Heather Koontz
From herding and guiding to detection and security — dogs have played an essential role in human civilization for thousands of years. Now, a Montpelier dog professional hopes to deliver community service through his pack’s socialization efforts.
For nearly 15 years, Aaron Goon has been a professional dog walker in Vermont. In more recent years, his business has expanded to a full-time, seven-days-a-week operation with boarding services out of his home in East Montpelier. Alongside his pitbull, Betty, Goon works long days to board, transport, exercise, and care for dogs all over the community.
“I’m a true dog lover. They’re the focus of almost all my time,” Goon said. “It’s a fantastic life that I have. I couldn’t imagine a better life, honestly.”
Goon’s passion for canines began when he was introduced to the professional dog world nearly 20 years ago. Now, he works with a team of independent dog walkers across Montpelier to coordinate care for clients and ensure that the growing pack remains socialized.
“All of the dogs know each other or get to know each other as we take on new clients,” Goon said. “We figure out who their favorite friends are and arrange for sweet adventures. The dogs have a very rich social life.”
Thriving Social Scene
In addition to adventures and casual strolls, Goon’s dogs are invited to a daily party. From 1 to 2 p.m. each day, the recreation area at Dog River Road in Montpelier turns into a field of four-legged friends socializing, exercising, and taking daring dips in the frigid river.
On any given day, 20 to 30 dogs turn up for the play date. Good weather can fetch 50 or more canines.
“It’s a public party open to other dog people to bring their dogs in,” Goon said. “It’s just one big, happy play session.”
At the March 7 afternoon play break, Goon and fellow professional dogwalkers released their packs for off-leash explorations. Goon knew each of the dogs by name and all came when called, following his lead as he walked along the river and adding validity to the community-given nickname: “The Dog Whisperer.”
Local pet-owners and members of Goon’s team mingled as nearly 30 dogs raced around the park, rolled in snow, and nudged bystanders for a game of fetch. All the while, Goon looked on proudly.
“We have high hopes for what we’re doing and we’re loving it every day,” he said.
Beyond the Movement
While Goon is certainly good at what he does, there is a greater purpose for his work. Beyond the boarding, walking, and socialization of community pets, he hopes to spark a social movement.
“Through the love of dogs and the connection they bring into the community, I’m hoping this company of dog professionals and the pack we’re watching can lead a movement to re-envision work and community service,” he said.
According to Goon, the dogs themselves offer an opportunity to connect — representing the physical reason for a community to gather that may not have been there otherwise. Through them, neighbors can ultimately break barriers and spark change.
“There are hundreds of clients in town, and if the dogs are what hold us together, we can use them to rescue ourselves,” Goon said. “We can build a revolution.”
The revolution may not be televised, but it does start every day at Dog River Recreation Field. New friends are always welcome.
