Press Coverage

Personal Trainer Provides a Workout for your Pooch

by Andrea Godbout, Angie's List Twin Cities - September 2002

Unusual Service

She's restless, anxious, walking the floor, chewing her nails. You try to be attentive and caring, but it's just not enough. the final straw comes when you find she's borrowed your fine Italian shoes and...eaten them. It could be time to call in the coach. Mary Lynn Collins has literally blazed a trail in the field of pet care by using the skills of a dog walker and stepping on the accellerator.

A couple of years ago, Collins talked to a friend who worked as a dog walker and learned that many of the canine clients needed more than a walk; they needed a workout. Collins liked dogs, ran regularly and concluded these interests might add up to an opportunity. So she created See Spot Run, a dog-jogging service.

From about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, Collins has appointments with a diverse group of furry clients. Through sun or snow, she runs with one to four dogs at a time around the neighborhoods in southwest Minneapolis. Collins seems genuinely comfortable with all types of canines - from Sierra, a large, brown pooch to Violet, a much smaller Australian cattle dog. When taking on new dogs, Collins always spends some "get acquainted" time to wok out what she diplomatically calles "behavioral quirks."

Violet declined to speak on the record, but her owner, Kally Goschke, said in the year she has been using See Spot Run, she has been impressed by the way Collins connectes with her dog. Violet goes out with Collins once a week for an hour.

"Mary Lynn actually exercises her. They run and play, and there is a real sense of trust. Even though I'm in a budget crunch, I wouldn't think of not using her. Violet is a very happy dog when I come home."

Another client, Monique Anderson, has two dogs and says that their time with Collins is a great break from their daily routine. "On the days that they see her, I don't have to rush home from work, and they aren't fidgety when I get there."

Collins works on her own with the dogs except when her three children help out. They strap on their skates and provide companionship and extra hands when the dogs behave like...well...animals.

Mary Lynn Colins is fully bonded and insured and can be reached at 612-925-2832.

canine running companions

Press Coverage

Personal Trainer Provides a Workout for your Pooch