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    Leash & Bone Helps Neighborhood Dogs Stay Active

    Every dog owner feels guilty about leaving their pup alone for too long from time to time. A new dog-walking service in Short North and Victorian Village will give owners a sigh of relief.

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    Leash & Bone offers 20-60 minute walks and 10-30 minute drop-in sessions to make sure man’s best friend is staying healthy and active. Animal-lover and owner Larren McBride started the company to bring a fresh approach to the expanding industry, and to help dog owners improve their pet’s health so they live a long, happy life.

    Leash & Bone uses the latest technology to keep owners in the know about what exactly their pup is doing while they are away.

    We recently asked Larren to tell us more about Leash & Bone and describe what services they offer to help busy dog owners make sure their pup stays active.

    Q: Tell us about your personal and professional background as it relates to Leash & Bone.

    I grew up with animals, and have always had passion for dogs. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to help with the first Zoom Room here in Columbus. Zoom Room, owned by Becky Berger, is an incredible dog training facility in the Short North where dog owners can take their pups to be trained, among other great things. I also have a background in community management and the customer service industry. I truly enjoy working and interacting with people, so I wanted to combine my two passions and create Leash & Bone. The dog service industry has really fallen behind the times, and we are excited to lead the way in bringing a fresh approach to a rapidly growing industry.

    leash-and-bone-columbusQ: What inspired you to start your own business?

    Noticing what was missing in the dog walking industry is really what led me to start Leash & Bone. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that over half of adult dogs are classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. Dogs are becoming more a part of the family than ever before, yet their health is being neglected in ways that pet owners may not be aware of. Leash & Bone was created specifically to benefit the health of your dog, ultimately extending their lifespan.  On top of this, we focus on providing our dog owners with second to none service and transparency.

    Q: What opportunities and challenges have you experienced starting a business in Columbus?

    Starting a business has most definitely been a challenge. But I can honestly say I am doing something I love, which makes everything so worth it. I get to spend my days making Columbus pups healthier and happier. I love the city of Columbus and the energy that the city brings each and every day. It’s an inspiring place to be and I wouldn’t want to be starting Leash & Bone anywhere else.

    Q: What types of services does Leash & Bone provide to pet owners?

    We are working on a lot of great things at Leash & Bone. Currently, we provide dog walks and dog drop-ins. We begin by scheduling a free in-house consultation to discuss your needs and to meet your pup. Dog owners can then sign up for single walks or drop-ins, or sign up for bundle packages that include multiple walks and drop-ins a week. Exercise is crucial for your canine to stay healthy and live a long, happy life.

    Another aspect to having a healthy dog is what treats you are serving them. We all love giving our dogs treats, but if we don’t pay attention to how many or what type of treats we are serving, it can have a negative effect on our dogs. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention claims that the amount of calories in treats is a major factor in rising pet obesity. To address this, we partnered with a great Ohio-based pet nutrition company, and in the coming months we will be releasing low calorie, healthy, USDA Certified Organic Leash & Bone treats. This way you can reward your dog, knowing that you’re providing them with a healthy treat.

    We are also putting a spin on traditional dog boarding. For those owners that would prefer to send their dog to a dog friendly home versus the traditional dog boarding kennel, they can choose to partner their pup with a certified Leash & Bone Local. Locals treat your dog as one of their own while you’re away for vacation or business. Now you can be away from your best friend and not worry. Owners will also meet their Leash & Bone Local before dropping their dog off, adding an extra level of comfort and security. Overnights with Leash & Bone Locals will be available in the next couple of months.

    Q: Tell us about how you are incorporating technology with dog walking.

    We really take pride in providing our customers with a transparent, worry free experience. With the continued advancement of mobile technology, we are able to go the extra mile and provide a unique experience for our dog owners. For example, at the end of each dog walk, the dog owner receives an email letting them know the walk is completed. Many walkers offer this, but we don’t stop there. With Leash & Bone, we give our dog owners access to software that allows them to log in and see the exact walk route your dog was on, along with exactly how long the walk lasted, notes, and whether your pup went potty or not!

    Q: Anything else you would like to add?

    If you are interested in setting up a dog walk or dog drop-in, visit leashandbone.com, give us a call anytime at (614) 285-7161, or email us at [email protected]. Dog owner consultations are always free. We are currently servicing the Short North andVictorian Village, with plans to expand to other local neighborhoods in the future.

    If you are interested in applying to be a Leash & Bone Local, emaill Larren at [email protected].

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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