Suki's Dog Walks & Pet Care Services was started in April 2007 by Genny Ashby in order to combine her two loves: fitness and animals. As a proud "pet parent" of Suki (pictured right), and having formerly commuted daily to Calgary for work, she understood the frustration and guilt of other pet parents having to leave their "kids" alone for such a long time without a break.

Realizing that not everyone has the option to find work in their hometown, Genny saw a clear need for pet care in the growing community of Strathmore.

A tired pet is a happy pet.

Knowing how much more attentive and well-behaved Suki was after a good vigorous walk, Genny began to map out a variety of routes around the local parks, paths and waterways in order provide Suki with twice daily walks. Unfortunately, she did not encounter many other dogs, so this didn't give Suki much chance to socialize and learn positive group behavior skills. So, the company was formed to give Suki the chance to meet new friends and help other pet parents to keep their "best friends" healthy and happy during the day.

Genny has been passionate about animals for as long as she can remember. She recognized early how pets enriched her life, and always knew she would end up working with animals as a career. As a volunteer dog walker for the Calgary Humane Society, she meets many new characters every week, big and small. She is currently earning her certificate in Pet First Aid, and also attending training seminars for group dog walking through the CHS.

Genny and her husband Jon adopted Suki in 2005 from the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Calgary. With the use of foster homes, the ARF dogs receive constant human companionship and usually get a new foster brother or sister to play with as well. Suki has come a long way with patient, daily training and reinforcement of good behaviors, plus lots of belly rubs and bear hugs from her parents.

Eddie (left) is the other longtime companion in Genny's life, having adopted her from the Calgary Humane Society in 1994. While she is a shy and opinionated feline, she has slowly adapted to sharing her life and parents with the new addition named Suki. She remains under the impression that Suki is her dog, and this suits Suki just fine.