Michelle Cook has gone to the dogs, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I talk to dogs more than I talk to people,” said the pup walker, trainer and caretaker.
Cook, 40, resides in Sewickley and opened Sky’s The Limit this month.
Dog walking is the most requested service and Cook can deftly handle up to 10 dogs at once during outdoor walks.
She taught health and physical education at The Ellis School for a decade but realized she wasn’t fulfilled.
“I burned out and didn’t find the joy in teaching anymore and knew I needed a change,” Cook said. “I knew I wanted to stay in the realm of teaching and I always had a love of dogs,” Cook said. “I always had dogs and have done a lot of training with my dogs. I took a job as a dog trainer and completely immersed myself in that.”
Cook grew up in Shaler and graduated from Shaler High School in 2002. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University in 2008 and taught elementary education for 17 years.
Cook started walking dogs for Pet Pastries based in Shadyside, volunteering as a rescue dog foster and was a Rover pet sitter.
“Our pets’ lives revolve around us. Let’s give back to them as much as they give us,” Cook said.
Sky’s The Limit will service about an eight-mile radius and Cook can customize each client’s canine needs.
Pet sitting and potty time sessions are offered, as well as pet sitting, dog walking and potty time.
“Dog walking is needed because people are walking and it’s a convenience factor. With my dog training experience I have the knowledge to confidently handle dogs,” Cook said. “My normal caseload with dog walking is 10-12 dogs. It’s a lot and it took me a few months to adjust but know it comes naturally. People will stare and ask how I do it. I have a system with different leashes.”
Clients can book individual dog walks or a “pack” walk with other dogs.
Prices range from $60 per day for one dog, $30 for each additional dog for pet sitting, and dog walking ranges from $25-40 per dog, per hour.
A 15-minute potty break is $10.
She chose Sewickley because she said there’s a demand for dog walkers.
“I wanted to bring it to my hometown area — Sewickley. My oldest dog’s name is Skylar so that inspired the name,” Cook said. “It gives me such satisfaction. On the dog walking side, it gets me out, gets me active. It’s an interesting job. I walk 10 dogs like it’s nothing.”
Additionally, Cook is a territory manager/lead dog trainer with Suburban K9.
In her leisure time, Cook plays hockey for the Team USA Women’s Ball Hockey Team and enjoys river boating and hiking with her pups.
Sky’s The Limit Pet Care can be reached at 412-352-5521 or skys.the.limit.petcare28@gmail.com.