What does it mean to live a balanced life? Finding balance as a dog walker and pet sitter is one of the most crucial aspects of running a thriving business, and maintaining personal well-being. Renée Stilson, former owner of Home Sweet Home Pet Care LLC and now The Balanced Sitter, draws on her 23 years of experience in the industry to share the lessons she learned. She discusses how she had to adapt her business multiple times, and how pet sitters and dog walkers are true ambassadors to their communities. Renée also reflects on how she knew it was time to retire, and how she's found a new way to live since hanging up her shoes and leash.
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Life cycle of a business
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Impacting your community
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Time to retire
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Finding your balance
Main takeaway: You can lead a balanced life today, it takes helping yourself first, finding joy, and finding a new way to be when things don’t go your way.
Renée Stilson founded and ran a successful pet sitting/dog walking business, Home Sweet Home Pet Care, LLC, in Portland, Oregon, for 23 years and made her mark on the community. She sold her business and retired from pet sitting in 2022. Renée set the standard for business practices and compassionate, loving care for animals in her community. She mentored countless colleagues and established herself as a go-to person for anything pet-sitting related. Continually at the cutting edge of what it took to operate a pet sitting and dog walking business, Renée’s colleagues considered her a pioneer in the field. Her business evolved many times over the years, including adopting software, going from IC’s to employees, navigating the pandemic and pivoting whenever needed. She was able to find the perfect buyer for her business and leave her clients in excellent hands. Renée is grateful for the years that she was able to serve the pets and people in her community and is now looking forward to new ventures.
Renée shares her wisdom of over 20 years in the pet sitting and dog walking business in her book, The Balanced Pet Sitter- What You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Pet Care Business. Renée gives you insight into how to avoid pitfalls and truly follow your dream of caring for animals for a living. She presents each topic in an approachable, accessible way, you will feel like you are sitting down and having a conversation with her. The book is informative and interactive. You can learn all about how to be a Balanced Pet Sitter at reneestilson.com. Links:
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