Sarah Murray and Bob Begey with their dogs
Summer and Ralph at the Simsbury Dog Park.
Tails 2 Trails opens to serve the Valley’s pups, cats and owners.
By Jennifer Senofonte
When Sarah Murray and Bob Begey moved back to Granby after living in Colorado for a few years, they wanted to start a business that revolved around something that they both loved – their dogs.
The couple has two rescue dogs – Ralph, who they estimate is about 14 years old and Summer, age 3. When they got Summer, a border collie-hound mix, she was full of energy and a little too rambunctious. They were at a loss and tried many things to mitigate Summer’s behavior. The only method that cured her was walking her for at least three hours a day.
“We found that exercising dogs can really, really change their behavior positively and we’d like to share that with people,” Murray said. “When they get that energy out, they’re just so much happier.”
She and Begey started Tails 2 Trails, a dog walking and pet sitting service for dogs and cats. The idea for the business was born
after the couple completed dog training classes in Colorado and made strides with Summer’s behavior.
Currently, they work in Granby, Simsbury, Canton, Avon and Farmington. Hours of operation are 7a.m. – 9p.m. daily. The overnight pet sitting service is provided at the customer’s home and prices vary depending on length of stay. Murray and Begey provide a complimentary consultation beforehand to learn about the pet’s needs in terms of behavior, medicine and schedule.
For dog walking, the price is based on time. It costs $20 for a half hour, $30 for an hour and $13 for 15 minutes. Both services are available year-round.
The two started Tails 2 Trails this summer and Murray said it has been well-received. The business’ name was derived from the accessibility to several trails in the area.
“We like to take the dogs on the trails around here because there are so many,” Murray said. “They can interact with nature and it tires them out even more.”
She hopes it will pick up even more as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler.
“So many people bring their dogs to dog parks, but when it starts getting dark earlier, the parks close earlier so they don’t have that time,” she said.
Tails 2 Trails is bonded and insured through Pet Sitters Associates. For more information, email info@tails2trails.co or call Tails 2 Trails at 860.392.8361.
