Today we’d like to introduce you to Estella Martinez.
Hi Estella, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my business with you.I started my business Dogs Fur Life, LLC in July of 2021. Prior to this, I worked for a company for over 17 years, I was let go early in the pandemic, right around this time my dad became very ill and I became his main caregiver, it was an honor. When it was time to look for a job again, I started having thoughts about starting my own business and if I did, I knew it had to involve dogs in some way. My entire life of 55 years I have loved dogs, I have owned many dogs in my lifetime and rescued many as well. Dogs Fur Life, LLC was created and I get to spend my days caring for dogs in our home, offering boarding and doggy daycare, and at weddings as a wedding dog attendant. My husband and I are empty nesters who now welcome fur babies into our home. My family is so supportive of me and my business and I am very thankful. In my spare time I enjoy hiking and reading.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? No, it’s had its slight bumps and there has been a learning curve. Loving dogs is easy, then comes the administrative duties, the legalities such as filing LLC and getting insured. Taking a course and becoming CPR and first aid certified for pets, and a certification course to become a certified sitter with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Also, we have our own two dogs Darby and Leia, our home is dog friendly but upgrades were needed and done such as adding turf, adding play equipment for the dogs, and more! Having a business is a balancing act, and that comes with a few struggles, entering year 2 I have more confidence to tackle any hiccups and challenges that come my way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I offer dog boarding and doggy daycare in my home. In addition, I do offer drop-ins in client’s homes to check on their precious fur-babies. I am very excited about my wedding dog attendant service. The love and care I provide for dogs is now extended to couples’ weddings! My service includes potty duty, hydrating, aisle escort, photo assistance, during cocktail hour socializing the dogs with the couples’ guests. I also provide wedding care packages that can include dog boarding in my home while the couple honeymoons. I have cared for dogs at over 13 weddings with many more booked in 2023. My dedication and sole attention to the dogs sets me apart, I love being with the dogs, caring for them, and making lives a tad easier and stress-free for their pawrents while they travel, work, or even at their weddings. I have had over 150 different dogs in my home, I have experienced many breeds and personalities, and very little surprises me.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic has so many negatives but also positives. Many dogs found loving homes. They became even more of a companion and family member to families and couples. We see dogs more often in many public places and dogs bring smiles to people’s faces. So many turned to our precious fur babies when we were shut down, personally, I have always turned to dogs as they are my happy place, but so many others are realizing that as well. The pandemic also slowed people down, and our dogs love it when we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dogsfurlifellc.com
- Instagram: @dogsfurlifellc and @weddingsbydfl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsfurlifellc
- Other: TikTok Dogs Fur Life, LLC
