch to learn how to make every cat interaction more fear-free and friendly!

11/03/2025

I love this!!

10/19/2025

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) offers incredible courses for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of animal behavior and learning. 🐾💛
A few years ago, I completed their Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning course, taught by the amazing Dr. Erica Feuerbacher and JoAnna Platzer (now Dr. Platzer 🎓), and it was truly transformative.
Their passion for animal welfare and evidence-based learning continues to guide the way I care for pets every single day. 🐶🐱✨
If you’d like to expand your knowledge of animal behavior, I can’t recommend this class highly enough!

10/09/2025

I’m fascinated by animal behavior and can’t learn enough 💛

That’s why I’m so excited to be taking part in this mentorship through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)! Their programs are incredible, and it’s an honor to be learning directly from experts dedicated to improving animal welfare and care.

Every new course helps me bring more understanding and compassion to the pets I care for every day. 🐶🐱✨

Just a Few Spots Left! Fall 2025 Canine Impulsivity, Reactivity, and Fear Mentorship. Starts October 7, 2025 - https://mailchi.mp/iaabcfoundation.org/beginning-behavior-consulting-begins-soon-10290153

10/01/2025

🐶🎾 Is your dog looking for some companionship when you’re not home?
🐾 Is your pup missing out on some fun?
💖 We can take care of that!
📲 Call or text (843) 647-4151 today to set up a meet & greet!

09/28/2025

Does your dog love to stop and sniff everything on walks? 🐶 While it may slow you down, it’s one of the best things for their overall well-being. This PetMD article dives into why sniffing is so important for dogs.

Our dogs "see" the world through scent, and allowing them to interact with their environment through their noses taps into an often-overlooked processing tool.

09/22/2025

A family contacted me to care for their two pups while they took a long-awaited vacation to Hawaii. Ten whole days away! 🌺🐾 They told me that they hadn’t gone on vacation in years because they were nervous about leaving their dogs. They worried they wouldn’t be cared for properly while they were gone, but I reassured them.

Every day, I sent them updates and photos of their pups, and it meant so much to know their daughter was eagerly reading each note and enjoying the pictures. 💌🐶 When they returned home, she surprised me with this incredible handmade thank you card! She even drew the pups herself. I just love this! 💕

Moments like this remind me why I love what I do. Caring for pets isn’t just about taking walks and feeding pets. It’s about giving pet parents peace of mind and making sure their cherished companions are safe, happy, and loved while they’re away.

09/13/2025

Lots of amazing times volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society and Clear the Shelters! 🐾💙 I had the chance to meet and care for so many amazing pets, each with their own story, personality, and need for love. It is profoundly rewarding to help pets feel safe and cared for while they wait for their forever homes. 🐶💕 This experience continues to inspire the work I do today, making sure every pet I visit is comfortable, loved, and receives the care they deserve.