A Passion to Serve: Pet Sitter Spotlight

Making the World a Better Place

At Buckhead Pet Pals, we pride ourselves on bringing the best of the best together. We have the best clients, and, of course, the most wonderful pets in our care. But, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for them without our team of dedicated sitters. We recently shared a pet sitter spotlight on our longtime sitter Maurice Belle, a talented musician and avid pet lover who has been on our team for nine years. Today, we’re sharing the story of Parker Freeman, a recent Ogelthorpe graduate who has been in the Buckhead Pet Pals family for two years. As we prepare to say goodbye to Parker this summer as she prepares for fantastic adventures ahead, Parker’s passion to serve warms our hearts and reminds us that people like her make the world a better place.

Dog Walking & Pet Sitting As a College Student

Dog walking and pet sitting is an excellent job for students because it allows for flexibility and offers them an enjoyable way to earn some money. Because most college students aren’t ready for a pet of their own, students like Parker find a fulfilling connection with pets while on the job. Pet sitting and dog walking also allow students to remain active, enjoy the outdoors, and take a break from screens, books, classrooms, etc.

As a pet sitter, Parker excels at making pets feel comfortable in her company. She works with both dogs and cats, keeping them active and engaged during visits. Over the two years she’s been on our team, Parker has developed profound relationships with her furry charges, their families, and our Management Team. I always say that Parker was raised right because she’s wise and responsible beyond her years.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Summer Plans

This summer, we’ll be wishing Parker a “bon voyage” as she prepares to join the Saved Souls Foundation in Ban Kok Gnam in the province of Khon Kaen, in northeastern Thailand this September. Saved Souls Animal Sanctuary was founded in 2010 by a Swiss animal lover named Gabriela Leonhard. Thanks to Saved Souls, 430 dogs and 91 cats have found a new home. Most of the dogs they rescue come from the dog meat trade, have often suffered accidents, and may have experienced abuse or neglect.

Parker was drawn to the organization because they work with disabled, blind and old dogs, offering them veterinary care and physical therapies that enrich and extend their lives. They also work to control local pet populations and reduce the spread of illness through regular sterilization and vaccination programs.

Parker discovered Saved Souls through Worldpackers, an organization that connects volunteers with volunteer opportunities throughout the world. We could not be more pleased to see Parker taking her deep love of animals to the dogs of Saved Souls. We think she’s a perfect match for their mission and can’t wait to follow her journey.

Planning for the Future

Parker’s adventure in Thailand is only the beginning. This astounding young woman will be starting a career in the Americorps this fall. Having attained a minor in Nonprofit Management, Parker has accepted a position based in the Sacramento area. From there, she will deploy wherever she is needed, be it in an emergency relief capacity, as part of a youth or infrastructure development program, or other project.

No matter where Parker’s career and life takes her, she’ll always have a fan club at Buckhead Pet Pals. We have so enjoyed getting to know her and work alongside her. Her loyal clients share our enthusiasm for her abilities and are sure she’s going to shine no matter where life takes her.

Bittersweet Parting of Ways

Parker seems to have enjoyed working with us as much as we’ve enjoyed working with her. She has commented on how well-run our company is and how good we are to work with. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know Parker. We appreciate all the work she has done for our clients and their pets, her commitment to quality, and her desire to meet and exceed expectations. While we will miss her terribly, we’re excited to have been a part of her story and wish her nothing but the best in her many future adventures.

We know saying goodbye to your many friends at Buckhead Pet Pals will be tough, Parker. It’s bittersweet for us all! But, we hope you enjoy your first visit to Asia and the many noteworthy milestones that are coming your way!

Buckhead Pet Pals offers services in Altanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here.