Ask anyone on the trails of Runyon Canyon about Julia and they will either know her or know of her. Leading a pack of 8 to 10 dogs, 2 to 3 times a day will draw some attention especially if you’re a friendly blonde. Julia is known as the Major of Runyon or the Queen of the Canines and for good reason. Passionate about her career in dog walking, Julia is a magnet.
Talk about a career shift. Several years back Julia found herself burnt out on high end event planning. From music award shows, parades, weddings and book launches, Julia was there tending to each and every detail. “I was sick all the time. Since I’ve been walking dogs, I haven’t been sick at all, for years.” The stress became too much when her own dog was tragically hit by a car, marking a new direction for Julia. “It was awful but it made me think about what was really important.”
Julia quit her day job and starting going to the dog park. Mourning the loss of her yellow lab Eddie, she found solace in playing with the dogs at the park. One day, sparked by a conversation with a stranger, Julia got the idea to start a dog walking company. “Being outside all day, walking, training and taking care of dogs, just sounded like a dream.” So, after several bruises, scratches and a really dirty car, Julia became a real life Dr. Doolittle. A few searches online and you’ll find the myriad of recommendations from her clients, far and wide.
Julia reveals the best thing about her new career path is being appreciated by her human and dog clients. Never feeling fulfilled in her past occupation Julia raves about the positive mental shift her new career has had on her. “I think I have a following. Sometimes I have as many people walking with me as I have dogs. We like to talk. I think I have become a bit of a counselor.” So, if you need some life advice or a big lick from a Puggle or Poodle Doodle, you know where to find her. Julia was inspired by being included in this project several years ago that she went back to school to study NLP, get her counseling certification and help people make changes in their lives by shifting their reality. You can find her new, budding business model here @ shiftyourreality.com
The Currency Project challenges us all to see the beauty through the pain, the positive that can come from a negative and the heartbreak that can turn into a new beginning. Life is uncertain but our faith, hope and love can never be taken from us. Our true currency in life is what we make it.