Most people look forward to Fridays, they wake up Saturday ready for some R&R, some play or even a weekend getaway. By Sunday afternoon the heaviness sets in, Monday is weighing heavy on their souls, the dread of another work week, they go back to the grind and look forward to Wednesday, hump day, then it’s only two more days till Friday, another cycle repeats every week. I used to be that person. A high stress job that I loathed, fluorescent lights, dealing with people that were less than savory, all for the golden paycheck.
It was a day in early March 2003 that changed my life. My beloved dog, while walking towards me, collapsed. Thank goodness I was home to get him to the vet, only to find out 2 hours later that he couldn’t be saved from a bleeding tumor. For the next month I went the through the motions of putting on business suits, faking it, no one really understanding my grief. The life that I once found safe, was turned upside down, inside out. I had never known the depth of loss until I lost my fur-son, Wiley. It was life changing.
Within a month I quit my corporate job and the next year lead me on a journey of discovery. Exactly one year later, March 2004, Affinity Pet Services was created. I always knew that working with animals was what I should be doing and the challenge was to make a living doing what I loved.
As I write this, approaching my 50th year of life and the 10th anniversary of my business, I am giddy at the changes my life has taken. I feel like the luckiest gal on earth, working 7 days a week, assisting so many people in my community with their pets, I have the best group of people helping me and we get to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals as well, through volunteering. No more business suits or fluorescent lights, weekends don’t mean anything to me because I will most likely be working however this work is a labor of love. And volunteering at my local animal shelter fills my heart space like nothing else can do.
I watched Oprah ever since I was a young woman and her lessons resonate with me. I can now say that I am living my best life. I’m not solving world problems or curing cancer but I do see I make a difference in the lives of my clients, their pets and homeless animals in my community.
If I had any advice to give people still doing the weekly grind, disliking their professions, dreading Mondays. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Picture your younger self, go back to that time and ask that child what he/she loved to do, the child-self has all of the answers.
I wish you your very best life.
Hey Char! So glad to be an associate of yours and keep up the great work! My new website is almost done and I look forward to learning how to blog too–:)
~~Julie
And you as well Julie, it’s hard to believe I’ve been in this great business/industry, and known you, for over 10 years! I can’t wait to see all of your hard work come to fruition, thanks Julie!!
Best wishes for 2016! Continued success and happiness to you and your Affinity family! Jean and Camille
Thank you Jean and Camille, for your kind comment and continued dedication to Sonoma Counties animals. Wishing you the best in the new year ahead! ~Charlotte
I was deeply touched by this Char!!! You are an inspiration to many people out there stuck in the daily grind – you are helping animals in many ways and we love you so. I too discovered my love of dogs and what lead me to training was digging deep in my childhood – realizing that my favorite pastime was playing with my dog, teaching him tricks and admiring all dogs from afar – you are amazing!!!
Thank you Marianne, if we’re quiet and look within, we know what we should be doing. I’m glad you followed your path too, you’re an excellent dog trainer! I love and adore you, Char