The following story was submitted to us by a concerned resident of Los Angeles who participated in this incident involving Rocket Dog Walking. It involves Echo Park because Rocket Dog Walking flyers have been seen in the area, from Echo Park Avenue to Angeleno Heights, and beyond, including neighboring communities like Silverlake and other Northeast LA areas.

As a matter of fact, we published a blog post about having spotted these flyers some time ago, wondering if the owner or his clients would come and leave comments or reviews. Well, they came, eventually. Other people who learned about this incident also started a Yelp profile for the service.

A Dog Rescue Story

I was fortunate enough to be party to an exceptional dog rescue! While at the checkout at Gelson’s on Hyperion, I heard an announcement over the P.A., “…black sports car…check on your pet…windows are rolled up.”

When I headed outside to help the manager look for the car, I saw that it was parked right next to mine. Had they been there when I pulled in? There was a frantic woman waiting by the car–the amazing lady who found the dog, and who reported it to the store to begin with. I have no idea how she saw the black pup inside.

The car was a sleek black Jaguar, with black seats and a low black rag top, parked in the hot sun, with the windows rolled completely up. How could anyone leave their animal locked in a car like that?

When I looked in, I saw a gorgeous black lab hunkered down in the driver’s seat (the only place to sit as every other space, including the passenger seat, was full of bags and camping equipment, which made me wonder where had the dog been able to sit while they were driving?).

The lab was panting quickly with her tongue lolling out. It had been at least 20 minutes since the announcement–how long since the dog had been left in the car? When I joined her, the lady had already called 911. We waited for a little while, trying to figure out how to proceed. How long would it take for the cops to arrive?

In the meantime, several store employees and passers-by came to investigate. I was most relieved to hear a nearby gentleman state that, if it came to it, he’d bust the window open. Hurray for people who care!

Just then, a fire engine went driving by and the guys in the truck noticed us waving frantically. Amazingly, they pulled their huge truck into the parking lot to investigate. They swung into action quickly, unlocking the car with a nifty car-thief tool (setting off a very loud alarm), and “Chloe” (said her collar tag) was free! LAFD ROCKS!

After a nice drink of water and rest, Chloe perked up and seemed like she would be just fine. She’s a sweetie pie! By now, at least 45 minutes (an hour?) had passed, and the driver still hadn’t returned! After a bit, the cops showed up. They, also, rock.

They figured out who owned the car from the VIN number (no license plate!), and started making calls. They said they’d probably have to take Chloe to Animal Control. But they were entirely awesome and thoughtful and on it!

Finally the driver showed up. He told the cops he’s from New York City, and didn’t understand that the weather was too hot to lock a dog in the car. Um. He also claimed the dog as his. The phone number on Chloe’s collar finally picked up, and the panicking owner on the line informed us that the guy with the black Jaguar was their dog walker, not the owner of the dog. And that he lives here. And has his own dog walking company. And is, apparently, a lying piece of crap who doesn’t walk their dog, but locks her in a hot car with the windows rolled up.

Happily, Chloe’s owner’s boyfriend came to get her, speeding in a panic all the way. He was so relieved and grateful that she is okay, saying they hadn’t liked the walker anyway and this was gonna be his last day before they fired him!

Well, now he’s definitely fired. And has been reported to the folks who investigate animal cruelty. Turns out, he’s with Rocket Dog Walking (owner?) right here on the Eastside/Northeast/Downtown Los Angeles area.

Have you seen their signs everywhere? Notice: avoid Rocket Dog Walking. Tell everyone you know! But great news–Chloe is home and safe. And that is what I call a happy ending. – Concerned Resident.

Thank you for your submission of this story and for wanting to get the word out about Rocket Dog Walking. If anyone has had any other issues, or has spotted flyers in other neighborhoods, please leave a comment. – Echo Park Forums