'Great way to socialize': NH woman starts dog adventure company to get people, pets together outside
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us felt isolated, and so did our furry friends.
A local woman saw that as an opportunity to take advantage of what could still be done safely--enjoy the outdoors with our pets. The pandemic helped jumpstart her business that’s focused on getting people and their pets outdoors.
“I have my trusty sidekick, Ray, with our dog, Gilly,” said Traci Bisson, the owner and founder of Golden Dog Adventure Company.
Bisson has always wanted to work with animals. After 20 years in marketing and public relations, she decided to follow her heart and opened a pet-sitting company and dog-walking club. When COVID hit, Bisson saw the isolation as an opportunity to encourage people and their pets to get outside.
“We just started, you know, promoting different opportunities to connect with nature, with your dog, with other people still maintaining safe distances,” said Bisson. “And from there, it really blossomed into fun and unique opportunities and adventures and experiences for people.”
And that’s how Golden Dog Adventure Company was born.
Golden Dog Adventure Company partners with experts and local companies to offer education and fun, unique experiences for its 200 members.
“It’s a great way to socialize,” said Christine Carpenter, a member of the group. “The dog is a great way to meet new people. It’s a great way to learn, you know, tricks of the trade.”
Golden Dog Adventure Company holds 150 events a year, both online and in-person, including doing walks and hikes on trails in southern New Hampshire.
“When you get people together with their dogs, it’s so much easier to connect because you have that instant awareness through your dog as opposed to, oh, where do you work or where do you live?” said Bisson. “It’s like, oh, your dog is beautiful, or you rescue too? So there are those instant connections.”
From the doggy Olympics to Easter egg hunts, the events also help raise money for local charities. To date, Golden Dog Adventure Company has raised $21,000.
Bisson’s mission is to also create inclusive experiences and training tips for people who have dogs that overreact to things, like barking excessively or lunging at others.
“So being able to give them that knowledge and that ability to live a more normal life, that really is a great mission for us,” said Bisson. “I didn’t get into this business to make a lot of money. I got into this business to make a difference.”
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