Elynn Clayton
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Hi, I’m Elynn, the Top Dog of Dallas and Pals.  My husband and I are owned by our incredible four-legged furry "kid", Dallas.

People frequently ask me why I decided to open a dog walking/pet sitting business.  Here it is in a nutshell…

After working for 20 years in the medical and orthodontic fields, I decided I was due for a career change.  I knew I wanted to work with animals in some capacity, so after much research, and realizing I spent most of my spare time at the dog park I decided to start Dallas and Pals. 

As far back as I can remember I have always loved animals.  Growing up I always wanted a dog but we traveled too much, so I made due with pet sitting for all the neighbors, and hiking with a friend’s dog. 

Over the years I became very involved with many animal related causes (see the "Our Papers" page).  Volunteering as President of Kent Dog Owners Group and Supporters (KDOGS), an off-leash park advocacy group, and S.O.D.A., the group that manages Grandview off-leash dog park, has given me the opportunity to work with many different breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments of dogs.  It has also taught me a lot about managing multiple dogs at off-leash parks as well as dog-to-people and dog-to-dog interaction.

Attending a course in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking at Discover U taught me a lot about not only the proper licenses and certifications required to run a dog walking and pet sitting business, but also about the activities dogs need to keep them physically and mentally healthy.  Additionally, it provided me with tips on caring for and interacting with cats and other pets, as well as ways to help keep your home safe and secure while you are away. 

Participating in obedience, flyball, Pet CPR and First Aid courses, and being a founding member of Puget Sound Dock Dogs has given me a very solid foundation in training and caring for dogs.

Having owned several special needs and senior dogs, cats, and rabbits in the past, I am experienced with giving injections, sub-Q fluids, syringe feeding, administering medications, wound care, and many other procedures.  I have also found that having a medical background lends itself nicely to many emergency and supportive care methods. 

With many years of experience working with animals in a variety of situations, and an indescribable passion for animals, professional dog walking and pet sitting turned out to be the perfect career choice for me.

Some people say their life has “gone to the dogs”, but mine truly has!