My Journey from Pet Lover to Thriving Pet Sitting Business Owner

Dylan, Bentley, Jasper, Darla

Losing beloved pets is an incredibly difficult experience, and the grief can be profound. Over the years, my family and I have navigated this heartache multiple times, saying goodbye to cherished members of our furry family. Jackson, our loyal companion for nine years, was the first to leave us in 2017 due to lymphoma. Though we fought hard with treatment, extending his life by two precious years, the loss was immense. His brother, Clinger, deeply missed him, and sadly, we lost Clinger just ten months later in 2018, a loss our veterinarian believes may have been from a broken heart. These experiences, while devastating, also reinforced the immeasurable value of the time we had to love and spoil them, and the priceless unconditional love they gave us.

Hogan, a beloved member of our family, passed away in 2019 at the age of 13.5 due to a sudden ruptured tumor on his spleen. Shortly after, Lucy, our precious rescue who came from an abusive situation, graced our lives for two years. We cherished her time with us, showering her with love, before she succumbed to liver cirrhosis in 2020. JJ, a sweet soul of 13 years, joined us when my husband’s mother could no longer care for him. We were blessed to have him for a year, spoiling him immensely, but he was lost to bone cancer in May 2019. Most recently, our sweet Bella, after 17 years of being a fighter and a source of comfort through my husband’s health issues, peacefully passed away the day after Thanksgiving 2025. Her little body simply gave out, but her spirit will forever be with us.

Currently, our home is filled with the joy of our remaining four rescued Standard Poodles: Dylan (8 years), Bentley (8 years), Jasper (6 years), and Darla (6 years). They are our hearts, and thankfully, my husband shares my passion for them, otherwise, I’d be in quite a predicament!

Dylan, Bentley, Jasper, DarlaDylan, Bentley, Jasper, Darla

The deep love and connection we have with our animals led me to a fulfilling career. For years, we never considered boarding our pets. While I know many people have positive experiences with boarding facilities, and there are certainly excellent ones available, I personally preferred not to leave my “babies” in such settings.

This personal preference, combined with economic shifts, led me to explore new avenues. In 2008, our recording business, like many small businesses, was impacted by the economic downturn. Seeking ways to supplement our income, I had been looking after friends’ and family’s pets. My husband, recognizing my passion and skill, suggested I start a pet-sitting business.

Intrigued, I researched the need for such services in our area. I spoke with several experienced pet sitters who shared their insights and encouraged me to pursue my own venture. I realized there was a significant demand for in-home pet care, providing a less stressful alternative to kennels for owners who, like myself, wanted their pets to remain in their familiar surroundings. Many clients I spoke with had negative experiences with “uber”-like services or traditional boarding, reporting pets returning home injured, ill, or infested with fleas. This further solidified my belief in the importance of personalized, in-home care.

Now, eleven years later, I am incredibly blessed and thankful to have a thriving pet-sitting business that brings me immense joy. My journey has been fueled by over 30 years of hands-on pet care experience and a deep passion for ensuring that every animal entrusted to my company is loved and treated as if they were my own. We prioritize individualized care, adhering as closely as possible to each pet’s established schedule for walks, playtime, and feedings, just as their families would. I can proudly say that our clients consistently attest to our company’s excellence and the genuine affection their pets have for our team.

From a business perspective, my company is licensed and proudly holds memberships with Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the Middle TN Pet Sitters Association. Our sitters undergo rigorous personal training and are fully insured and bonded. Before we begin any service, we meet with clients to thoroughly understand their pet care needs, developing customized plans that are then meticulously implemented by our dedicated team. Each team member has passed thorough background checks, received extensive training, and is certified in CPR.

We leverage the most up-to-date technology to enhance our services. Clients receive daily text and picture updates, and our online scheduling system features GPS tracking, allowing for easy reservation requests and modifications. This commitment to transparency and convenience ensures peace of mind for pet owners while they are away. Choosing a reliable pet sitter is crucial for your pet’s well-being, and services like dog sitting for a week can offer peace of mind.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call, text, or email me. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity to care for your beloved furry family member(s)!

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