about us
Bend Barks & Rec was born from a simple goal: finding a better outlet for our own dog, Bodhi, while combining our passion for dogs with the impact a calm, fulfilled dog can have on a happy family. Living in Central Oregon, we understand how smoke season, harsh weather, busy schedules, and everyday life can make consistent exercise difficult. After seeing firsthand how structured physical and mental exercise improved Bodhi’s confidence, behavior, and overall well-being, we knew other dogs and families could benefit from the same experience.
With a background in dog training and behavior through Animal Behavior College, I use that knowledge to create customized, trainer-guided sessions built around each dog’s individual needs. At Bend Barks & Rec, we believe the impact goes far beyond simply “burning energy.” Proper exercise and enrichment can help dogs feel calmer, more confident, mentally fulfilled, and happier both at home and in everyday life.
The best part of what we do is seeing the excitement from our doggy clients when the van pulls up, and hearing from families about the physical, mental, and emotional changes they’re seeing in their dogs through our sessions.
As featured on local media:
The Source Weekly
Our story, our mission, and Compassion in Motion.The Bulletin
A look at Bend businesses helping dogs live their best lives.Central Oregon Daily News
Meet Bend Barks & Rec and discover another way to keep dogs active.Watch Our Video Feature on YouTube
See Bend Barks & Rec in action.
Why we started
Sometimes the best ideas come from the challenges we experience ourselves. For us, it was a high-energy puppy, my husband's knee surgery, and a smoky Central Oregon summer. What began as a simple solution at home grew as friends brought their dogs over, and we realized we could help other families, too.
In December 2025, Bend Barks & Rec officially launched. Today, our mobile dog gym brings personalized, trainer-guided 30-minute workouts right to your driveway. With two paw-powered treadmills in a climate-controlled space, dogs can exercise at their own pace while we track their speed, distance, and progress. It's a convenient way to add focused exercise to a dog's routine, especially when schedules are full or outdoor conditions aren't ideal. And here in Dog Town USA, we believe it complements the walks, hikes, and adventures we share with our dogs.
But there's another reason this work means so much to me. After going through cancer treatment at St. Charles, I experienced firsthand how overwhelming it can be to manage everyday life around appointments, treatment, and recovery. I also understood how important our dogs' companionship and routines remain during those difficult seasons.
That experience inspired Compassion in Motion, our way of providing complimentary dog gym sessions for local cancer patients in active treatment. By helping keep their dogs active and happy, we hope to take one small worry off their shoulders and give families more space to focus on healing, together.
Our vision is to bring Bend Barks & Rec to communities across the country, making life a little easier for dogs and the people who love them. Because sometimes, a little movement, a happy companion, and one less thing to worry about can make a meaningful difference.
“Stefanie is Absolutely Awesome!!
She’s so Great w/our dogs, they love running w/her! They have been running w her for over a year and a half. She’s very flexible, on time, honest and a Fantastic human! Highly recommend Barks&Rec!!”
— Jill, “ruby & zeke”
“I absolutely love. Highly recommend. Coco recognizes the van and I'm unable to hold her back.”
-Katie & “coco”
“Stefanie is so great with the dogs. Highly recommend!!”
— darryl, “yami & honey”
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