This month, we’re launching a new feature on our blog, the TeamBArk MVP! It’s where I’ll give some recognition to the Walker whose dedication and passion go ABOVE and BEYOND the call of duty — and this month, that person is Gina Vasoli of Park Slope.
Here are some things Gina had to say about her job as a pB dog walker:
pB: Gina, what’s your favorite part about walking dogs for a living, and how did you get started in this crazy business?
Gina: Working with dogs is so much easier and more pleasurable than dealing with humans all day long. A dog’s life is so uncomplicated. All they ever want is love and exercise and treats. I too, enjoy love, working out, and near-constant snacking. My favorite part about walking dogs is that I get to help give them the best life they can possibly have AND do all the things I like to do at the same time. True, they don’t have much to say when it comes to our deep philosophical debates (i.e. Pascal, are you aware of yourself as a dog?) or heated political discussions (i.e. Owan, what are your views on the Obamas’ decision to accept a pure breed Portugese Water Dog from the Kennedys instead of adopting from a shelter?), but they are excellent listeners and they don’t talk back.
I got started by approaching Steve Debono, the former owner of Petato, a few years back while he was walking dogs. I had just moved to Brooklyn after graduating from McGill University then spending the summer nature camp counseling in Pennsylvania and traveling around China with my bestie. I told him I wanted to start my own company, so he hired me to let me see how the business worked, and I never left.
pB: Has it been everything you hoped it would be? What is something that has been difficult for you? Ever get bit by a dog or slipped on the ice in a hailstorm?
Gina: Right now I am just so grateful to have a jam packed schedule again, and that my bike is back in one piece and rideable. That’s all I could ask for really. The toughest thing I’ve had to deal with is repeatedly having parts of my bike stolen or vandalized. I have yet to fall down (knock on wood) and believe it or not, hadn’t stepped in dog poop once in over 2 years of dog walking until the day I had both bike wheels stolen. That’s the day I went ahead and stepped in it.
pB: What’s the funniest thing that has happened when you were on the job?
Gina: Putting my aviators on the dogs never gets old.
pB: Got an all-time favorite cat sit or dog walking tale?
Gina: I know it has nothing to do with dogs, but I found a $20 bill on the street one day then a $10 and two $1s wadded up together two days later!
pB: What’s one thing you would say to someone thinking of becoming a dog-walker?
Gina: If you like physical labor, getting licked in the face and ears a lot, and can handle being alone with your thoughts all day, then this is the job for you! And make sure to always stretch before and after your route.
pB: What else do you do, when you’re not walkin’ those dogs? Who IS Gina Vasoli?
Gina: I am back in school to get my license in Massage Therapy. I want to specialize in prenatal and pediatric massage. I enjoy BRAVO’s reality TV line-up, crocheting and sewing, cooking really healthy vegetable dishes then pairing them with things like frozen pizza or entire bags of stuffing, reading books, and friendship. Yellowstone is my favorite place on earth. I like reptiles, and if I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life, it would be Mexican, hands down.
