Meet the former dancer and cancer survivor who found his calling walking dogs in New York City

NEW YORK -- Meet Ryan Stewart, a New Yorker who runs the dog walking service "Ryan For Dogs" in Long Island City, Queens.

"You might not be making as much money as a banker, but if you love dogs, it could be a real thing of beauty," Ryan says of his unconventional career.

Ryan's dream growing up was to become a dancer. However, he was diagnosed with cancer shortly before enrolling at The Juilliard School, which changed his plan for his future.

"I wasn't so all-in," he says. "I still did some professional gigs, but I didn't become a full-time dancer," Ryan adds.

The cancer diagnosis prompted him to start working with dogs. "It started slow at first, but within three years, it became my full-time job."

Working with dogs also allowed Ryan to stay true to himself. "I'm a little bit more introverted, which is why dogs are a good fit for me," says Ryan. "I can just go out and walk with my dogs and we don't have to talk much or try to be anything other than what I am," he adds.

For Ryan, one of the best aspects of the job is bringing therapy dogs to juvenile detention centers. "The kids I work with are always happy to see me and the dogs," Ryan explains.

"[They] get to touch the dogs and you can see the effect it has upon them."

The financial incentive in dog walking is also a big attraction.

"Someone who can handle groups can make well over $100k a year," he explains. But dog walking is much more than the income for Ryan. "Ryan is for the dogs," he says. "I love dogs, and I'm here to do the best I can for them."

You can follow Ryan's journey on Instagram.