In memory of my dad

    It's been quite some time since I have written a blog, mainly because I wanted it to be special and have had trouble finding the right words to honor the person who gave me my love of animals and is the reason I am where I am today, my father Bob. 
    Anyone who knows my parents knows I did not get my love and obsession for animals from my mom.  It's not that she doesn't like animals, but it is my father who passed his love of animals on to me.  It's funny how you inherit certain characteristics from your parents.  My first and only pet as a child was our German Shepherd Princess.  She was a great dog who my parents had before I was even born.  I remember my dad and I taking her to the vacant lot down the street from our home in Rhode Island and letting her run free.  One memory that stands out is when she ran past me full speed slowing down just long enough to lick my whole face and then continued running without missing a beat.  She passed away when I was 8.  I still miss her.
     As an adult I have had several pets and as soon as my dad walked in the door, my animals would gravitate towards him.  He barely had time to sit on the couch before one or more were on his lap.  These were his "grandkids".  I believe animals have a sixth sense about people and they knew my dad was a good, caring man.
    

      

                                                                                                                    Princess
      My dad passed away on August 22, 2015.  When he was ill, I would bring my dogs over to visit him and sometimes put them on the bed with him.  He loved that and it always made him smile.  I know if he were still here he would be pet sitting with me.  I was very blessed to have such a warm, compassionate, caring father; the greatest man I've ever known.  I love you daddy.
                                                                          

    
   

Looks can be deceiving

This is Brody  She is an 11 year old Viszla I was caring for for the first time last month.  From the looks of this picture one may get the impression she is trying to attack me!  At least that's what I thought when I looked at it before sending it to the owner.  I literally laughed out loud.   I always take pictures to send to my clients to let them know they are doing well, but I was a little reluctant to send this one.  Her stance, the fact that she's in the corner and her glowing eyes just made her look really scary, like a possessed dog.from a scary movie.   She is actually super sweet and I let the owner know when I sent this that Brody wasn't scared of me or trying to eat me!  She was actually playing and starting to run towards me when I took it so she looks like she is charging me.  I made sure I sent this next one first.
                                                   

I think everyone will agree that this one is much better and more true to her character.  Look at that sweet face.  Looking forward to taking care of her again.  

Pawfect Souls Pet Sitting LLC Introduction!

   I am so excited to start blogging and sharing my animal stories, cute pictures and invaluable knowledge regarding pet care. 
   I'd like to start out by introducing myself.  My name is Michelle Kalstrup and I began working in the veterinary field way back in 1997.  I started my career at Longboat Key Animal Clinic as a veterinary assistant and receptionist.  The only experience I had with animals was caring for my own wonderful dogs, Harley and Dave.  I met so many great people and cared for so many wonderful pets.  I began pet sitting in 1999 for Sunshine, an adorable little black and tan dachshund.
Unfortunately she passed away a few years ago and now I am caring for the owner's new dachshund Hannah. Losing her was like losing one of my own.  I have become very close to many of my clients and they are like family to me.  
    In 2009 I graduated from St. Petersburg College with a degree in Veterinary Technology.  I can't imagine spending my life doing anything other than caring for animals.  Through the years, I would find myself playing with the idea of starting my own pet sitting business.   I guess I should thank my amazing cheerleader, my mom, for telling me to go for it. I never realized how much is involved in starting a business: licensing, insurance, bonding, and then there's all the networking and social media.  Thank God for my husband for helping me with the computer.  So now I guess I'll date myself.  I grew up in a time with no cell phones, no computers and only four channels on the TV with rabbit ears. I seriously thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown trying to set up my website, which I have to say came out great!  Then there's the networking events.  I am quite shy and shortly after I joined the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, I went to an event.  I thought there'd be maybe 20 people.  I walked in and there were about 100 people!  The woman told me to mingle and I thought, " Oh no!  I don't mingle!"  I was scared to death but I have already met so many awesome people! 
      I officially opened for business in May of 2015 and have already made so many new friends, two-legged and four-legged.  I am looking forward to what lies ahead and hope you'll join me in the journey.  www.pawfectsoulspetsitting.com