Where are you from and how did you get into this business?
I began training Livestock Guard Dogs at 13 years old, and selling the trained year old dogs to Goat Farmers all over the country. I began pet sitting for several of my Professors while in College. I went full time doing both just over 2 years ago, and am proud to have built a successful business.
Describe a typical work day for you?
I wake at 5:30, have coffee, and am on my Pet Sitting rounds by 6am. I have coffee/breakfast with my mother after my rounds, then go home to check on my own pups. I repeat my rounds at 11, but I spend quality time with each pet/set of pets. I usually make it home by 3, and begin rounds again around 4:30. Again, quality time and feeding, and home between 6-7 to eat dinner and work in my garden. Rounds again starting out around 8:30, and when I get home around 10 it's off to bed. I work long hours, but I pride myself on my client's pets getting quality time, and I treat them like my own.
From where do you draw your enthusiasm and inspiration for the job?
I feel blessed to do what I do - I get to make a living cuddling pets all day, as well as teaching people how to have better relationships with their pets, so that everyone has a happier, healthier home life through strengthened bonds and communication. I have the best job in the world, every single day.
How can a customer ensure that they receive the best possible service from you?
I value trust and communication above all else. I send regular text updates, and also offer Video Check Ins via Periscope or Snapchat at my client's request. I always give 110%, and my long-term clients are happy to talk to future clients and tell them all about their experiences with my services.
What has been your most memorable experience on the job?
I traveled to Idabel OK to help a Weimerainer adjust from farm life to house dog/city life. In the course of working with him, they ask if I can help with another pet...a foul-tempered house pig that stays in their bedroom. She immediately attacked the dog and went for my shins, but with some ingenuity and dried apple treats, she was well on her way to being socialized and well behaved when I left several hours later.