Where it started
She learned to walk holding onto a German Shepherd.
Vanda's mother loved to tell the story. Their family's German Shepherd — patient, steady, endlessly gentle — let a tiny Vanda grip her fur and take her first steps alongside her. Those two toddled around the apartment together, and something was decided right then.
Dogs were always going to be part of her life.
Growing up, she spent hours outdoors with the family dogs. She learned early that each dog has its own rhythm, its own personality, its own quiet language of trust. You don't rush a dog. You listen to one.
"Each dog has a unique rhythm, a distinct personality, and an unspoken language of trust and joy. You don't rush that. You honor it."
"What started as friendly neighborhood walks turned into something we never expected — a real community. Dogs, owners, friendships, and an awful lot of leashes."
Where the business began
14 years ago she turned that love into something real.
Vanda and her husband launched the first I'll Walk Your Dogs on Long Island, New York — and it grew into exactly the kind of business she'd hoped for. Not a faceless app. Not a franchise. A real local service with real relationships.
Regular group walks, loyal clients, dogs she watched grow from puppies to seniors. She built a reputation in her community the old-fashioned way: by showing up, doing the work well, and genuinely caring about every dog on her leash.
She learned what pet owners actually need most. Not just someone to open the door and clip on a leash. Trust. Consistency. Someone who notices when a dog is off and says something. Someone who treats your dog like their own.
Florida called
She thought that chapter was over. It wasn't.
When Vanda and her husband moved to Florida, she stepped away from dog walking for a while. She poured herself into her holistic healing coaching practice — work she loves, work that matters to her.
But the dogs kept calling her back.
"Dogs make life better," she'll tell you. "They don't care about your schedule or your worries. They just want connection. And I realized I wanted that too."
With her husband's encouragement, she reopened I'll Walk Your Dogs here in Nokomis a few years ago — same name, same values, same love for the work. Just warmer weather and better walking weather most of the year.
"Dogs make life better. They don't care about your schedule or your worries. They just want connection. I realized I wanted that too."
Warmer weather.
Right here, right now
Your neighbor. Your dog's favorite part of the day.
Vanda lives and walks right here in Nokomis. She knows the shaded routes, the quiet sidewalks, and the patches of grass dogs lose their minds over. She specializes in small and senior dogs — the ones that need an unhurried pace, gentle handling, and a walker who pays close attention.
No apps. No strangers assigned to your dog on a rotating basis. No guessing who's going to show up. Just Vanda, your dog, and a walk that actually matters.
She serves families across Nokomis and North Venice — from Treviso Grand and Willow Chase to Milano, Venetian Fiore, Cielo, Aria, Toscana Isles and the surrounding neighborhoods. She's walked the same routes for years and is genuinely part of this community.
Her Specialty
Small & Senior Dogs
Slower pace. More check-ins. Calm, attentive handling. The kind of walk a big app can't provide.
In Your Home, On Your Streets
No drop-offs. Your dog stays comfortable. Walks happen on the same roads they already know.
Real Reporting After Every Walk
A photo. A note. You always know how it went.
A Note from Vanda
From me to you.
If you're reading this, you probably love your dog the same way I love mine — which means you don't just want someone to walk them. You want someone you can trust with a member of your family.
I've been doing this for over 14 years. I've walked dogs through Long Island winters and Florida summers. I've handled puppies with too much energy and seniors who needed a gentle hand. I've been let into people's homes and trusted with their most important routines.
I don't take that lightly. Every single time.
What I promise is simple: I'll show up. I'll pay attention. I'll treat your dog the way I'd want my own to be treated. And when I leave, your dog will be tired, happy, and ready to curl up and wait for you to come home.
I'd love to meet your dog. Let's set up a time.
You'll always know who's walking your dog
No rotating strangers. No surprises. Vanda builds real relationships with every dog and every family she works with.
You'll hear from us after every walk
A photo and a note after every single visit. You'll always know how your dog is doing, even when you're miles away.
Your home is treated with respect
We're in your space. We treat it accordingly — doors locked, routines followed, nothing out of place.
Your dog is loved, not just walked
Every dog deserves to feel cared for. That's not a policy. That's just how Vanda works.
What We Stand For
The things that haven't changed in 14 years.
From Long Island to Nokomis, these are the values that have guided every single walk, every client relationship, and every dog we've ever had the privilege of caring for.
Trust
You're letting us into your home and handing us your dog. We treat that as the privilege it is — every single visit, without exception.
Reliability
Rain or shine. Hot or humid. If we said we'd be there, we're there. Your dog's routine doesn't take a day off and neither do we.
Community
We're your neighbors, not an algorithm. We know your street, your dog's favorite spots, and your name. That's how it should be.
Genuine Care
Every dog is different. We take time to learn their personality, their pace, and what they need — then we show up for that dog, not a generic one.
Ready to Get Started?
Let's meet
your dog.
The first step is a free meet & greet — no pressure, just a chance to get to know your dog, walk through your routine, and make sure it feels right before anything else.
Call or text anytime — we love talking about dogs.
"I'd love to meet your dog. Let's set up a time."
— Vanda, Owner