In this next feature of our “Team Member Spotlight” blog segment, we’re excited to introduce Graham, our longest-standing pet sitter in Columbus, Ohio! Since joining our team in August 2022, Graham has made a significant impact at Hands N Paws. Her contributions have not only enhanced the experiences of pet parents but have also inspired our administrative team. Her innovative approach to client engagement and business operations has set so many new standards, establishing many of the best practices and benchmarks that we now expect from all our team members.
Let’s dive into her journey and explore the experiences that have shaped her influential role at our company!
From Tennessee Farm Girl to Columbus, Ohio Dog Walker
Growing up in Tennessee, Graham’s commitment to animals began early. As a child, she found herself drawn to the companionship of pets, a passion that solidified one chilly day when she was just nine years old. On that rare snowy day, a dog was abandoned in her family’s field. Graham convinced her parents to let her keep the dog, whom she named Suzy. This marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to animal care, deepened by the bond she formed with Suzy.
Suzy’s presence was a constant during Graham’s childhood, and her passing in 2020—poignantly on her birthday and during another rare snowfall—was a profound loss. Yet, Graham’s dedication to pet care persisted, and Suzy’s influence lived on.
Her professional journey began in 2018, though she had been caring for animals long before. From working at a dog daycare to transporting puppies for breeders, Graham’s varied roles provided her with a broad range of experiences that shaped her approach to animal care. She recounts fond memories in her work with transporting puppies, where she’d travel by plane to deliver dogs to their new families. This is where she absolutely fell in love with one of her favorite dog breeds: Goldendoodles.
All of these experiences followed her to Hands N Paws a few short years later.
A Day in the Life at Hands N Paws
A typical day for Graham involves plenty of exercising (with all the dog walking!) and sharing loads of love with different pets. “Being trusted with someone’s fur baby is unmatchable,” Graham shares, reflecting on the deep trust and responsibility that comes with her role. Whether it’s ensuring each pet gets their needed exercise or providing endless affection, Graham’s days are filled with activity and meaning.
Graham’s Challenges & Rewards
In every job, unique challenges arise, and for Graham, these challenges revolve around comprehending and adjusting to the diverse routines of pets, which are not always straightforward. She stresses the significance of empathizing with pet parents, allowing her to provide superior care for their furry family members. Her keen attention to detail and willingness to exceed expectations are essential traits that she believes are vital best practices for successful work in pet care.
Memorable Moments
Graham claims that one of the many joys of her work includes celebrating pets’ birthdays and creating lasting friendships with both the pets and their parents. She takes the time to remember each pet’s special day, often bringing treats or planning small celebrations that make the day memorable for the pets and their families. These celebrations are more than just fun—they are meaningful moments that highlight the deep connections she has with the animals in her care.
Graham’s dedication to building relationships is clear in the trust and affection she receives from the pets and their parents. As a key, go-to team member for many of our clients, her excellence is widely recognized. It’s because Graham is a natural! She understands that each pet has its own personality and quirks, and takes the time to get to know each one individually. This personalized approach has built her rapport among pet parents. Also, her amazing photo-taking skills (usually of pups next to blooming flowers – like the one below!) never fails to capture hearts.
Current Stats
Graham joined the Hands N Paws team as a Columbus dog walker and pet sitter on August 15th, 2022, and since then, she has completed an impressive 3,503 pet services. This means that, on average, Graham has completed 5.5 pet visits per day since she started. Her dedication and exceptional care have earned her nearly 900 5-star ratings from the happy pet parents she’s served. Graham is a superstar team member, and continues to be an invaluable asset to our team.
What Our Pet Parents Say About Graham
Pet parents are consistently expressing their gratitude and satisfaction with Graham’s exceptional care for their pets. They appreciate her attention to detail, including taking pets on enjoyable walks, bringing in trash cans and mail/packages, and even leaving thoughtful notes and pictures in her post-service journal reports. Graham is meticulous about her care for the pets and homes she works in, and pet parents take notice. She is very thorough and cleanly and really takes pride in her work.
Many pet parents will also mention how their pets look forward to seeing Graham and how her efforts contribute to their pets’ ongoing happiness and health. They note the positive impact on their pets’ behavior and the trust they have in Graham to manage their pets’ needs, even in challenging weather conditions or when the pets are particularly energetic. Their feedback highlights Graham’s dedication, reliability, and just how relationship-oriented she is with those she works with.
Graham’s Insights & Advice on Pet Care
Graham’s daily interactions with multiple pets have enriched her understanding of pet behaviors and personalities. She has become adept at recognizing what is normal and what is not, and how to handle pets when they are uncomfortable to avoid any anxiety or distress.
For those considering a career in pet care, Graham advises patience and empathy. “Put yourself in the owner’s shoes,” she suggests, encouraging a thoughtful and kind approach to the work. “Do your best, go the extra mile, and be kind.”
Through her commitment, empathy, and love for every pet she cares for, Graham exemplifies the qualities that make Hands N Paws more than just a service, but a loving community for pets and pet parents. We are incredibly proud to have Graham as part of our team of dog walkers and pet sitters in Columbus, Ohio, where she continues to make a significant impact and shine every single day.
