About Digging My Walks!
Deb Riekstins – Owner
I am a resident of Wilmington where my husband and I have raised three wonderful children and have been active in various aspects of the community. Our furry children include our dog, Tess, who is a toy Australian Shepherd and Misty, our tigress of a cat who likes everything on her own terms.
I am an avid animal lover and have owned dogs ever since I can remember, along with other types of pets throughout the years, including cats and hamsters. I began training and showing dogs at a young age and won several trophies as a junior handler. In fact, I was thrilled to win Best Junior Handler at the famous Westminster Dog Show in New York City at the age of 12. Loving and taking care of pets has always been a passion of mine, but more than that, nurturing and connecting with these pets is so gratifying and rewarding.
In addition to loving pets, I enjoy the outdoors. Over the last several years, I have been happiest when walking our dog, Tess, and meeting other dogs and their owners. These encounters allowed me the opportunity to care for some of these wonderful pets and helped me realize my true calling – helping pet owners maintain or improve their pet’s health through play and exercise, and of course – love!
Digging My Walks! Mission
Digging My Walks! wants you to have a long and happy relationship with your beloved pet. I help you do this by giving your pets the exercise they need for both physical and mental health, so they can live longer, healthier, and happier lives. If they’re happy, they are more likely to behave well and as a result, you’ll be happier too!
I GET It!
You have the best of intentions to walk your dog each and every day. You wake up promising your pet you will take him for a long walk as soon as you get home. Today will be the day! After a long day at work, you come home, get dinner ready, maybe run out to do errands, taxi the children to their various activities, or are just plain tired – and it’s cold and dark out to boot! You feel guilty and realize you don’t have the time, energy, or the desire to take your pet for the walk they long for and deserve.
Digging My Walks! to the Rescue!
I help owners feel guilt free. Letting me care for your pet while you’re at work or away will allow you and your pet to enjoy a long and mutually loving relationship. Your pet should have the exercise he needs and deserves at the level and intensity best suited for him.
How Much Exercise?
Did you know that most dogs should exercise between 30 to 60 minutes each day?
This does not mean opening the door and letting your dog out in the yard. This means active, aerobic exercise! The level of activity depends on your dog’s age, breed and health. Like people, our pet’s have different needs when it comes to exercise. For example, a puppy whose bones haven’t fully developed has different needs than a mature adult. Active breeds need a minimum of 30-60 minutes up to 2 hours of hard aerobic exercise daily. Contrary to popular belief, most toy or small breeds do not get enough daily exercise inside the house, such as pugs who are prone to obesity. Older dogs benefit from exercise by keeping their joints moving, helping with symptoms of arthritis.
Exercise helps increase flexibility and endurance, strengthens muscles around the joints, and can help stave off health problems caused by obesity. Big or small, young or old, dogs need to exercise daily! At Digging My Walks!, I’ll gear your dog’s exercise routine to his or her specific needs.
What Makes Digging My Walks! Different?
I cater to your dog’s exercise needs. While other dog walking companies walk your dog, I do a combination of walking and running to obtain a healthy level of aerobic activity based on your dog’s age, health and breed.
Benefits of Daily Exercise and Play
Reduce or Eliminate common behavior problems such as digging, chewing and hyperactivity
Keeps dogs healthy, agile and limber
Timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
Dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless
Reduces digestive problems and constipation
Helps maintain a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, denser bones, and lower risk of depression
Keeps your dog’s weight under control, reducing the risk for health problems including arthritis, hip dysplasia, diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease
Give Your Dog the Gift of Exercise Today!
Your faithful companion will benefit from healthy, energetic exercise and you will reap the benefits by having a more well-adjusted and healthy dog!
