Dog walking Penny & Chicken

From Strangers to Soulmates: Our Journey with Penny & Chicken in Madison Park

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, every pup has a story—and some of the most heartwarming tales come from the dogs who take a little extra time to open up. That was exactly the case with Penny and Chicken, two very different but equally lovable dogs in Madison Park, Seattle.

Meet Penny and Chicken

Penny, a shy boxer mix, is beautiful, strong, and fiercely loyal. But like many rescue dogs, she carries a few emotional scars. Penny struggles with dog reactivity and is wary of new people, which made our first few meetings more about patience than walking.

Then there’s Chicken, an elderly Chihuahua with a tiny frame but a giant personality. She may be small, but she has very specific preferences about where she walks—and how. Navigating curbs and uneven sidewalks with Chicken takes careful attention, but her spunky spirit makes every slow step worthwhile.

Building Trust, One Step at a Time

When we first met Penny and Chicken, our focus wasn’t on the walk—it was on connection. For the first few sessions, we simply sat outside their Madison Park home, letting them sniff, assess, and decide if we were worthy of their trust.

Slowly but surely, they warmed up. Penny, once guarded, began to show her goofy, affectionate side. Chicken, ever the queen, decided we were part of her royal court. Now, every Monday and Wednesday, they wait at the door with wagging tails and eager eyes, ready for our next adventure.

Dog Walking with Care in Madison Park

Because of Penny’s dog aggression, we always plan our walks during quieter times of day. Madison Park is a beautiful neighborhood with access to several green spaces, but we avoid busy park hours and high-traffic lunch times. By choosing low-traffic routes and peaceful sidewalks, we make sure both dogs feel safe and secure.

With Chicken’s age in mind, we also tailor the route to suit her pace. Whether it’s a gentle stroll or a sniff-filled stop under a shady tree, our mission is always the same: make each walk feel like a little adventure—one that respects their needs and honors their trust in us.

Why We Love What We Do

Penny and Chicken remind us why we started Trails and Tails Dog Walking in the first place. Every dog is unique, with their own quirks, challenges, and incredible capacity for love. With time, patience, and consistency, we’ve built a bond that’s as strong as any leash.

If you’re in Madison Park and looking for a dog walker who truly sees your dog—beyond the breed or behavior—we’re here for you. Whether your pup is reactive, elderly, or just a little shy, we’ve got the time, training, and heart to meet them where they are.