Q
& A: VIRGINIA MUNOZ – WHISKERS ‘N’ TAILS
By:
Josh Marks
Whiskers
‘N’ Tails is located at
What is
Whiskers 'N' Tails?
Whiskers N'
Tails is the one-stop shop for today's pet owner offering doggy
daycare, 24/7 cage free boarding, pet-sitting, training and full-service
grooming and spa massage. Our boarding is unique where it is
exclusively cage free. Our overnight caretakers sleep slumber-party style
with our boarders in a big comfy lounge full of oversized couches, fuzzy
blankets and pillows. We also have a little boutique offering the best
quality treats and innovative and unique toys and supplies for your dog.
How and why did you get started?
My partner,
Ana, and I had been discussing how hard it was for her to find an adequate
place for her to board her dog Jack when she used to travel on business a
lot. Now, I had always wanted to run a business and wanted to work
with animals. We both saw a demand for quality dog care in a
"home-like" environment. I got laid off from my job as an
advertising executive in Summer 2003 and we both
decided it would be a perfect time to start the business. So Ana offered
me her emotional, financial and physical support and I began to run the business
from our home. We recently expanded to a much larger place because we ran
out of room.
Who are your typical clients?
Busy, hard-working people who love their dogs. They can't offer their dogs
the attention and exercise they need while they work and travel so
they trust in us to fulfill that need.
What do you like about owning a
business?
The freedom
and control to set the standards and quality that I believe our animal
companions deserve.
What do you dislike?
There isn't
anything I really dislike. Owning a business is a 24/7 job. It
becomes a little difficult to "unplug" and have some time for
yourself. That's the most noticeable difference between being a business
owner and employee.
What is your advice to those who
want to get involved in the pet care industry?
Working
with animals is very fulfilling and and can be very lucrative if you
do it right. It's also very demanding work to keep
things clean, safe and sanitized. But it's easier to
contend with if you truly love animals and keep their safety and
well-being foremost on your list.
Do you have any upcoming seminars?
Yes, we
have a few. We have a seminar coming up in May called "How to Have
the Dog of Your Dreams" and also have "crash-course"
seminars on basic dog obedience coming. People can give us a call for
more details.
Do you have any pet care advice
for dog or cat owners?
An
exercised pet is a happy pet. Many times
dogs act out by demonstrating negative or destructive behaviors because they
are frustrated. They are meant to expend more energy than they do alone
at home all day. Please make the time to walk your dog, take them to the
dog park or to daycare a few times a week. It's a win-win situation.
What pet need do you see the most
of?
Socialization. The biggest disservice you can do to your dog is to keep them in
the backyard and not expose them to other dogs or other people. Dogs
are pack animals and need to be social with other animals in order to be
whole and healthy members of your family "pack".
What would you be doing if you
weren't doing this?
That's a
tough question because I can't imagine doing anything else. Maybe I'd be
writing novels or short-stories about dogs or maybe working at a local nursery
or for a landscaper. I like being around flowers and plants.
What about your job gives you
the greatest satisfaction?
Being able to make a difference in people's lives. Many times customers come to
us on the verge of giving their dogs up because they're too hyper,
unmanageable or fearful. After spending time in our daycare
and training programs our customers now come home to happy,
manageable dogs. In essence, we've saved some of these dogs
lives.
What is the most frustrating part of
your job?
Meeting people who think that their dogs are objects and
not meaningful, valuable members of their family.
What are your plans for the future?
To
keep growing and making as many dogs as happy as possible.
What pets do you own?
My partner
and I have a fairly good-sized pack. We have three boys: Jack, a
nine-year old Cocker, Sparky, a three-year old Corgi
mix and Blaze, a one-year old Sheltie. We also have a girl, Charity, a 10
year old Tabby.
What interests do you have outside
of caring for pets?
I love to
spend quiet, quality time with Ana & the furkids and
grill and entertain with friends & family.