Dog sitting to buy groceries

[HappyHiker]

Our beloved 16 year-old dog passed on last year, leaving us with a big hole in our hearts. After 42 years of pets, we decided not to (right now) have a new pet.

My love for critters was not being fulfilled, so we started boarding a dog at a time in our home for people in our community. The business has grown organically and we're having fun hosting different dogs.

Lo and behold, I just realized our fees now equal our monthly grocery bills. Our household is only two, and we eat simply, but this past time is proving rewarding in more ways than one.

We just had a sweet, blind Cocker Spaniel who was a joy to host. Seems as though we'll be boarding her every weekend while her parents work away from home.

Just thought I'd pass along a thought for animal lovers for a new business without much in the way of start-up costs.

[Tussiemussies]

Our beloved 16 year-old dog passed on last year, leaving us with a big hole in our hearts. After 42 years of pets, we decided not to (right now) have a new pet.

My love for critters was not being fulfilled, so we started boarding a dog at a time in our home for people in our community. The business has grown organically and we're having fun hosting different dogs.

Lo and behold, I just realized our fees now equal our monthly grocery bills. Our household is only two, and we eat simply, but this past time is proving rewarding in more ways than one.

We just had a sweet, blind Cocker Spaniel who was a joy to host. Seems as though we'll be boarding her every weekend while her parents work away from home.

Just thought I'd pass along a thought for animal lovers for a new business without much in the way of start-up costs.


What a wonderful way to fulfill your love of dogs, an the empty hole that you dog left in your heart. Glad this has helped you, and the dogs too.

[fidgiegirl]

Awesome. We have thought of doing this but DH is kind of scared of dogs peeing, fighting with our dogs, etc. I tip my hat to you for going for it - you are filling a real need for doggy parents, getting your own needs met, and making some ka-ching at the same time. Sounds like a triple win.

[Blackdog Lin]

Very cool. I wish you lived in our community - we have a difficult time finding quality in-home doggy care.

[Rosemary]

What a great idea! So glad it's worked out well for you.

[catherine]

That's great! And isn't it nice when the business grows "organically" like you said.. almost like it was meant to happen for you. And you're like a "grandma" to the pet--you get to play with it without the total commitment and cost! Very cool.

[Sad Eyed Lady]

I have thought along this same line myself. DH and I have had a cat or cats (2 right now) since 1972. Our cats have lived long lives, indoors and spoiled rotten. However after all these years of being a cat family we have decided these two will be our last when the time comes for them to leave us. They will be turning 10 yrs old early next year, but if they follow in the footsteps of our others they still will have 5 to 7 years left. So, not wanting to take that on again I have thought maybe if it is too lonely without the little feet in the house, maybe being foster parents for cats would be a good fit. Will have to wait and see. But it certainly sounds like you are doing the right thing HappyHiker! Good for you and good for all those doggie parents who know their babies are being well taken care of while they are away.

[Float On]

That's really neat that you are meeting a need and finding it pays a bill as well.

[jennipurrr]

That is a pretty nice trade off! I remember there was a poster here who was FI and would go house/pet sit in all these neat locations. She used to have a blog I believe.

[Gardenarian]

Lovely to hear that 'following your bliss' worked out so well for you (and the lucky dogs.)

[AnneM]

That's a wonderful way to get your doggie fix! I would probably fall in love with every dog that came in the door, and would want to keep them all!