@dotwalks

Dorothy (Dot) Bolster is the 20 year old owner of the Boston-based dog walking and petsitting service @dotwalks.

"I started dog walking on an app and LOVED it. It was the first time work didn’t feel like work! I grew from the dog walking app and started taking clients directly myself, launching Dot Walks in October 2019."

Dot uses social media on a daily basis to promote her business and show off her many furry clients.

"I believe my social media allows owners to feel more confident in my services when they see their furry friend so happy on Instagram while they’re not with them."

As shown on her Instagram, her favorite activities to do with the pets are to take them swimming in the ocean or to the park to play fetch. Dot loves to keep the walks interesting for the dogs by introducing new treats and activities.

Although Dot has always had a passion for pups, starting a dog walking business wasn't always the plan.

"I started ‘Dot Walks’ almost accidentally. I originally graduated high school in 2018 and applied to fashion programs all over. I had enrolled in a university and although I loved the fashion program I was in, living the university life wasn’t for me and I dropped out to go to community college. Best decision I’ve ever made for myself! Going from having this set plan to go to a 4 year college and study fashion, I began to really think about what paths I wanted to explore and what I wanted to do while home, I was very lost."

Dot now attends UMASS Boston and is pursuing a degree in business with a concentration in entrepreneurship.

Dot is open to where her life will take her in the future. She enjoys going with the flow of where her business will take her. However, she does have goals and plans for what's next for @dotwalks.

"My goals for the future are to post more 'dog savvy' content like homemade treat recipes and training tips. I want to develop a 'dog blog' style as well as continuing Dot Walks regular posts. I also want to start a dog photography service."