Meet the MLC Team: Dan Hellweg

In February and March we will focus on spotlighting our Mint Leash Club sitters/walkers. Spoiler alert: right now there’s only two of us! But we each bring our own passion and experience to the table with every pet we get the privilege of looking after.

So without further ado, meet Dan!

Tell us about your background: I love all pets, from dogs the size of small horses, to kittens that can be held in the palm of your hands, I love them all! Growing up, I was around a variety of pets from the family cat, rabbits, and many fish, I always took a fascination to their world, knowing their world is whatever you make it. As a child, one of the first questions I would always ask a new friend is if they had any pets; if they did, I knew they had a better likelihood of being a good friend—and I knew I would be able to play with and enjoy the company of not only another human friend, but a furry one too! Bonus! Albeit having many pets throughout my life, my longest of nearly 13 years that lived to be 15+ was Hannah, our Am Staff/Pittie, that was my shadow. She was pretty caring when I adopted her but the relationship we forged grew her into one of the most personable dogs a person could be around. The reflection of all current and past pets lives on when I walk or sit a pet for Mint Leash Club, from the pets that love to cuddle, ones that are high energy, and the ones that sleep and prefer the comfort of a bed, I love them all!

What are you doing when not engaged with a client for MLC? I am also a Realtor. It’s the perfect blend because many clients don’t need (or expect) constant care. So I can coordinate showings and such into the day incredibly easily!

Favorite thing to do while pet sitting: If the pet is a good walker, then I love getting solid walks in. If they are more of a home-doggy or a cat, then cuddling up on the couch, having a movie on, and reviewing some local real estate.

What inspired you to work with MLC?: Several years back I worked with a local pet service company. I loved the work but there were a lot of things missing that I would have wanted in a service. Other walkers would be on their phones and just didn’t have the professional level of care that I would expect. When Melissa created MLC, she took that feedback to heart. Because of her own level of diligence and professionalism, I told her this is a company I would love to be a part of!

What’s the quirkiest pet personality you’ve ever encountered? Probably our (late) dog Hannah actually. She had a deep seated and unexplained grudge against “wheels in motion”. From when I first got her and into her old age she was very reactive to people outside on wheels, particularly rollerbladers and skateboarders, for some reason bikers were deemed ok! It might not have seemed so “quirky” to the people on those wheels when they were being barked at by her though! 😂

What’s something most people don’t think about with pet sitting/walking?: Things aren’t a problem until it’s a problem. I have seen dog walkers with 3/4/5/6+ dogs at a time. What if a dog gets sick during the walk with seizures or an accident? What if there is leash failure and a dog gets loose? This list of what ifs can go on but with other dogs present, which pet becomes a priority? That’s an answer you don’t want to know.

How do you help nervous or shy pets feel safe? I first assess their environment, making sure there are no overlooked triggers or anything making them feel nervous or anxious. Then I just make sure to go slow and be mindful of my movements. Treats usually are a big help!

What’s your favorite thing about pet sitting?: Knowing the pet is getting a chance to relax at home. Rather than at a kennel with other animals barking and getting stressed out or possibly spreading disease, our focus is on the pets within the home. They seem so happy and so many times the owners come home and say they almost seemed sad we left or were totally pooped out from getting so much attention for an extended amount of time!

What’s your go-to song, podcast, or vibe while commuting to/from visits? 90’s alternative mix! The more Smashing Pumpkins the better!

What is a fun fact about you that's not pet-related? I like to hike and camp!