06/01/2021
The past year as you all may know has been a challenging one for my family. We were forced out of our home due to issues from water damage causing health problems, among other things. We were going from hotel living and two temporary homes with three kids and three dogs in tow. All while dealing with health issues that weren’t clear cut and had to learn to advocate for ourselves if we wanted any answers. So it’s been rough. Until Covid-19, I thought our business was full proof through any storm. Quickly learned it wasn’t. Like many others, we were faced with unprecedented territory while needing money more than ever. To add to it, because I was a business owner, I had trouble getting unemployment and only last week got approved after a year. I truly don’t know what we would’ve done without some of you. I’m forever indebted to those that helped us during the worst year of my life. You are angels.
So any other year, I wouldn’t have considered anything that took me away from our business. However when Sean got a call that he wasn’t expecting showing interest in him coaching at his high school, I started a month long process weighing pros and cons. I love what I do. And really proud of what we’ve grown. On the other hand, Sean has been alone with the kids every holiday since we met almost ten years ago.. He’s been alone on the weekends and holidays. So have my kids. I’ve missed a lot and it’s been a challenge. And really no ones fault but my own. I have trouble saying no because I love you guys, our clients. But a lot of times I’m going on weeks or months out very late abs turning around to try and do morning stuff on little sleep. Repeat that 7 days a week for 12 months a year with not even a day off at times, for 10 years and now fighting an illness that leaves me with intense exhaustion that comes and goes without warning. Business ownership is not for the weary.
10 years since I started The Pet Gurl. I had no idea what would come of it. I didn’t know many people having moved from Texas, to know if I would get one client. And we have served hundreds (maybe more) in this town. That’s incredible and should show anyone you can do anything you set your mind to. When it was suggested I start a business, I scoffed at the idea. I didn’t know how to do anything business worthy. So I thought. The next question was, what do you love. Easy. My kids and animals. That sparked an idea and I haven’t looked back since.
Until now.
Sean got offered a job in his hometown/high school in Jackson, KY about 90 miles east. Lexington is the smallest town I’ve ever lived in (been in suburbs of major cities but still really close to huge cities) but this will by far be the smallest. But I realized this past month while so many try to leave small towns, I am beyond excited to be moving to one. It’s so different than my life growing up and I see the good clearly through the differences in my upbringing and Seans. I use to wish I could just run into my friends at the store, as silly as it sounds.
Also, because I have only 6 more years until I have no kids in school, this seems like it’s God giving me some things I’ve longed for but didn’t know how to get running this business. . I want to explore the state, go to church Sunday mornings and not be working and always miss things or be really late. But I also know the sacrifice the man I love made to help me get this business to not only provide for my home but help get my parents here from Texas, provide income to dozens of sitters over the years, help me meet so many people I otherwise wouldn’t have.
Now it’s my turn to support a great opportunity for him. People who watched him grow up and played on the same court he will be coaching on. People who know and appreciate who he is more than anyone else could. He deserves that. And deserves a woman to sacrifice for him
Like he has for me. And it will give my older son who is obsessed with basketball, a chance to play for Sean at the next level. So as hard of a decision as this has been, I think it’s the right one right now. I need to shift my focus, be able to be there for my family, and want you guys to have 100% devotion to your babies. Not someone who is barely getting by as it is.
My mom and dad will still continue what I started. My moms taken on a huge role past year with losing my computer and being displaced, so it may not seem like anything changed for some. But I know I was able to get to a lot of last minute stuff. That will probably change. This is happening quicker than my anxiety would like. But will be back during day some. We have two houses to take care of and a new one to move into. One of the houses is the house we left, that we haven’t been in in a long time and a lot to do. I hope to find some help before I go. But just want a heads up that we may not be able to cover what we once did. My parents could retire but they love this business as much as I do. But they can’t do everything I did alone. It’s just not possible.
Right now, we really need help in Hamburg for vacation sits and even in my usual area around Tates Creek. If you know of anyone interested, send them our way. I’ll
Put up an ad in next day or so.
I hope this allows me time to do some things with the business that I haven’t had time to before. You will still hear from me or see me, it will just be from your computer and phone versus at your houses.
Without Covid-19 and everything our family went through, I would not have been OK with leaving this business. But if the past year taught me anything, everyone has to look out for their own best interest and you gotta put yourself first sometimes. Something I struggle with as a mom, wife and business owner In a service industry. But for this past year I asked God many times to show me why this happened to us. I can look back and always see why some hard things happened in my life. I prayed one day I would get answers to this. And without this horrible stuff this past year, something would’ve held us back from this opportunity. But everything that would’ve held us back changed in the past year (other than my awesome parents being the top reason but without hesitation-they said to take this opportunity and that’s what makes them the best-they just want us ok no matter what)
If you are on my schedule, you are good but as of right now, I can’t take on anything else with a move weeks away snd so much to do. If you are a walk, I think we have most covered. As far as keys if we can’t do it, easiest things to do is destroy them but it may be that we have to mail them back. So please just be patient in the short term as everyone figures out how this looks for our business. A lot of changes in a short amount of time but we hope to make the transition as easy as possible.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Lexington a place so special to my heart. I didn’t know a thing about KY when I found out I was moving here (on short notice like this) 11 years ago. I knew horses and Bourbon. I don’t drink Bourbon and allergic to horses (at least I was in Girl Scouts in elementary school) but what I found out is that it’s full
Of a mixture of transplants and natives who make up some of the best people I’ve ever met in the 6 states I’ve lived in. Thank you for making Lexington my home.
Your pet sitter and dog walker,
Erin
