The dog days of summer

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This article was published 07/06/2021 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The dog days of summer are already here for Royalwood resident Ben Lehman, who is looking to pound the pavement with neighbourhood pooches to earn money and gain work experience.

Lehman, who turns 14 in July, has been walking his own dogs, Ellie and Rosie for several years.

“Both dogs like to pull,” Lehman said, “but I’ve figured that by jogging with them to start it burns off energy so they settle down for the rest of the walk.”

Saving up for a car is Lehman’s goal so that he has more freedom once he obtains his driver’s license. He is also looking for a productive way to stay active under public health orders.

“I think I am mature for my age. I often do chores that I haven’t been asked to do, my homework is finished on time and I clean driveways for our neighbours in the winter.”

“Plus his room is always clean,” noted his mom, Gisèle Fontaine-Lehman.

Lehman is offering 20-minute walks for $10 or $15 for 30 minutes, including taking care of any doggie ‘business’ along the way for residents of Royalwood and River Park South close to St. Anne’s Road. His hours are flexible, depending on a return to classroom learning. He is considering a seniors’ discount.

“I know that some people are not always well, or work shifts or have to isolate because of the pandemic. This way dogs are not stuck inside.”

Lehman enjoys helping others, a trait he inherited from his parents.

“I have worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg and Ben’s dad has coached Ben’s hockey team,” Fontaine-Lehman said.

In fact, Lehman will be assisting his dad with younger teams that don’t have parents who can coach, pandemic conditions permitting. He also looks forward to volunteering through school in the fall.

Lehman’s new venture will be the best of both worlds.

“I love all dogs,” said Lehman. “They are fun to be around and you always feel better after spending time with them. I’ve been bored with pandemic restrictions, so this gives me a chance to get outside and keep moving. It’s a win-win situation.”

“I’m hoping for a few bites…the good kind,” Lehman laughed.

For more details or to book a walk, text 204-930-2756. All payments are contact-free via e-transfer or PayPal.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.