This week marks ballwalkpark's 4th anniversary! On January 20th, 2010, I left my office desk for the last time and proudly displayed my ballwalkpark flier in the window as my "goodbye". On January 23rd, I woke up on a Monday morning, put on my yoga pants and rain boots and went out to pick up my first pack. Time flies when you're playing with puppies!
(right) ballwalkpark's first pack - Teddy (in the way back), Bailey, Chinook, Buster and Fletcher. (bottom left) Baby Fletcher at 4mo old on his first sleepover with Bailey and I. (middle left) My last day at an office job - ballwalkpark flier in the window. (top left) My beloved lime green hunter boots - the original ballwalkpark signature.
Four years feels different than three for some reason. Maybe it is because the last time I did something consecutively for four years, and learned so much during that time, was when I went to college and got a degree. I feel like I have earned my doggie degree! I am by no means a master on the subject, we are talking a B.A. here, not a PhD, but wow have I learned a lot. And the best part is, I never stop wanting to learn about dogs.
I want to thank all of my clients who have taken a chance on me and allowed me to learn from them and their pups. Each client, human and dog, teaches me something new about dogs, people, business and myself. I have been so fortunate to build a ballwalkpark family with such supportive and inspiring people. There have been many kinks to work out along the way, and it couldn't have been done without your patience, guidance and trust.
A huge ginormous thanks to Nancy, Chris and Kendal for their help over the years. From the beginning of ballwalkpark I always swore I would never hire an employee because I didn't believe it would be possible to find someone who cared as much about the dogs, clients and business as I do. These guys couldn't have further proved me wrong. Not only have they been amazing employees, sincerely cared for and loved the dogs, they have patiently and gently taught me how to be a boss, which I think will always be a work in progress ;)
Words can't describe the happiness your pups have brought to my life over the last four years. Dog walking is a pretty isolated job, and your pups are some of my best friends. They give me a reason to laugh and smile every single day and a reason to love going to work.
Clients, friends, family, dog walkers, facebook fans, thank you all for your support and for sharing this passion with me. I am one lucky girl.
