Meet Kimberly Boyd of Canine Cuddle Care Pet Sitting in Duluth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Boyd.

Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had always wanted to do something with animals. In 1994, I had saved a dog that had been hit by a car. I cried for two days. I had completed a Vet Tech program in 1992, but realized that I needed to be on the happier side. I researched and learned about pet sitting and began in 1996. I worked temp office jobs. I worked retail in the evenings to keep my days free. I took a lot of calls from the bathroom! I remember being so excited that I’d finally realized what I wanted to do. I rushed to my mom’s house to tell her. She told me with a stern face “No one is going to allow you into their homes because you’re black”. I was crushed. I sat in my car and cried. A voice said “dry your tears”. It was all I wanted and the only way to go was up. I was drowning in corporate America. I knew that this was not why God put me on this earth. For someone to be in control of my life. It was time for me to live whatever I had left, the way I chose to. It took off in the first year. Many TV interviews, newspaper stories. I cried when I saw myself on TV. I felt that I had finally lived my dream instead of someone else’s. It’s been a lot of sacrifice. I no longer have holidays with my family. I’ve missed funerals, weddings and baby showers. The pets come first with me, always will. They are my joy, along with my own 5 pups. I am also very involved in animal rescue and fostering.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am proud to say that I never rode on the coattails of others, like some that worked for me would do. I created my own forms, my own way of doing things. In the beginning, it was hard. Many relationships failed because the business came first. My father never finished high school, yet he was a very successful business owner. He was the owner of the infamous Chappies Lounge during the Motown days. He was a court bailiff. He was a hard worker and a wonderful man and father. I was taught that anything worth having isn’t easy in the beginning. I learned about pet sitting on my own. I read books. I joined organizations. I never took clients from anyone, like it was done to me, but I realized that it’s a person’s own insecurities. I was taught to be true to myself. Trusting other people was and has been one of the biggest challenges. Another challenge at times, is when you see that owners aren’t doing the right thing as far as pet care. I am thankful that my advice and knowledge is well received. It’s a good feeling when you’re thanked and the advice is followed.

Canine Cuddle Care Pet Sitting – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Canine Cuddle Care began in 2005. I previously owned Precious Paws in Michigan and sold it to an employee. We specialize in pet care, mostly for dogs, but we also take care of cats, hamsters, gerbils, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs and birds. We provide visits to the homes, as well as, staying overnight in the clients’ homes. We are bonded, licensed and insured, which means that we are serious about what we do. We care about the safety and welfare of all pets and the clients homes. We are also mature adults, with many years of experience, which means that we are here when clients need us.

I am most proud of the loyalty that the clients have with us, as we are loyal to them. I am proud of the solid relationships that have been built. Some clients I consider family and vice versa. It means a lot.

What sets me apart is that we put the needs of the pets FIRST. Money is secondary. Unlike most, we understand the cost. I offer discounts when people rescue a pet from a shelter, when they spay/neuter and when they refer clients to us! I offer discounted services for the elderly and free walks if they are ever needed, for those that are unable to walk their dogs on occasion.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Being in my 21st year successfully and continuing to grow at a steady pace. Hoping that my father is proud. It was his dream that I finish college but I lost him suddenly when he was only 53. I had to leave college (at the time, I wanted to be a Child Psychologist) and work a 9 to 5.

Every day becomes a proud moment when the dogs see me and they go crazy or a client tells me how grateful they are to have found us. It means the world to me and to them.

I had some doubters telling me I wouldn’t make it but being successful, knowing what I was capable of, has proven them wrong.

Pricing:

• Vacation visits are $19.00 per visit
• Overnight Stays are $80-$125 per night

Contact Info:

• Website: www.caninecuddlecare.com
• Phone: 678-862-2245
• Email: petbizlady@gmail.com

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.