08/13/2026
Review & Recall•
One of, if not, the best part of this job is the relationships you build along the way. For nearly six years I got to build a relationship with not only Riley, Bella, and eventually, Huck- but I also got to know their people. After a decade in food & Bev, I was kind of starting to think I hated people! But it was Riley, Huck, and Bella’s people that gave me hope, not only that I could actually make a living in pet care- they also reminded me I deserve to be able to take care of myself in whatever I do.
This is the third week I have not seen Riley & Huck on a Thursday, and this is the first time in 6 years that has been the case. When working with animals professionally, we as pet care professionals strive to bring to our clients routine. But it isn’t only furry animals that do better with routine in their lives, humans do, too (though many like to forget that we humans are, in fact, animals)! This Thursday I find myself really having to sit with the adjustment. I am missing seeing Huck nearly p*e on Riley, only to swoop in quickly to pull Riley out of the way. Or to have Miss Bella walk by as I am taking the pups out, with her signature “hello” hiss (yes, some cats do hiss to communicate)!
I’ll be honest- I’ve seen some s**t in ten years in this industry, both literally, and figuratively. It is families like this one that kept me pushing to become a better pet care provider.
I wish all of you the best in the next step on your journey. And you all have a permanent place in my heart. It has been an honor to watch your babies grow through the seasons and as seasons go on, I will always remember the times I spent with each of them.
Thank you, always.
-Natatia A.K.A. Familiar Pet Care