Well, not really Empty Nest Syndrome! We have three cats so, we're really not alone. I miss having a dog though (hence the emptiness). Weird because I haven't had a dog in a million years; my life was just not conducive to having a dog. And we'll leave it at that. I took care of my neighbor's dog sometimes and my sister had a wonderful Springer Spaniel named Jessie (I won't cut fresh flowers for you; no Jessie...etc) I think that's one thing that drew me to this business was my need for a puppy fix! Eventually, we'll get a dog or two but for now, our kitties make up the rest of our family.
I totally understand why people get dogs when their children leave home though. I know that dogs are much like children in the way we "train" them (I use parenthesis because sometimes they train us!) We must care for them like children and we cannot leave them, much like children, when we have to go away. So, I totally get it! It breaks my heart to see pets abandoned and alone when there are so many people out there who are in the same boat! Wouldn't that be the best thing ever!! To unite all the lonely hearts together?? I think that
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So, you know how people comment on how animals are "intuitive"? I have known this for some time now but today, my four-legged client proved it! Without giving too much personal info away, let's just say if we had paid more attention to the dog, reaction times could have been faster. Thank God, nothing catastrophic was wrong but we did have a small issue with a human client. Just another reason why we should be thankful for our furry friends and pay closer attention to what Mother Nature is putting down! You dig?
I am finding out that all my years of working for "the man" has lead me to this place. I am more relaxed and emotionally prosperous, if that's a term, then I have ever been! Now, that being said I still have my moments and can go from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye but it's for different reasons-not because of some inequity in the work force! Enjoy the flowers and remember to keep looking to out furry and winged friends to keep us on the right path. And if all else fails, take a nap! I have noticed a few things during my walks with my furry clients. The sounds of nature are loud and wonderful, the smells, (oh the smells), the sounds of the traffic, of people going to work and the gym. The one thing that I've come to realize while I'm out there is really, WHO'S WALKING WHO(M)? I mean, it reminds me of that bumper sticker I see-"who rescued who?". I've got my client on a leash and he's walking, sniffing, stopping, sniffing, and doing his business but it's really me that's getting the most out of it! I guess I'm sniffing in my own way and stopping to take a look around. I don't use the bathroom on these walks, however (just in case you were wondering).
The other dogs that are with their humans are a huge curiosity to my low-rider client. He barks and tells them, "I'm having a great morning! Pooped twice-that's always a good thing!!" and they sometimes bark back as if to say, "Yeah, it's a pretty great day for me too!" (I always imagine what the animals say and how they sound if they spoke English-call me crazy!) This new client I have, speaks rather purposefully but rapidly; he's a Dachshund-I guess they all speak a little fast. Also, living where I do, it's so beautiful in the morning glow, with the dew still on the grass. It's almost spiritual, definitely calming. I love my "job" (which is kind of an oxymoron considering a "job" is usually not something we love to do). Thanks Charlie! Thanks for a great walk this morning!! Thanks to all the sites and sounds and dogs and humans and squirrels and the lady feeding the squirrels. Have a great day everyone! Until tomorrow when Charlie and I hit the mor At Your Bark and Call started in October of last year as just an idea, a daydream. While riding scooters around the paradise that is St. Petersburg, FL, I thought of a story I heard on NPR about the growing business of pet care. I began to tell my partner about this attorney in San Francisco who decided to open her own doggie daycare. She was paying someone a lot of money to board her furry family member and not-to-mention the fact that she was spending 10-12 hours a day away from her pet at the office. After careful thought and a wee bit of soul searching, she opened up her own home to other pet owners in the San Francisco area and gave up her practice. Great choice, as it turns out! Not only was she able to stay at home with her pet and provide a service to the pet owners in the city but she made a great deal of money doing what she loved. She was able to expand and buy another piece of property and open a second location. Although, I do not board animals, I do love hanging out with them. It satisfies my "doggie cravings" as we have three cats and no dogs...YET! It also affords me the lifestyle that I've only dreamed about; to be a business owner and really put forth my talents and efforts toward a venture I truly love.
I began operations in January 2014 and got my first client in February. Thrilled cannot describe how I felt meeting with my first client for the very first time. I have worked very hard to get the legal stuff done; licensing, bonding, certifications, etc. and now, I'm a full fledged business owner in Pinellas County!! AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!! I mean seriously, who wouldn't love to get up everyday in paradise and visit happy animals and owners and provide a service that affords the human clients piece of mind and the ability to go where and when needed? I am truly blessed. I'm learning daily what it takes to grow in this business and because of my background, I am able to apply those lessons and become prosperous; slowly but surely. I am excited about this journey and look forward to many happy years with the furry and winged families of St. Petersburg! ~Elizabeth |
Elizabeth BradfordI left the corporate world to do what I love--caring for and hanging out with furry and winged family members! It does my heart and soul good. Archives
June 2023
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