Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Hartman.
Hi Carissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up I was always passionate about art and animals. I went to art school and worked as a visual merchandiser and visual display artist for major retailers and small privately owned boutiques. While in art school, I had to complete a business plan for one of my classes and did one on a dog business. I really enjoyed putting it together and kept it on the back burner. I moved to Austin, TX from Chicago in 2011. While looking for a job in a creative field, I decided to start walking dogs in my neighborhood. Austin is such a dog loving city that before I knew it I was making a living and absolutely loving spending time in nature with so many dogs. The business continued to grow. At first I only did dog walking, then added pet taxi services and boarding. In 2016 I had a dog walking client who was an event planner reach out and ask me if I could bring a couple’s dog to their wedding to participate in the ceremony and photos. I said “I’ve never done this service before, but I’d be happy to!” I absolutely loved it and immediately added it to my list of services. In 2018 I also decided to study positive reinforcement dog training at The CATCH Canine Trainer’s Academy and began to offer dog training as well after graduation.
I’m the survivor of a violent crime and have struggled with PTSD and anxiety most of my adult life. Having dogs has been the one constant thing that has made me feel safe and secure in the world. My dogs have given me a reason to get out of bed, to laugh, and a sense of purpose. They’ve helped regulate my nervous system in a world that been a scary and untrusting place for me. I adopt rescue dogs that have been through traumatic events as well, because I feel like I can understand their sensitivities and struggles.
Dogs are the most amazing creatures on Earth. Although there’s never a spoken word between us, there’s so much that’s said and felt. They’re a source of unconditional love and a reliable presence. I feel so incredibly lucky to spend so much time with such amazing beings every single day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a small business owner has definitely had its challenges. Although it allows me to create my own schedule, the hardest part has been working six or seven days a week consistently for so many years. There aren’t paid sick days or vacation days. You can burn out easily. To keep the dogs safe, I’ve had to also make adjustments to how I conduct business as the climate gets hotter in Texas. One of the biggest challenges is that clients move and dogs pass away. It breaks my heart every time, because I get so attached to these dogs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Peace Love and Pups offers dog walking, pet care drop-ins, a pet taxi, wedding pet attendant services, and dog training. I’ve been caring for dogs for 14 years and have extensive knowledge of dog body language and behavior, positive reinforcement and science based methods of training, and I’m also certified in pet cpr and first aid. My wedding pet attendant service has become so popular that I’ve now completed over 150 weddings! Dogs are family, and it means so much to the wedding couples to be able to include them in their big day! I handle and assist the dog of honor with styling, photos, and walking down the aisle then make sure they get safely to their home or Airbnb for the night. I love and care for all dogs as if they’re my own and have grown many long-lasting friendships with clients.
I have a passion for photography and love to capture each dog’s personality while I’m spending time with them. My clients love to receive my photos, and my next goal is to offer dog photography sessions. In the future I’d also like to pursue helping people dealing with pet loss grief.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is living out your passion and doing something that you enjoy. It’s finding a sense of well-being and fulfillment. In this business I feel I’m successful when my clients tell me how much peace of mind they have when their dogs are in my care, how I’ve taught them how to communicate effectively with their animals, or if I’ve given them the knowledge and tools to make their dogs live happier, healthier lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peaceloveandpups.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/peaceloveandpupsaustin
Image Credits
Sarah KJ Photography
Ashlynn Mari Photography
Sara Biggs Photography
1836 Photographie
