How we got here and why we SIT and
STAY!
Many years ago when my boys were still quite young, our home was known as
the neighborhood zoo. We had all sorts of creatures in residence. And it was quite an
attraction it seems and everyone knew they were always welcome to visit.
We had a Golden Retriever named, Johnny Walker Red. We called him John for
short and Johnny when we were overcome with adoration. Which was most of the time. We also
had at least 2 cats at any given time, and sometimes 3 or 4. But it hardly stopped there.
We had birds, frogs, turtles, rabbits, fish, a goose, hamsters, gerbils, salamanders and
other things slimy. There was even a time we had a rat that we called Cagney. Our home was
open to all sorts of creatures because of an ever growing interest on the part of the
boys, from an interest shared by their mother and from a collection of hearts much too
soft to turn away those no longer wanted by others.
Because of this fascination for living things it was natural that we were
so often asked by family, friends and neighbors to care for their pets when they had to be
away. And we didn't mind. So one summer I decided it would be a fun project to take this
mutual interest and channel it into something of a business venture. At the same time I
felt it would teach the boys how it is possible, even advisable to identify and utilize
our passions in an entrepreneurial spirit. And this is how we became the neighborhood pet
care service.
On foot and by bike we went around our development inserting homemade
flyers into mailboxes offering our services. It was not long before our home turned into
even more of a zoo as we opened it up to tanked and caged critters. And we set out again
on foot and by bike routinely visiting dogs and cats who were home alone.
In 2002, along with the help of my two teenaged boys, I started a
"for real" pet care service. And I am happy to say that the very thing I tried
to impress upon my boys from that summer project is what I have learned as well. When we
turn to what is in our heart to guide us, we choose wisely. It is true of love, it is true
of our life's work.
The heart speaks far more softly than the mind. But it speaks more
wisely. We must listen carefully.
So here we are. And happy to be.

Founder - Friendly Pet Care |