Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS / REVIEWS

Benani and Tobi
Toronto Humane Society

I attended the May, 2014 Paws on the Shore walk with Tobi, one of the dogs here at THS. It was an amazing experience. Working at the shelter, you don't really have the opportunity to spend long periods of quality time with any one dog. I loved being able to dedicate time and attention to Tobi. He is a bit nervous and does not like to be handled much but as the afternoon progressed, he was letting me pet him and comfortable enough to help me rummage through my backpack for water and treats.

Prior to the walk, I was worried about how some of the more reactive dogs would do in an environment where they were surrounded by other dogs and people. I know, that for some dogs, the experience was scary and they were likely unsure about what to expect. What was amazing to see however was the way all of the dogs just went with the flow and embraced the experience. I didn't actually witness any dog on dog aggression during the event. I also loved seeing the way the humans were so patient and attentive to what their individual dog needed.

I am so happy that these walks exist and grateful for the chance to connect with some of the THS dogs in such a positive environment. I look forward to attending many more Paws on the Shore walks!

Wanda and Flash

Flash & I really enjoyed
the Hike & meeting so many other people & dogs today. Really great exercise - Flash took a nap when we got home ! Very good fundraising cause(s), also. Please put us on your mailing list - I've already marked my calendar for the next walk - it's in my neighbourhood.

Deanna of AARF Rescue

Thanks so much Paws on the Shore for all you do to help support our rescue efforts. I
really appreciated the opportunity you gave AARF Rescue. It was awesome meeting you Niki. Thank you to everyone who came out to join in the fun and for your
support. Truly a wonderful day!

Itzel and Bumpy

We were so excited to join our first hike and the babies enjoyed it a lot. Bumpy got the chance to make a new friend‼️‼️ see u next month! - March 2014

Jodi Tuckett - ARF Rescue

Niki, since I came to TO with my fearful girl Banjo for the walk you did for ARF, I have organized a monthly group walk for ARF rescues following your
model. ALL area fosters / adoptees are encouraged to come. The dogs that work on
their walking skills increase their adoptability, of course. The feedback I've gotten from fellow ARF volunteers has been AWESOME!!! People are even meeting on their own to work on leash skills and are seeing tremendous successes. Thank you for being the inspiration for this! I want you to know your idea and model for this non-discriminating group walk is helping a LOT of dogs and their families and your influence is far reaching!!! I'd love to come to another of your walks.
The distance is a bit of an issue for us ARFies, so maybe in the spring. And of course, if you're ever in the London area, you and your furry family are always
welcome!!! We meet the first Sunday of every month. Thank
you!!!!

Sharon - Pet Stuff

I love
what you are doing! I think it's a great idea and so wonderful for the community. There is no other organization like this anywhere. Nicole has such a
passion for this which shines through at each event! Great job! Thank you Nicole!

Kelly Beach

Paws on the Shore is a wonderful group of ppl who truly care about dogs and
proper socialization...and they are pitbull friendly too!!!

Susan and Blondie

Paws on the shore is a fantastic opportunity for dog lovers to get together for a
hike. All dogs are welcome and together we can work on any issues our dogs mayhave. The socialization aspect of the walk for my dog is what I love best, not to mention all the great people I have met. Every walk we all donate money to a
recue organization, which change on a month to month basis. Nothing but good
things come out of Paws on the shore!!

Katie and Sierra

Sierra gets alot out of these hikes, socialization, manners, and even a bunch of new friends! She is a bit insecure so these outings help her gain confidence. She also is a high energy dog, and the paws on the shore hikes are usually enough to keep her sleeping for hours!

Texie Torok of Storm's Animal Allies

Storms Animal Allies wants to thank Paws On the Shore for organizing a walk for us. It was a wonderful day and great to see some old friends and make some new ones. The dogs
had fun frolicing in the water and we all had a great walk. They raised $180 for us which we be put into our Wellness Fund. Again from the bottom of our hearts A BIG HUG and thank you to all that participated."

Jewl and Kaylahn

Kaylahn went from Paws on the Shore to Paws on the Bed! zzzzzzz - great time!

Ames and Misfit

Paws on the Shore is FABULOUS, Misfit and myself look forward to our monthly walks as she is abit of a cranky pants and needs the socialization. Its nice to see her out around other dogs and there owners who don't judge her because she is a pit bull. I am so glad we found this group and now your stuck with us:)

Nancy Walker

I brought my unsocialized dog for the first time today and she responded really well. I'll be coming next time!

Anna

Hi everyone! I saw the hike after my Saturday class at Lakeshore campus today and
picked up a flyer from one of you. In reading about this organization and this cause... I just wanted to say that it's wonderful to have something like this in our community. Especially for bully breeds that are often misjudged as
aggressive dogs that should not be around smaller breeds - it was great to see all different types of breeds and sizes socializing together :) We have two boxers ourselves and are very much looking forward to joining your group for your next hike. Looking forward to meeting all of you!!

Melanie and Max

Just wanted to say, THANKS for making our first POTS walk so much fun! Max and I had a great time and will definitely be back for the next
one! - JAN 2013

Lauren Egier

Thanks for another great walk. It's so encouraging to see Layla improving. She may not be able to greet dogs yet, but her reactions are far less extreme. Plus, she's exhausted! :)

Vanessa S.

I always have a fantastic time. It is wonderful to meet people who love their dogs and to spend time with such well behaved pups! It is fantastic how much money the hikes have raised for animals in need. That is the icing on the cake!

Fran and Che

As someone who lives in the community I LOVE this group. I have attended many walks with my dog and so appreciate the physical benefits the walks bring. Meeting neighours, socializing dogs and of course helping to raise funds for
animal rescues is an added bonus. PLEASE keep up the great work!

Nicki Shell

Most enjoyable excursion of my life! Very scenic, pleasant company, over all a very
positive experience! !

Scott Dooley

Paws on the shore rocks!! Niki is a superstar and a hero for all
dogs!

Lynn and Kindle

Kindle gets lots of exercise & social skills with other dogs, Since she is fostered in the country, so she loves her trips to the city!

Carlene & Austin

"Austin and I had an AWESOME time today on the hike!! It was great walkin with the whole pack and talking to many of you!! Austin slept the whole way back to Caledon LOL he was exhausted!! Thanks POTS for putting this together!! Looking
forward to next month's hike already!

Ken Wyman -
Fundraising Professor at Humber College

It's nice to see people getting together, getting some exercise and raising money for a good cause, the animals benefit, the people benefit and the charity benefits - It's a triple win!
- NOV 2011

Carol and Shya

My First Paws on the Shore walk was last month.. I was a little apprehensive.. I didn't
really know anyone and I was bringing a dog that I was fostering that had little to no social skills... Niki right away, came out to greet me, welcomed me... I told her about shya's nervousness and said I wouldnt be staying for the walk...she insisted we do for Shya's sake.. and I am so glad
we did.. Shya did great, everyone was great.. all the dogs got along.. I left after the walk with a perma smile!!! and so did Shya! thanks Paws on the Shore! Thanks Niki!

Patti and Sparky

Paws On the Shore is great for Sparky. Nipped as a puppy, she is sometimes leery of other dogs. She has always shown fear towards people (men more than women), and loud noises have always spooked her. These hikes teach her that she can relax her guard and enjoy the exercise. By the end of the walks she is very comfortable. A happy dog is a tired dog. :)

Doug and Chelsea

I attended many of these walks and highly recommend them. They are well organized,
lots of fun, and you meet a lot of new people! Keep up the good work, Niki Richer!
- JAN 2013

Kimberly Ford of Project Maddie

Hi Niki, thanks so much for having us! What a great group :) We had an emergency request for food... which we had money for thanks to the Paws on the Shore group! So drumroll... over 200lbs of food and $70 dollars. It was amazing and so far beyond anything I expected!

Tamara and Phil

Phil and I always look forward to the monthly walks with Gandalf and Coda. I love seeing all the other dogs and I love the support that this group provides to all the various rescues.

Naomi & Sumach

Sumach had a great time at pots today! She brought her two friends iggy and jerry with
her and they really enjoyed socializing and being part of a big pack walk! Because she was so good after the hike she even went to the offleash park and met some other dogs before taking to bed with her favorite toy skunk for a well
deserved nap :-) thanks pots see you next month!

Dan Hughes of 365 Things to do in Etobicoke

"Dogs are considered man’s best friend. This statement rings true in the hearts of many so it’s great when an organization like Paws on the Shore seeks to strengthen this bond. Paws on the Shore is a hiking group for dogs and their owners. The hikes, with all dogs on leashes, provides proper socialization, stimulation and exercise for your pet. We’ve all seen the common scenario with two owners walking their dogs down the street and when they meet, the barking and leach pulls are fierce. The Paws on the Shore dog walks teaches your dog to enjoy the company of other dogs. If you’re a responsible dog owner you’re most likely walking your dog already. However, nothing encourages dog owners to take their dogs out more often than the site of one, two or three dozen dogs going for their monthly hike. As stated on their website, “all breeds and temperaments are welcome on the hikes, so bring the energetic, excited and the laid back, the shy, nervous and scared, the bullies and the barkers!” Another important goal for Paws on the Shore is to raise awareness of local animal rescue organizations. Donated prizes are raffled off at the beginning of each hike with the proceeds going to various organizations that help animals. Looking at the organizations that have received donations in the past Paws on the Shore is truly doing great work in this field. So visit the Paws on the Shore website, show up at the next hike, and see how much fun your four-legged friend will have. I have a feeling that you’ll have a great time as well. The fact that money is raised for some great animal organization is a huge bonus!"

Woofhausen Blog July 2011

"...we've all been there. The unspoken shunning of a dog and their owner when one reacts badly to another in the playground. We quickly grab our dog, apologize, and retreat back to our homes. Ashamed of what happened, we strategically avoid other dogs and usual doggy hangouts fearing another incident. That just sucks. Niki knows and sees that frequently as a walker and trainer. The monthly hikes are a sanctuary for these dogs and anyone who wants to join in. If you know your dog may not react well to another one, stay back a bit, make sure it is muzzled, but continue. Regulars tell me of changes in their dogs over time participating in these hikes. They become more friendly, calm, and pull less on the leash. Exactly what a dog walk should be - an enjoyable bonding time with your dog and not an anxiety driven chore."