In April of 2019 I injured my hand on the job. I was out for a year and a half. After surgery, physical therapy, and all that time, there was minimal improvement. I believe the doctor misdiagnosed the injury and then the surgery he did for trigger finger subsequently resulted in numbness, that I still have over 2 years later. Because of this injury I no longer meet the minimum lifting requirements to be and x-ray tech. Also because of the numbness and damage to the hand I have trouble gripping and not randomly dropping things. My amazing husband, even though he rolls his eyes at me A LOT also supports me in my crazy ideas. Since I did not want to have to take a minimum wage job, return to retail, or well, have a normal 9-5 any more we struck a deal. I had 6 months to get my blog up and running, 6 months to figure out how to bring in income my way. Meaning being able to work on my blog, work on projects, work around the house, foster dogs, be creative……So within our foster group I had people who knew my goal “never work again” ask me if I’d be interested in dog sitting, house sitting, etc. it started out small, a few people and they told a few more and one of my 1^st clients told people within a FB group we belong to and other client chimed in to say how happy they had been and how spoiled their dogs were. There are so many families looking for alternatives to a kennel style options for their pets. Since my clientele was growing I figured I should have a name and try to be organized about it. My best friend had suggested a while ago The Waggin’ Wheel as a business name for an pet transporter, I am certified to transport pets. I looked into transporting pets, but it seems very competitive and most seem to have a second person to share with the transport time, or they work for an airline. Plus this would limit my time at home and take away from project time. So a home based service was a better option. This project is still developing, I can honestly say its very fluid. One catalyst has been the covid scare. So many people being home more or laid off or whatever the situation, lead to more pet adoptions, once things started returning to normal and people are able to travel they needed care for their pets. People also love to socialize their babies and give them play time.

My service in my home provide the pets with a home environment, but someone with them so they are not alone. We have a good sized yard and a privacy fence to provide freedom to run and play without fear of escaping. We snuggle and have a relatively consistent routine, whatever project I’m working on the dogs tend to be right there to help. So doggy day care or in house boarding provide an environment where the dogs can be more at ease, which means less stress.

For my house sitting services, I come to your home, follow your pets normal routine. They are not displaced or having their environment turned upside down. For some animals the stress of their family going on vacation can cause serious anxiety, some stop eating, some get constipated, some turn into terrors. When I come in I bring my own supplies (food, projects, etc) I leave a minimal footprint. I provide the animals a sense of security, a comfort that their routine is still consistent. They have someone to let them out, walk, play, snuggle, bark/meow at. I take lots of photos and talk to them and ask their advice on whatever crazy idea might be stirring in my head. Those are the times I force myself to do the computer part of my blog. Organize photos, write up projects, for me one of the hardest parts of this whole crazy adventure. Since starting with the Lucky Pup Rescue SC foster group 2 ½ years ago I have learned so much. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to bring in a little income from it, to help supplement my creativity and grow my blog.