This week, photographer Sarah Blais wanted to find out what the dog walkers of Toronto wear to work– and do they strive to be cuter than the dogs they trot?
Jessica Sinclair is a 31-year-old dog walker, and has been doing it almost 10 years now! She tried the corporate world and left it fast when she read an article about a woman on the East Coast who walked dogs. Her uniform always includes something pink; she likes her clients to associate her with the color that’s on her website, business cards, etc. For work, she sticks to New Balance running shoes, some comfortable shorts, and a couple tank tops. Her accessories include a phone, business cards, poop bags, portable water bottles, dog treats, and a first aid kit (just in case). Some of her dogs like to eat hair, so she tends to keep it up in her hat. Jess shops Old Navy for quick, affordable stuff-— the job can get messy so there’s no point rocking stilettos. Jess posts photos of the dogs to twitter so owners can see them from work. She walks in the Forest Hill & Lawrence Park area.
Ingrid Castro started Leash and Paws and has loved every day (even the “ruff” ones). Her and Ashley keep the Leash and Paws black tee on while walking to advertise the business. Both of them shop at Victoria’s Secret for comfortable pants or shorts. Ingrid was wearing some knock-off Toms shoes that day because her real ones got ruined in the rain recently. Ashley sticks to running shoes for her walks. The girls don’t use cars for the dogs-— they start walking the moment the paws leave the house, so good shoes will make a big difference in comfort throughout the day. The girls say that every dog has a very different personality, just like humans…
Joni Dick, of Dame and Dogs has been dog walking for almost a year (previously, she was a sales director in the film production industry). She’s obsessed with animals and how, no matter rain or shine, they express happiness, trust, and gratitude. Joni only walks four dogs at a time, unless she is doing private walks. On her walks she sticks to comfort and durability; jeans, stretchy, breathable leggings/tights/sweats, t-shirts and running shoes depending on the weather conditions. Most her dog-walking apparel can be found at Lululemon, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Sporting Life, and Threads Lifestyle. The ‘Mommy Hook’ (in photo) was recommended to her from another walker, and can be used to attach many leashes at once securely (although it was made to be used for strollers…). This dame can be found walking around South Riverdale.
____
Sarah Blais shoots Toronto Standard’s Uniform Project. Follow her on Twitter at @sarahblais_.
For more, follow us on Twitter @TorontoStandard and subscribe to our newsletter.
