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New Business, New Pet, New Routines
Written By: Jessica Brody 05/25/2021
Starting a business can be an exciting time full of ups and downs. You must learn the ropes and establish your company in the industry. Getting a new pet at the same time can add another element to the process. While a pet can bring a lot of joy to your life, owning an animal also increases your responsibilities. However, there are plenty of ways to get organized and create an environment to help you, your company and your new companion all thrive. Consider these ideas from For The Love of Paws RI.
Don’t Overburden Yourself
From dealing with toys, collars, food and other items for your pet to managing customer expectations and forging relationships with vendors, your day can get very full. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when there are always more items that need your attention. Psychology Today notes to be careful not to take on too much, as that can lead to burnout.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, long, irregular hours can negatively impact people’s health. Try to delegate tasks to free up your time. This can help you
focus on growing your company and spend quality time with your pet without jeopardizing your well-being.
It’s not necessary to hire someone directly to help lift the workload, especially if you are still in the bootstrapping phase. This is where freelancers come in. Freelancers can take on anything from bookkeeping to social media marketing. The rates are typically reasonable, and freelancers can assist with one project or meet ongoing needs.
Make sure you find a reputable freelance job board to post your position to ensure quality candidates apply for the job. Outsourcing for a web design specialist, for example, is a smart move because websites are essential for most all businesses these days. Finding a qualified website designer starts with the screening process, which includes making sure they’re a good project fit -- are they adept at creating the type of web application you’re trying to build (e.g., landing page versus ecommerce site) within your budget? Also look at their portfolio (any professional worth their salt will have one) and reviews from past clients.
Create a Realistic Schedule
New entrepreneurs and new pet owners alike often jump into a new routine with both feet. However, it is a good idea to figure out what type of schedule will be easiest for you to maintain. For example, as Harvard Medical School points out, if you are a night owl, it may be unrealistic to decide on waking up at 5 a.m. every day. Ideally, your schedule should allow you to work more efficiently while also providing ample time to care for your new companion. Schedule important tasks for the time when you are most energetic to maximize your productivity.
Establish regular feeding and playtimes with your new pet as soon as possible. This helps your pet understand what to expect throughout the day. Consider your pet’s natural energy cycles when making the schedule. For example, some animals like to take a nap after lunch, so try not to schedule a vigorous play session during that time. It can also help to get activities like puzzles for when you’re busy and your pup has energy. Find a healthy balance between your natural rhythms, your pet’s needs and growing your company.
Embrace Mistakes
No one is perfect, and making mistakes is a natural part of life. Instead of getting discouraged when you make an error, think of it as an opportunity for growth. Forgetting to give a client an important piece of information or failing to realize that your pet is getting cranky and needs a break is normal. You are still learning how to effectively run a business and developing a relationship with your pet. Mistakes can help you remember what to do better next time and allow you to grow personally and professionally.
Cultivating your business and your new pet may take time and effort, but the rewards are worthwhile. Focus on finding the right balance between spending time with your pet, working on
your company and nurturing your physical and mental health. Get help as needed and remember to take each day as it comes.
From offering a range of pet-care products to its core mission of providing world-class pet rescue and transportation services, For The Love of Paws RI can help you in your new life as a pet owner. Contact us today to find out more! (401) 316-4865
Photo courtesy of Pexels
National News
Florida seeks shelter for 400 animals as Dorian gets closer. Some may be released into the wild
August 31, 2019
(CNN)A Florida wildlife refuge is seeking foster homes for about 400 animals as Hurricane Dorian inches closer. Some of the animals that don't get a place to shelter will be sent back into the wild, CNN affiliate WFOR reported.
The nonprofit South Florida Wildlife Center is in Fort Lauderdale, which is in the cone area that might be affected by the hurricane. The center treats injured and orphaned animals such as owls, squirrels, ducks and opossums with a goal of rehabilitating and releasing them into the wild.
"Everybody has their hands full. We had 411 animals on the property when I came in this morning," Dr. Renata Schneider told the station Friday.
The center has started releasing animals that were in good shape, she said, adding that animal instincts will keep them safer in the wild during a hurricane than they would be in a cage.
Those who are not will be placed in a foster home to ride out the storm, the station reported.
Hurricanes are a big cause for concern among both wild animals and pets. Hurricane Harvey in Texas two years ago separated pets from their owners as flood waters got too high. And wild animals were displaced from their environments because of the severe weather.
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The Charleston Animal Society is preparing for the possibility that the animals in the hurricane's path will be in need once again. Employees went from South Carolina to Florida on Friday to pick up 60 to 100 animals and shelter them from Dorian, CNN affiliate WCBD said