Happy Tails

Lilly was Nicole’s first “anxiety success story.” Though she was a client at the boarding facility where Nicole worked, this relationship played a large part in inspiring Zoomies and earned an honorary spot in the Pack.

They met on Nicole’s first day working there. Lilly had been boarding there for a week and was still too nervous to let anyone near her. Nicole saw right through the fearful panic and asked the kennel staff to give her some time alone with her. She sat patiently outside Lilly’s suite, offering the promise of compassion and respect. Twenty minutes later, Nicole strolled back into the lobby with the little dog in her arms, revealing her true sweet and silly personality to a shocked staff.

An older Lab with sensitive joints and skin, Bradley required weekly medicated baths that were a challenge for his body, but not his spirit. Despite his struggles, he was the happiest boy every single week. He remains a forever favorite in the Zoomies pack.

Franklin was a daily staple of the Zoomies pack for nearly two years. We were his walkers, groomers, and vacation sitters, but most importantly, we were his coaches. Together, we conquered his fear of buses, improved his leash manners, and helped him realize that bath time could actually be fun. Though he’s moved away, he will always be a legendary member of our pack.

Bishop is a big, energetic soul who holds a very special place in our hearts. By pairing him up with his neighbor Franklin for “pack walks,” we were able to help his owner navigate financial hurdles while giving Bishop the social outlet he craved. More than just a client, Bishop was a vital companion to his owner; seeing their bond remain strong through the years is exactly why we do what we do.

This high-energy Belgian Malinois joined the Zoomies family with anxiety to match her speed. After weeks of building trust alongside her mom, this photo captures a major milestone: our very first solo walk. Her easy stride and willingness to accept treats along the way proved that our patience paid off. It was the day our bond truly clicked, turning nervous energy into a confident stroll.

This Malamute/Husky mix joined Zoomies at just 4 months old. We’ve loved watching him grow, but his puppy energy made him quite the leash-puller! After trying various options, his mom introduced a gentle-lead. This moment captures the end of our first successful walk with it—a well-deserved reward at the local dog park. We spent the afternoon chasing tennis balls and burning off that famous Husky energy. Seeing his progress and that huge smile makes every mile worth it!

This tiny ball of fluffy Bichon energy is a character every single day—but today, he was on a mission! We introduced some brand-new treats, and Zeph went into full “overachiever” mode to earn them. When the bag finally closed, he gave us a glare that suggested we might never be forgiven. Of course, we couldn’t resist that face for long! He performed a spectacular “treat dance” that was well worth the extra reward. It’s impossible to say no to a personality this big in a package that small!

She’s an Australian Cattle Dog with a singular focus: the ball! Because Pepper prefers human company over other dogs, we specialize in high-intensity, one-on-one play sessions. This photo captures the split second of pure anticipation right before the first launch of the day. With her ball thrower ready just off-camera, Pepper is in her element—proving that “joy” comes in many forms, sometimes just a yellow tennis ball and a wide-open space to run.

This girl is living proof that you’re only as old as you feel! After battling a tough infection, this was the day Maggie finally felt like her spunky self again. Traditionally a fan of short strolls, she surprised us all by completing a triumphant three-quarter mile walk with a steady tail wag the whole way. This photo, taken right as we returned, captures the pure pride of a healthy pup who isn’t letting anything slow her down. We are so honored to be part of her recovery journey!

This Yorkie mix underwent the most “irresistible” transformation! Odie came to Zoomies for his first professional groom after a well-intentioned, but slightly butchered, home haircut. Once we evened out his coat and carefully trimmed back his overgrown brows and mustache, the adorable face underneath finally got its chance to shine. Now that he can see the world clearly again, Odie is ready to take on Montgomery County with a fresh look and a renewed spring in his step!

This Australian Shepherd mix reminded us that trust isn’t always instant—it’s earned. Our first visit started with Brody tucked away in his crate, feeling a bit territorial and unsure. By dedicating extra time to help him feel safe, we watched his walls come down. This photo captures the end of that first walk: a tired, happy pup and a tentative smile that marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Sometimes, the best walks are the ones that start with a little extra patience.

He’s a true master of the “dawdle.” On this obnoxiously hot Maryland summer day, Vinny decided he wasn’t quite ready for the walk to end! To get him home, we had to resort to a series of elaborate loops and roundabouts to keep him from realizing we were heading back. Once he caught on, he suddenly found every blade of grass and flower petal worthy of a deep sniff. It’s impossible to be in a rush when Vinny is busy enjoying every single “scent station” in the neighborhood!

This Boykin Spaniel mix rarely starts a walk without his favorite toy—though he usually “retires” it after the first block! On this day, he got so distracted by some neighborhood sniffs that he left his toy behind and didn’t realize it for several blocks. The look of pure panic when he noticed it was gone was heartbreaking! Luckily, at Zoomies, we’ve always got his back (and his toy). This smile is the exact moment he realized his prize was safe and sound.

This sweet girl has a big personality and even bigger opinions! While her first few walks were short and sweet, Lucy decided today was the day for a grand adventure. She led us on an epic exploration through her neighborhood and into two others, acting as a tiny tour guide for all her favorite “sniff spots” along the way. We love seeing her confidence grow—from a local stroller to a cross-neighborhood explorer, Lucy always makes sure her journey is heard!

This gentle Pit Bull usually kept his shy and subdued shell tightly closed during our neighborhood walks. That all changed the moment we stepped onto a local wooded trail. Under the quiet canopy and the echo of bird calls, Jasper truly opened up for the first time. This “forest adventure” gave us a wonderful glimpse past his shyness and into his adventurous spirit. It’s amazing what a little shade and some fresh trail scents can do for a dog’s confidence!

This adorable German Shepherd mix went on a true “secret mission” today! Following a new route suggestion from her mom, we navigated steep hills and winding curves, enjoying a level of solitude that is rare in Montgomery County. We didn’t see a single other dog the entire time—and it wasn’t until we were heading home that we saw the signs: we had accidentally spent our walk exploring a “Dog-Free Community!” Kiki didn’t seem to mind the “No Dogs” rule; she was too busy enjoying the quiet hills and having the whole road to herself.

This sweet girl arrived with a reputation for being shy and nervous—but she clearly didn’t get the memo! On our very first walk, she confidently led the way through winding neighborhoods, into a local wooded park, with a quiet pit stop at a nearby field, where she stood perfectly still, watching a group of deer grazing nearby. It was a serene moment, proving she isn’t “shy”; she’s a calm, observant explorer who knows how to appreciate the quiet beauty of her neighborhood.

This lovely Cocker Spaniel visited us for her second grooming session. While she’s still finding her “grooming legs” and feeling a little nervous about the process, the transformation was worth it! As that heavy, overgrown fur fell away, Pearl seemed to transform right before our eyes. This photo captures that rewarding moment of pure relief—a lighter, cooler, and much happier Pearl showing off her signature smile. There is nothing better than seeing a pup feel truly comfortable in their own skin again!

This resilient German Shepherd mix was having a tough day while recovering from a painful hip and back injury. Since a long walk was out of the question, we pivoted to what he needed most: comfort and companionship. After a gentle potty break, we spent three hours doting on him and giving him a much-needed break from his crate-rest restrictions. We made sure he could stretch and relax safely without any stress on his injury. It was a quiet afternoon of healing, proving that sometimes the best “walk” is just staying by a friend’s side.