Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Davis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I worked in a career that was not by choice, when I got downsized, it was my opportunity to examine new opportunities. I have always loved animals and always had pets, yet, I never considered how I could work with animals or that I could. I did research and found that I could work as a Veterinary Nurse , however, that required going back to school for 2 years. At the time I was in my early 50’s so that was a big decision which required me to move from Knoxville to Chattanooga TN. The requirements to get accepted in the program Veterinarian Technician Program, where rigid and hard. The program only accepted a few new students per term. I worked through my list of things to do, putting effort into the process accepting the outcome. I got accepted for the class of 2015. I graduated at the top of my class and passed the National Board Exam. I began my career as a Licensed Veterinary Nurse in 2015 and transitioned to managing Paw Print Resort in September 2021.
During that time, 2015-2021 I grived the death of my mother, Grandmother, and Aunts as well as other friends. Covid happened which resulted in lock downs however, Veterinary Clinics were considered essential. I was living in Dickson, driving to Nashville for work. It was an interesting time. When I had time off, I would visit my family in Clarksville. During a visit, I was approached by a childhood friend, who esablished a Kennel Pawprint Pet Resort and she was ready to retire, she would close the kennel if someone did not take it over. I was interested , more curious, however, in order to even consider this oppotunity. I would have to live in Clarksville and transition from my Veterinary career. As the universe would have it, my dad remarried and built a new home, which left the farm house where I grew up available. I said yes to the opportunity moved into the farm house, taking over an established kennel in 2021. My Coworkers at the Veterinary Clinic were supportive of my decision to move forward in a different direction. It has been the best decision for me. I get to use my Veterinary nursing skills, along with management and communication abilities. I spend my days, loving and caring for pets. I am doing what I love, providing a service and getting paid for that service. I tell people I make money cleaning up dog poop. I laugh, but its true and I love it. Looking back my journey has not been easy, actually very stressful, yet, I stepped forward in faith and everything fell into place. I also know, that it does not matter your age, anyone, can do anything ,as long as, they make a decision to do so. I have traveled around the world to return home. Last year I built a home on my sisters land and I share my home(their home) with my pets Gus and Teddy. I am fortunate that my family lives close by. This year I am open to new opportunities in all areas of my life and look forward to all
of the magical surprises.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, however, because I made the decision, and the universe supported
my decison, all stuggles worked out in perfect divine timing. Ex Dad remarried and they lived at the farm house
where I grew up, The only way I could manage the kennel is if I moved back to Clarksville and lived at farm house.
The kennel was 10 minutes away. In faith, I gave notice that I would be leaving my job in September , moved from Dickson the end of August ,
staying with my sister, until my dad moved to his new home. They moved in their new home in September and I moved to the farm house soon after.
I worked with the owner of Pawprint Pet Resort the end of September taking it over October 1st. Looking back, their was a lot going on and had to all be coordinated. At times , I am amazed how everything aligned beautifully. I must always take action to set everything in motion, however, I have to allow eveything to unfold in divine timing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I manage a Pet Boarding facility. I am entrusted to the care of pets, when their caregivers travel or have un
expected situations arise. The animals caregivers have to feel comfortable with leaving their
with me and know their pet will be treated as if they are my pets. Those who care for animals feel they are part of their family. In order to provide excellent service, I build a relationship with pets and their caregivers. Prior to boarding, I always conduct a meet and greet where the pet and caregiver come to our facility to meet me and tour the facility. At that time, I share with them our requirements and what we do to ensure their pet will be cared for and kept safe. This is important for the caregiver to know where their pet will be staying and the daily routine of feeding and going outside. If the caregiver is not comfortable with the boarding facility, they can choose to find another facility that meet their needs and expectations. After the meet and greet, I schedule 1-2 day boards so that the pet can become familar with the facility and routine. From their, I can tell the comfort level they have and recommend that an overnight board can be scheduled. I do not do immediate boards, it is a process. All of the caregivers, appreciate this process and the animals enjoy coming to visit. This is the ultimate goal, that they will be wagging their tails when they enter and waggging their tails when they depart. Thus we have wonderful repeat clients who travel not worry about their pet. As a Veterinary Nurse, it provides the clients added confidence that I have training and knowledge in veterinary medicine. I can access animals medical situations quickly, acting in the pets behalf if they need immediate medical care. The clients have peace of mind leaving their pet in my care.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Find work that you love doing whether you get paid or not. Allow your passion to fill your heart, then take
action to set things in motion. The key is put effort in all things and stuggle not. If it flows it is a go, if you stuggle it is a no, shift effort to something else.
What every you choose to pursue, will flow in peace and ease if you are divinely aligned. It is important that you not be attached to the outcome . Never let
your age prevent you from being curious and trying new activities. Pay attention to your thoughts and beliefs, for what you think and believe held by the feeling in your heart, is what you create in reality. Through awareness, you can shift your thoughts and beliefs bound in Love, Peace, Joy and health to create a beautiful
life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pawprintpetresort.com
