Type of Business: Pet Sitting, Ranch Sitting, House Sitting & misc. pet care

How did you get started?
As a favor to family and friends, I began watching their pets and homes when they traveled. It became a "regular" ritual as more & more friends and family loved how I cared for their pets and houses while they were away. In 2005 I began Pup 'n' Pony Luv as a part-time "business" and in 2008 I was part of a corporate lay-off in a failing housing market in customer Service. This presented me the opportunity to open Pup 'n' Pony Luv full-time.

Why did you choose this business?
I chose this business because of my huge passion for all types of animals (especially horses, dogs and cats).

What's the best business idea you ever had?
Opening Pup 'n' Pony Luv Pet Sitting is the only business idea I have ever had—and it's working-out to be more and more wonderful with each passing year.

What contributions to the community are you the proudest of?
We are proud as a company to contribute to many local and national pet causes including volunteering at a local equestrian facility in Sun City and most recently with contributions of private donations, a dog-blanket and toy drive for the elder-bulls and unadoptables at Villalobos Pit Bull Rescue Sanctuary (from the Animal Planet show "Pitt Bulls and Parolees"). We collect and pass on the "love" whenever we possibly can.

What words of wisdom would you offer to someone starting their own business?
Be patient! Nothing in a new small business happens over night, but with persistence and a dedicated desire to succeed–you will!

How is operating your own business different from what you expected?
In a good way, I never thought I'd gain so many new friends, both in my pet business network groups and with my clients. I am really lucky to have made so many new & wonderful connections. In a bad way, I did not prepare myself to expect so much "book work" and record keeping, but it's all for the love of animals!

What successes in the past year are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am proud to have gained a great deal of new clients from other pet sitter's referrals. Sometimes "competition" in the pet sitting world can be tough, but I have a great network group in the West Valley–and we all work together to be the best that we can be.

How does the Internet affect your business?
Internet presence is HUGE! 90% of my new clients find Pup 'n' Pony Luv via the wonderful world-wide web. We strive to remain high in the Google rankings–and for a good reason…we are one of the best pet sit companies in the West Valley.

If you had to choose another career, what would it be?
I am living my dream and I have the best job in the world! I get to work every day with what I love—pets! There is nothing else I'd rather do.

What is your favorite saying or quotation?
This might sound strange, but my favorite words that I live by are from a song written by the Van Zant brothers, Donnie & Johnny…."It's better to be hated for who you are than be loved for who you're not". I don't pretent to be someone I'm not just for people to like me, I am who I am–take it or leave it–and thank goodness, people seem to like what they see.