You may have seen a couple of cars driving around Daniel Island with a big blue tail in back. Not your average auto, they’re the advertising brainchild of Peter and Asha Estes, proprietors of Daniel Island Dog Walking.
Daniel Island residents since 2008, the Estes’ professional dog walking adventure began after they couldn’t find a local pet sitter for their upcoming vacation cruise.
“That’s when we thought there is a real need for quality dog walking and in-home pet sitting here on our beautiful island,” said Peter.
The experience gave birth to Daniel Island Dog Walking. Officially opened in 2018, the business soon grew.
“Once we got up and running, it wasn’t long before word got out, and we went full time. We love dogs! We are a local married couple, licensed, insured, and reliable, providing love for your pet when you can’t be there. We always send plenty of photos to your phone so you can rest assured that your pup is happy,” said Peter.
Daniel Island Dog Walking’s mission is to help neighbors.
“We both have had dogs all of our lives, and we know that they are truly a part of the family, and we make sure to take care of your little fur baby as though it were our own,” said Asha.
When COVID-19 hit, Daniel Island Dog Walking lost about 80% of its clients when people started working from home. Fortunately the business didn’t end up going to the dogs and this fall business has picked up to near pre-pandemic numbers.
“Many of our clients have found their work-from-home lifestyle to be even more hectic than when they were going into the office, and they need some help to relieve some of the pressure … And we are there to help. We make sure that their dog gets a good half hour walk, and plenty of love and attention,” explained Asha.
Daniel Island resident Theresa Cuoco became a client after she ran into Peter while he was out walking another dog. After two years, Cuoco and her dog, Rusty, are regulars.
“It feels like Peter and Asha are old friends. Peter and Asha both care for my dog as if he was their own. Rusty adores them and looks forward to his walk every day. DI Dog Walking has been available for last minute emergency walks and have even taken care of Rusty through long weekends so that he could stay home in his comfortable environment instead of boarding in a kennel,” she said. Fellow DI dweller Helen Hudson and her dog Bella have been satisfied clients for two years.
“Bella loves Peter and I trust him 100 percent. He is extremely reliable and always takes tons of photos of her during their 30 minute walk … I live on DI and when I see him with other dogs he is totally focused on caring for the dog,” she stated.
