Before founding Run Rascaldyroo in May of 2022, Melissa Harper had delighted in watching a similar mobile gym for dogs on TikTok – and realized that was exactly the business plan she needed!

“Growing up, I wanted to be on SNL, so I studied and worked in improv and standup comedy,” shares Melissa. “I was living in California and needed a steady income in between, so I started working at a veterinary hospital kennel in 2001 and found a new passion as a veterinary technician.”

Melissa moved back to Winston Salem in 2004 and is amazed how life comes full circle!

“With Run Rascaldyroo, I get to go live on TikTok and make people laugh – while teaching the importance of exercise for their dogs. It all worked out!”

Now in her third year doing what she loves, Melissa runs anywhere from eight to 14 dogs a day, Monday through Saturday. That crazy schedule currently keeps her busy in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Clemmons, Lewisville, High Point and King.

“I’ve really had to hustle in explaining the benefits and safety of the ‘slat mills’ – which are self-propelled and non-motorized,” she explains. “Most people don’t understand how much focus and brain power it takes, and that’s what helps tire out their pups! These are treadmills designed especially for dogs.”

She will exercise any dog older than six months of age, noting that puppies grow so fast that strenuous physical work with them isn’t ideal. 

“It’s a great confidence builder for any dog, but especially for those with high anxiety. It truly gives them an outlet. I’m very patient and give them time to figure it out, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. It’s great for older arthritic dogs because the slats have a slight bounce that’s easier on their joints,” she adds.

“While some people assume this is a ‘lazy’ way to exercise your dog, I have clients with disabilities and many who work long hours. Or, maybe it’s been raining for a week or the pollen is too high. If it’s really hot outside, we have air conditioning throughout the van. No matter their situation, my clients know their dog is getting 30 minutes of quality exercise. Plus, the dogs love it!”

Melissa invites clients to hang out in the van with their dog for the first session, as we all know dogs are people pleasers – and they do get nervous.

“When they see their ‘pawrents’ happy, they are happy – and less fearful. I try not to have huge expectations and tell clients not to expect their dog will just start running; that’s only happened twice. Happy, ‘pawsitive’ vibes in the van allow your dog to stay calm, and I love when the ‘pawrents’ are their biggest cheerleaders!” she says.

Melissa will provide a harness for your pup if you don’t have one and also offers these important wellness reminders:

* Do not feed your dog for at least two hours before exercising, and wait 30 minutes to an hour afterwards before feeding.

* Do not give your dog water while they are panting heavily. Wait 15 to 20 minutes after exercise, so their body temperature can regulate itself. Both of these reminders are to avoid Bloat in your dog – known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to major organs.

Regular exercise aids in weight loss and weight management for all dogs, improves their mental and physical vitality, and can assist with obedience training. It’s also crucial to physical rehabilitation and helps develop proper gait form. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50% of American dogs are either overweight or obese which can cause joint strain, arthritis, fatigue, heart and other body system problems. 

“After 30 minutes of exercise, your dog may have the ‘zoomies’ for a few minutes, but you’ll soon notice them being calmer,” Melissa adds.

Her own rescue pup – Lily – lost a leg at a young age, but before she passed, was living her best life thanks to a strict diet and exercise routine. Melissa’s current furry family members include Lorax, a Pitbull/Great Pyrenees, and two cats, Liam and Stella. 

Visit runrascaldyroo.com for more information and to book an appointment with Melissa online. Follow her four-legged adventures on Instagram @runrascaldyroo.