"In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog"

Sandhills Dog Walker was founded in 2010 by Steve Rank utilizing the experience & guidance of Gail Denomme of Mary Puppins Pet Sitting.  Gail has been established in North Carolina for over five years and has been in the business of caring for other's pets for over twenty years.  Gail's ongoing mentoring of Steve helps ensure that all of Steve's clients and their owners are happy.

Steve's Past With Animal Rescue:

When living in Iowa, Steve was the ESRA (English Springer Rescue America) Coordinator for the State of Iowa beginning in 2003.  ESRA works with local pounds, veterinarians, animal control centers & other rescue groups to save dogs in trouble.  Steve coordinated the rescue and adoptions of English Springer Spaniels across all of Iowa. 

If a dog was at a shelter or veterinarian's kennel and needed to be helped, Steve was contacted directly.  Steve or a volunteer traveled to the animal's location to conduct a temperament test which determined if the dog was suitable for placement in a foster home until a "forever family" could be found.  This was done in coordination with the national office of ESRA.

If the local shelter in Clay County, Iowa received a a Springer Spaniel, Steve would care for the dog at his home until a suitable family could be found.

Steve also worked with other animal rescue groups in assisting with the transportation of dogs to their new homes where ever that home may be.  His first transport was a German Wirehaired Pointer named Bart.  Bart left Spencer, Iowa with Steve and with the help of dozens of volunteers, arrived safely in New Jersey to become the newest family member of the State Attorney General's household.

Steve's Past With Medical 911:

Since 1980, Steve has been involved at varying levels with Emergency Medicine.  Steve volunteered & was also employed at the Allen/Wells Chapter of The American National Red Cross in Indiana.  Among other responsibilities, Steve was the Captain of the Disaster Team, a blood donor, Manager of the First Aid Station Team which provided professional first-aid at Motocross Races, Marathons, Parades, Fairs and other events. He also taught Basic Aid Training (B.A.T.) to 4th graders in elementary schools, was a CPR Instructor and a Donor Organ Procurement Technician.  Steve was employed in the Distribution Center of The American Red Cross's Regional Blood & Tissue Bank.  Steve worked as a medic and conducted triage while assisting the medical personnel at the Regional Trauma Center of Parkview Memorial Hospital and rode with the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority.  He also became certified as an EMT in Pennsylvania while working to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents.  Most recently, Steve completed the course "Dog First Aid Safety Series Vol. 2" provided by The American National Red Cross. 

Steve's Past With Other Animals:

Steve has quite a lot of experience with other animals as well.  Starting in his childhood, Steve spent 10 summers in Colorado enjoying the beauty and riding quarter horses.  In 1989, Steve rode horseback from Kentucky to Florida on a Wagon Train.   From doing feeders on the picket line at 4:00 am to hoof picking them after a long day on the road, Steve understands these gentle giants and loves to feed and groom them.

Steve also has some experience with other animals he has had as pets.  This includes an Emerald Tree Boa Constrictor named Gumby.  Emerald Tree Boas have the largest fangs of any non-venomous snake, so chances are your snake won't scare him away.

Steve had a Ferret named Festus.  This lovable creature resided with Steve and his cat "Critter".  Those two got along just fine.  Ferrets are wonderful creatures and Steve really enjoyed Festus.

Steve also had a Cockatiel named Misty.  She was a sweetheart and loved to perch on Steve's finger and nuzzle Steve's nose with her head and neck.  Birds are such wonderful animals and Steve loves listening to them in his back yard.

My Dog Dakota

Steve currently has a neutered, male Springer Spaniel named "Dakota".  Dakota was rescued/adopted by Steve with help from the Glacial Ridge Humane Society located in Watertown, South Dakota January 23, 2003.