Leah Dunn, Owner
Born and raised in Virginia, I originally came to
Southern California for school in 1999. I instantly fell in love with
the novelty of palm trees swaying against my dorm window -- this was my
kind of place! While I sometimes miss the charm, pace, and drawl of
the South, I’ve found my home here.
After college I spent years in corporate jobs, trying to apply the Mathematics degree I’d worked so hard to earn. Eventually, though, the cubicle walls started closing in on me, and I decided to leave the corporate world as a birthday gift to myself in 2009. Without another opportunity lined up, I found myself spending much of my time with my Cockapoo rescue, Georgia Lou (a true Southern belle at heart). The two of us went on hikes, played at the dog park, or just hung out together at home. I soon realized that I should stop sending out resumes; I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days than combining my two loves – animals and the outdoors! I began walking dogs professionally in July 2009 and founded Out On A Leash in April 2010.
I devote much of my free time volunteering for Lhasa Happy Homes, a small-dog rescue group based in West LA. I foster dogs for LHH until they find their forever homes. When I'm not doing something animal-related, I enjoy reading, biking, and watching reality TV.
TK Temple
I'm a Pasadena native but have lived in Santa Monica for the past seven years, and I don't miss
the heat and smog of the San Gabriel Valley one bit! The great loves of my life from youth on were my dogs, cats, and horses. I used to walk my neighbors' dogs and always taught them new tricks that they and their owners enjoyed. I kept fresh and saltwater fish (and a moray eel that I hand-fed); birds; small rodents; and numerous reptiles, including various lizards, boas, and a 36-year-old tortoise named Turbo who would come when I called his name. I also had a house gecko named Art Gecko and a Yellow Naped Amazon parrot named Pie who shared my life and my heart. My current fur kid is a miniature Poodle called Bogart -- or Bug for short -- and he's my best buddy.
I owned and trained horses for 30 years and taught English riding from beginning riders to second-level dressage and jumping, with an emphasis on communication in partnership with the horse. My previous jobs included assistant barn manager, barista, world tribal art sales, foundry work, and bookkeeping. I was always a working artist as well. My last position as an executive assistant was rewarding and utilized my years of IT and computer experience, but I really missed my dog while I was spending long days in the office. When I left that job, it was glorious to get back into fine art and online antiques and vintage image sales, but best of all was being with Bug. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and love for animals with your furry kids as well!
My other passions are all things coffee, including roasting my own beans and questing for the ever-elusive perfect espresso; buying handmade oil paints and painting; macro photography; and riding mountain bikes and motorcycles. I'm also into muscle cars and trucks and collecting vintage and custom ukuleles.
Chuck Herndon
Born and raised in rural West Virginia, I spent much of
my childhood in a barn with my family's horses or at home playing with my
dogs and cats. After earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from
Marshall University (which you may remember
from that awful sports movie staring Matthew McConaughey), I decided
to head West with the hope that I might somehow be employable as an
entertainer.
After college I spent years in corporate jobs, trying to apply the Mathematics degree I’d worked so hard to earn. Eventually, though, the cubicle walls started closing in on me, and I decided to leave the corporate world as a birthday gift to myself in 2009. Without another opportunity lined up, I found myself spending much of my time with my Cockapoo rescue, Georgia Lou (a true Southern belle at heart). The two of us went on hikes, played at the dog park, or just hung out together at home. I soon realized that I should stop sending out resumes; I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days than combining my two loves – animals and the outdoors! I began walking dogs professionally in July 2009 and founded Out On A Leash in April 2010.
I devote much of my free time volunteering for Lhasa Happy Homes, a small-dog rescue group based in West LA. I foster dogs for LHH until they find their forever homes. When I'm not doing something animal-related, I enjoy reading, biking, and watching reality TV.
TK Temple
I'm a Pasadena native but have lived in Santa Monica for the past seven years, and I don't miss
I owned and trained horses for 30 years and taught English riding from beginning riders to second-level dressage and jumping, with an emphasis on communication in partnership with the horse. My previous jobs included assistant barn manager, barista, world tribal art sales, foundry work, and bookkeeping. I was always a working artist as well. My last position as an executive assistant was rewarding and utilized my years of IT and computer experience, but I really missed my dog while I was spending long days in the office. When I left that job, it was glorious to get back into fine art and online antiques and vintage image sales, but best of all was being with Bug. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and love for animals with your furry kids as well!
My other passions are all things coffee, including roasting my own beans and questing for the ever-elusive perfect espresso; buying handmade oil paints and painting; macro photography; and riding mountain bikes and motorcycles. I'm also into muscle cars and trucks and collecting vintage and custom ukuleles.
Chuck Herndon
While I still occasionally work in theatre and pursue other creative outlets, I've found a wonderful home with the Out On a Leash team. As a professional dog walker, I'm delighted to be able to share my days with my clients' wonderful canine family members. Sadly, moving to LA meant leaving my beautiful Border Collie Jet back home with my father -- where he's always lived and is very happy -- but not having him with me has been difficult. Hanging out with my new four-legged friends has helped tremendously to fill this void. I have truly never had another job that's brought me so much joy!
In my spare time, I enjoy attending live theatre, going to movies, hiking (usually with a four-legged companion), and working on my academy-award-winning comedy blockbuster screenplay. I can't wait to meet you and your fantastic furry friends!
