I started Leash4Lease in 2001. I was looking for a change in my career and I have always wanted to run my own business. Feeding off a need of my own, I was drawn to pet sitting and dog walking, thinking it might be a fun and rewarding career move. And boy has it been!
It all started with Chloe, my blue heeler. Chloe was a typical heeler; super smart, very loyal but also very anxious. After a stay at a boarding facility while my husband and I were away for a weekend, Chloe came home exhausted. Once home, she finally was able to relax....but so much so, she wet the bed. This.broke.my.heart! Never again did I want to leave any of my dogs where they felt uncomfortable and nervous.
At the same time, Tim and I were living in Kitsap County but I was working in Seattle. Tim was in the US Navy and would often leave on deployments for three plus months. The commute to Seattle is a minimum of a 12-hour day and I was relying on friends and neighbors to let Chloe and her dog siblings, Kiyu and Gussee, out mid-day for a potty breaks.
Leash4Lease was born from a necessity, but it has grown from love. I have been a dog owner and a lover of all animals my entire life. I feel so lucky to have been able to create a place where I can follow and embrace my passion and love of animals.
Join me on this journey as I share stories from twenty-plus years in the pet business. It's been an amazing ride and I can't wait to share it with you. Come back here for blog updates and more.