For Mill Valley locals, seeing a cheerful pack of pups trotting alongside a friendly neighborhood walker is a familiar, joyful sight—an anchor of neighborhood life and a reminder of the strong local bonds that make Mill Valley feel like home. And if you’ve spotted one of those dogs with a waggy tail and a big grin, there’s a good chance they’re part of the Bucky Dog pack.
This summer marks a big milestone: Bucky Dog is officially 10 years old! What started as a passion project by Mill Valley mom, Paige Hillegass, has grown into a deeply rooted community business—woven into the lives of local families, pups, and walkers alike. Over the past decade, Bucky Dog has become one of Mill Valley’s most beloved dog walking and boarding services, known not just for its reliability, but for the heart, care, and connection behind it.
It All Started with a Dog Named Buck
Every great dog story starts with a truly great dog—and for Paige, that dog was Buck. Adopted just after her freshman year of college, Buck (or “Bucky,” as everyone called him) was by Paige’s side for sixteen years. He went to class with her, swam in the Maury River, walked down the aisle at her wedding, and kept her company through countless life chapters, from Virginia to San Francisco.
When Paige launched her business years later, it was only fitting to name it after the dog who taught her everything she knows about loyalty, joy, and unconditional love.
“My kids have grown up with Bucky Dog. They never got to meet Buck—my soul dog, the one who inspired it all—but they’ve always known his story and his spirit,” Paige says. “He passed away while I was pregnant, almost like he knew he had walked me right to the edge of my next chapter.”
Grab your tissues and read through Paige and Buck’s full story, complete with nostalgia-inducing vintage photos, on the team’s Instagram page.
10 Years In, and Just Getting Started
Today, Bucky Dog looks a little different, but the mission is the same. What began with one woman and a few dogs has blossomed into a trusted, thriving local service with a team of dedicated walkers, a loyal client base, and new families joining the pack weekly.
“After a decade of running Bucky Dog on the side while working full-time in the corporate world, I’ve reached a turning point,” Paige shares. “This year, I’ve decided to go all in. We’re expanding our fleet of walkers, welcoming new clients, and investing in the future of Bucky Dog—without losing the personal touch that made it special from the beginning.”
What sets Bucky Dog apart isn’t an app or a fancy algorithm—it’s people. Each walker is personally vetted, insured, and trained by Paige herself. But more importantly, they’re neighbors: parents, teachers, college students, and longtime locals who care deeply about the dogs (and families) they work with.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable dropping my own dog off at an anonymous kennel or handing their leash to a stranger,” Paige says. “I started Bucky Dog to give Marin families another option—something local, reliable, and built on real relationships. You should know who’s walking your dog. And more than that, you should know they’re having a great time.”
As the demand for dog care services has grown in recent years, Bucky Dog has stayed intentionally small and local. The business has grown by word of mouth, and Paige takes great care in choosing who joins the team. Walks are tailored to each dog’s personality, and boarding is done in real homes—not in kennels—with plenty of belly rubs, strolls through the park, and intentional care from humans who love each pup like their own.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Them
Bucky Dog has always been more than a business. From the start, Paige made it a priority to give back to the community that helped her grow. This year, in honor of its 10-year anniversary, Bucky Dog proudly announced it has donated over $10,000 to Kiddo!, the nonprofit that supports arts and enrichment programs in Mill Valley schools.
“I’ve raised my daughter and son here. I’ve walked hundreds of dogs here. This community means everything to me,” Paige says. “Supporting Kiddo! is just one small way we can say thank you.”
Looking Ahead: A Bigger Pack, Same Heart
As the business continues to grow, Bucky Dog is welcoming new clients and seeking more passionate dog lovers to join the team. The summer season is especially busy, and Paige is currently looking to expand her trusted network of walkers and boarding homes.
“What started as a passion project and a much-needed transition after taking a break from the corporate world has become a business that’s deeply woven into my family’s life,” Paige says. “This summer, I’m leaning into what fills me up most: being outside, connecting with this incredible Marin/Mill Valley community, and spending time with good dogs and good humans.”
New clients can celebrate the milestone too, with 50% off their first walk by mentioning the promo code DOGDAYS at signup!
Whether you’re new to Marin or a long-time resident, Bucky Dog offers something rare: a service that feels more like a friend. Because at the end of the leash isn’t just a dog—it’s a relationship built on trust, joy, and community.Learn more and book your first walk at www.buckyd.com.