The ones behind the leash

Katie Heck -

Owner | Groomer | Trainer

A smiling couple with two heeler dogs on a farmyard during sunset, with a rustic wooden fence and barn in the background.
Two happy dogs running on wet sand with their tongue out, ears up, at the beach with a hill and distant coastline in the background.
Three dogs on a street during sunset, one black dog inside a stroller and the other two leashed on the sidewalk, with houses and trees in the background.
A black dog with a blue collar and a yellow flower tag lying on the ground next to a white chicken in a garden with raised wooden planters and green plants in Durango, CO.
Dog with brown and white brindle fur standing on a rocky mountain trail overlooking green hills and misty mountains in the background in Durango, CO.
A dog with a tan and white coat resting its head and paws on a black leather surface in a car, wearing a pink plaid bandana.
Close-up of a black Pitbull shelter dog from Annie's K9 Orphans lying on a tiled floor with its eyes closed, head resting on its paw.

Hi, my name is Katie Heck (Fankhouser) and I am the owner of Durango Dog. I have worked with shelter dogs at Annie’s Orphans for over 5 years and have been walking dogs for over a decade. Working with shelter dogs has shown me the impact I can have as a K9 handler and trainer. Whether I am helping busy families exercise their dog or training puppies for adoption, I feel like I am doing my part in keeping and making dogs and their owners happy. I truly believe every dog deserves their own adventure and I am so happy I get to provide that to them through exercise and balanced training. 

I have been in Durango since 2020, and before that, I ran a similar business out of my hometown of Lyons, CO just outside Boulder. I graduated from Fort Lewis College in May of 2024 as a student athlete on the Track and Cross-Country teams. I studied Business Administration, minored in Nutrition and Small Business Entrepreneurship and got a certificate in Digital Marketing. In addition to my own business, I also groom dogs at Durango Pet Resort.

I am a busy gal but I really love animals and am so thankful I get to work with them every day. My husband and I have 2 dogs of our own, Bug (left) and Camper (right). They are a brother and sister duo rescued by Annie’s Orphans. In my spare time, Camper, Bug and I like to help them out by socializing, walking, and training the other shelter dogs so they can find their forever homes too.  

We also have a resident foster dog, Fossie, who is 14, partially blind and has severe hip dysplasia. She is living her days out at our home. She enjoys walks in her doggie stroller, dunking in her kiddie pool and hanging out with the chickens.

Josephine Coulter - Walker | Sitter

A young woman with blonde hair smiling with her hands on her cheeks outside, wearing a blue and green plaid jacket, with a wooden building and trees in the background.

My name is Josephine Coulter and I am a forever animal lover. My whole life I have had cats, dogs, chickens, cows, rabbits, birds, and a horse to take care of. I have always loved animals and love taking care of them.

I am from Montrose, Colorado and came to Durango in 2022. I am a student athlete at Fort Lewis College where I play Soccer, run track and study Biology.

I’m experienced in dog sitting and dog walking. Currently I work in the animal room at Fort Lewis where I care for animals that are a little more extravagant like snakes, turtles, tarantulas, lizards, and more. I am an animal lover to my core and would be honored to help you take care of your fur babies!

Peyton burnside - walker | Sitter

A woman holding a brown, fluffy dog outdoors in a garden with trees, green hills, and a cloudy sky in the background.

My hometown is Phoenix, AZ where my parents have an adorable Shitzu Lucy and a Goldendoodle, Nala. I graduated from Fort Lewis in May 2024 with a degree in Psychology and minors in Business and Spanish. I'm now getting my Master's in Social Work to become a therapist.

I have been pet sitting for two years and have experience with senior dogs, puppies, anxious dogs, and even caring for dogs after surgery. I also ran in college with Katie and Josie and now run marathons and would be more than happy to run with your dog! 

HALLIE GRAVES - Walker | Sitter

A woman in a long blue dress holding a bouquet and walking a dog decorated with a floral wreath on its neck in a park during daylight, with several people in the background at a wedding in Durango, CO.

Hi, I’m Hallie Graves! Originally from North Carolina, I made my way to Colorado in 2021 and settled in beautiful Durango in 2024. I'm currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work and love spending my free time outdoors, staying active, and—of course—hanging out with animals!

I’ve always had a deep love for pets, growing up with dogs, cats, frogs, guinea pigs, and more. In my early 20s, I even worked on a farm caring for alpacas, baby goats, chickens, and some very sweet farm dogs. These days, I make it a point to greet all the neighborhood pups on my daily walks. I especially enjoy walking and running with dogs—it’s one of my favorite ways to stay active and bond with them. I can’t wait to meet and care for your furry family members!

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