The ones behind the leash

Katie Heck -

Owner | Groomer | Trainer

Hi, my name is Katie Heck (Fankhouser) and I am the owner of Durango Dog LLC! I have worked with shelter dogs at Annie’s Orphans for over 4 years and have been walking dogs since I was 12. Working with shelter dogs has shown me the impact I can have as a K9 handler and trainer. Whether I am helping busy families exercise their dog or training puppies for adoption, I feel like I am doing my part in keeping and making dogs and their owners happy. I truly believe every dog deserves their own adventure and I am so happy I get to provide that to them through exercise and balanced training. 

I have been in Durango since 2020, and before that, I ran a similar business out of my hometown of Lyons, CO just outside Boulder. I graduated from Fort Lewis College in May of 2024 as a student athlete on the Track and Cross-Country teams. I studied Business Administration, minored in Nutrition and Small Business Entrepreneurship and got a certificate in Digital Marketing. In addition to my own business, I also groom dogs at Durango Pet Resort.

I am a busy gal but I really love animals and am so thankful I get to work with them every day. My husband and I have 2 dogs of our own, Bug (left) and Camper (right). They are a brother and sister duo rescued by Annie’s Orphans. In my spare time, Camper, Bug and I like to help them out by socializing, walking, and training the other shelter dogs so they can find their forever homes too.  

Josephine Coulter - Walker | Sitter

My name is Josephine Coulter and I am a forever animal lover. My whole life I have had cats, dogs, chickens, cows, rabbits, birds, and a horse to take care of. I have always loved animals and love taking care of them.

I am from Montrose, Colorado and came to Durango in 2022. I am a student athlete at Fort Lewis College where I play Soccer, run track and study Biology.

I’m experienced in dog sitting and dog walking. Currently I work in the animal room at Fort Lewis where I care for animals that are a little more extravagant like snakes, turtles, tarantulas, lizards, and more. I am an animal lover to my core and would be honored to help you take care of your fur babies!

Peyton burnside - walker | Sitter

My hometown is Phoenix, AZ where my parents have an adorable Shitzu Lucy and a Goldendoodle, Nala. I graduated from Fort Lewis in May 2024 with a degree in Psychology and minors in Business and Spanish. I'm now getting my Master's in Social Work to become a therapist.

I have been pet sitting for two years and have experience with senior dogs, puppies, anxious dogs, and even caring for dogs after surgery. I also ran in college with Katie and Josie and now run marathons and would be more than happy to run with your dog! 

Jade Blackwood - Walker | Sitter

Hi, my name is Jade and I am from Albuquerque, NM. I have been an animal lover for 22 years and have been pet-sitting/house sitting for about 2 years now. I was born and raised with animals so I have abundant experience with dogs and cats. I love to be active and would not mind a little companion when I go on walks. I am a senior in college at Fort Lewis but would love to spend time with your pup in between classes.

Emily Salerno -walker | Sitter

Hi! My name is Emily Salerno and I am from Westminster, Colorado. All my life I have had dogs, when I was a kid we had a Lab named Griff and a Beagle named Tucker. Then in middle school, my parents got a Portuguese water dog named Betty. I am currently a senior at Fort Lewis College and studying Biology. 

I love dogs and cats and pet-sat for neighbors throughout high school. I would love to help watch, walk and hike with your pups! 



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