Today we’d like to introduce you to Orazie Cook
Hi Orazie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the pet industry wasn’t exactly traditional, but it was deeply personal and purpose-driven. I’ve always had a strong passion for public health and community service, which led me to earn both my Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees. But along the way, I also became a devoted dog parent to my Cocker Spaniel, Praline, who completely changed how I viewed pet care and its role in people’s lives.
It was through my work in public health that I witnessed a heartbreaking gap—survivors of domestic violence often had to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pets. That realization led me to found Praline’s Backyard Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free pet boarding and foster services for survivors, ensuring that no one has to leave their pet behind when escaping abuse. The foundation has grown to support dozens of pets at any given time, thanks to an incredible network of volunteers and partners.
At the same time, I saw another need—busy dog parents, especially those balancing demanding careers, often struggled to provide the enrichment, exercise, and care their dogs needed. That inspired me to launch Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, a membership-based dog walking and enrichment company designed to help Atlanta dog parents ensure their dogs thrive, not just get by. Our focus on personalized care, enrichment, and trust has allowed us to grow into a premium service that prioritizes the well-being of both dogs and their owners.
I never set out to be an entrepreneur, but I’ve always been driven by solving problems that matter. Today, my work combines my public health background, my love for dogs, and my commitment to helping people—whether it’s through the foundation’s life-saving services or providing pet parents with the peace of mind that their dogs are cared for at the highest level.
My journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the impact of Praline’s Backyard Foundation and Praline’s Backyard Dog Services reminds me every day that when you follow your passion and solve real problems, you create something truly meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—entrepreneurship rarely is, especially when you’re building something mission-driven. When I started Praline’s Backyard Foundation, one of the biggest challenges was simply raising awareness. Many people don’t realize that domestic violence survivors often stay in dangerous situations because they fear leaving their pets behind. Finding funding, building partnerships, and ensuring we had the resources to safely house pets for survivors was an uphill battle, but one I knew was worth fighting. Today, we’ve built a national network of fosters and volunteers, but that didn’t happen overnight.
With Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, one of the biggest struggles was capacity—how to provide high-quality, enriching care while growing sustainably. In the beginning, I was doing everything: walking dogs, managing client communication, handling marketing, and figuring out the operations on my own. As demand grew, I realized I needed to shift from being the one doing all the work to building a strong team that shared my vision. That transition wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to scale without sacrificing quality.
Another challenge has been educating dog parents on the importance of enrichment. Many people think a quick walk is enough, but dogs need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Convincing busy professionals to invest in structured enrichment walks, training, and engagement has taken time, but once they see the transformation in their dogs, they understand why it’s so valuable.
There have been moments of doubt, moments where I wondered if I was doing the right thing, and plenty of unexpected obstacles. But I’ve learned that resilience is everything. Every struggle has taught me something—how to delegate, how to adapt, and most importantly, how to stay committed to the mission, even when things get tough.
At the end of the day, seeing the impact we make—whether it’s helping a survivor escape safely with their pet or giving a busy dog parent peace of mind—makes every challenge worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we specialize in dog walking with a purpose—going beyond the traditional walk to provide structured enrichment that keeps dogs mentally and physically engaged. We help busy Atlanta dog parents ensure their dogs thrive, not just get by, through our membership-based approach, which offers exclusive perks like monthly brain teaser toys, themed photoshoots, and personalized care. Our team is Fear Free Certified, trained in canine first aid and CPR, and well-versed in animal behavior, ensuring every dog gets top-tier, compassionate care.
What sets us apart? We don’t just walk dogs—we enrich their lives. Our service is rooted in science-backed enrichment techniques, which means our dogs aren’t just exercised; they’re stimulated, fulfilled, and happy. We also prioritize strong client relationships and trust, so our members get personalized attention and peace of mind knowing their dogs are in the best hands.
Beyond dog walking, I’m incredibly proud of our non profit arm – Praline’s Backyard Foundation, which I founded to help domestic violence survivors escape safely with their pets. We provide free boarding and foster care so that survivors never have to choose between their own safety and their pet’s well-being. Right now, we support dozens of pets at any given time through our national foster network, and we’ve helped countless survivors find safety with the peace of mind that their pets are cared for.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that both businesses are purpose-driven. Whether it’s helping survivors find safety through the foundation or helping dog parents provide the best care for their dogs through our services, everything we do is about making a meaningful impact.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck—at least, not in the sense that things just happen by chance. I believe in faith, hard work, and being prepared for opportunities when they come. Nothing in my journey has been random; every challenge, every success, and every opportunity has been a result of persistence, resilience, and trusting the process.
When I started Praline’s Backyard Foundation, I didn’t just “luck” into a network of fosters and supporters. I had to put in the work, build relationships, and stay committed to the mission, even when it felt impossible. I truly believe that when you’re doing something with purpose and integrity, the right people and resources will come into your life at the right time—but you have to be ready to take action.
The same goes for Praline’s Backyard Dog Services. I didn’t get “lucky” that dog parents were starting to understand the importance of enrichment—I spent time educating, advocating, and showing the value of what we do. The shift in mindset wasn’t luck; it was a direct result of years of building trust and staying consistent in our mission.
I’ve also faced plenty of obstacles. When the pandemic disrupted the pet care industry, I could have seen it as bad luck. But instead, I saw it as a sign that I needed to pivot and create something more sustainable—which led to the membership model we have today. That wasn’t luck. It was faith, hard work, and a willingness to adapt.
At the end of the day, I truly believe that when you’re walking in your purpose, doing the work, and staying the course, doors will open. It’s not about luck—it’s about trusting the process, being ready when opportunities arise, and never losing sight of the mission.
Pricing:
- membership is 600 a month for 12 walks a month
- unlimited membership $999
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pralinesbackyard.com or pralinesbackyardfoundation.org
- Instagram: @pralines_backyard_dog_services or @pralines_backyard
Image Credits:
Orazie Cook
