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16 | 2021 Bella Vista Business Association Directory S usan Tillman of Bella Vista founded Happy Tails Pet Sitting in 2017. Aer working in the corporate world most of her adult life, aer being laid off three times in nine years, she decided to take a leap of faith. "I followed my heart and started Happy Tails Pet Sitting," she says, adding, "My passion for animals is a true heart condition! e love and compassion I have for all animals in central to my life's purpose." e mission of Happy Tails Pet Sitting is to be a trusted source for pet care, providing fur babies the loving attention and care they so deserve. On a typical day, Susan's life is all about pets. She does drop-in visits at her customer's homes, based on a tailored schedule that best suits the needs for any given day. She typically is sitting from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Happy Tails is full-service, addressing all aspects of pet care - food and water, potty breaks, dog walks, medication administration, litter box cleaning and Susan's personal favorite, cuddle and playtime. When asked about challenges she's faced, especially in the midst of a pandemic, "I can honestly say the only challenge I have is the effect COVID-19 has had on my business," she says, as it has obviously created a scenario in which she lost business. Due to the pandemic Susan is a one-woman show, saying, "I am currently an army of one." And, people have just needed the service less. "My business is predicated on vacation and business travelers; thus, I have seen a dramatic downturn in bookings." Also, with more people working from home, there's less need for mid-day potty breaks, she says. Otherwise, she doesn't really face challenges per se, as she truly enjoys her day-to-day work. "I don't experience day- to-day challenges. When you do what you love all is well!" Susan exclaims. A job that is your passion offers rewards on a daily basis. "Making a difference for the fur babies I care for, seeing them happy and at ease while their humans are away gives me great joy," Susan says. Even with the most perfect job, difficult incidents can emerge. With pet care, as in any other type of care, there will be loss. "e most difficult thing is getting a call or text from a customer letting me know that an elderly or sick pet has passed away. I get so attached to the fur babies I care for; it feels like I am losing one of my own," she says. Being a member of BVBA has been key in Susan's networking. "e training I received through the BVBA in establishing a social media presence was invaluable. I have received countless referrals and dramatically expanded my customer base as a result of my membership," she says. She adds that she consistently recommends the organization to other business owners. To Susan, the best thing about the Bella Vista business community is "great people who truly care about the success of everyone in the group." Happy Tails Pet Sitting Susan Tillman, Owner 479-372-7970 happytailspetsitnwa.com Happy Tails Pet Sitting: a trusted source for pet care By Rhonda Baber-Crone "Providing love & care for homeless animals that need adoption into good homes." A 501 (C)3 Tax Exempt, Not-for-profit Corporation www.bellavista-animalshelter.org Come Visit Us! 32 Bella Vista Way • Bella Vista, AR Tues.-Sun., 10 am-4 pm 479-855-6020 Making Martial Arts fun since 2003 Mention this ad-Get 1 week free 427 W Centerton BLVD Centerton, AR 479-795-2644 www.maacenterton.com