We were lucky to catch up with Christie Maurer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

One of the most rewarding ways I’ve shown customer appreciation at Christie’s Pet Care was by creating customized client appreciation gifts tailored to both the pet and the owner. For example, I once prepared a gift package for a long-term client who frequently traveled with their dog. Knowing how much they valued convenience, I included a collapsible travel bowl, a high-quality pet brush, a hand-written thank-you note, and homemade dog-friendly cookies (shaped like little paw prints for a fun touch!).

The customer was thrilled—they mentioned how thoughtful and practical the gifts were and shared photos of their dog using the items.

What made this moment truly special was how personalized it felt. Showing appreciation in ways that resonate with the client’s lifestyle builds trust and loyalty. Small gestures like these make a big impact—they remind clients that we see them as part of the Christie’s Pet Care family, not just customers. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce the value of our pet care services while sparking joy for both pets and their humans!

Christie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey to Christie’s Pet Care has been an unexpected but deeply fulfilling one. My educational background is in poetry—I hold an MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University—and much of my life has been guided by a desire to balance creative expression with financial sustainability. Along the way, I’ve worn many hats: teacher, sales rep, marketing assistant, and more. While these roles helped me grow, none of them offered the quiet, reflective space I needed to stay connected to my creative center.

Pet care, surprisingly, became the solution. It all started when a neighbor injured her knee, and I offered to walk her dogs. She insisted on paying me, and suddenly, a new path opened up. What began as a kind gesture turned into a profession that aligns beautifully with my values. I’ve discovered that this work not only allows me to help others but also provides the calm, nurturing presence I need to remain grounded and receptive in my personal and creative life.

Christie’s Pet Care is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate services that ensure pets feel safe, loved, and happy. We offer a range of services, including drop-in visits, overnight stays, live-in care, and professional dog walking, tailored to meet the unique needs of each pet and family.

Our approach prioritizes flexibility and trust, whether we’re caring for dogs, cats, or small animals. With regular updates, open communication, and a genuine love for animals, we strive to give pet owners peace of mind while they’re away.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the pet care market has been a combination of consistent, personalized service and genuine care for both pets and their owners. At Christie’s Pet Care, we’ve always prioritized trust, reliability, and communication. From the beginning, I’ve made it a point to treat every pet as if they were my own and to maintain open, transparent relationships with their humans.

One of the key factors that has helped build our reputation is our attention to detail and adaptability. Whether it’s tailoring services to a pet’s unique needs, sending regular updates to keep owners at ease, or going the extra mile with thoughtful gestures like client appreciation gifts, these small yet impactful actions leave a lasting impression.

Word of mouth has also been invaluable. Happy clients sharing their positive experiences with friends, family, and on social media has helped us grow organically. This trust-driven growth is especially meaningful in an industry where referrals and personal recommendations carry so much weight.

Additionally, our commitment to building a professional presence—through a user-friendly website and engaging social media content—has made us more visible and approachable. People can see that we’re not just about providing a service; we’re about building relationships and fostering a sense of community for pet lovers.

Ultimately, I believe what has solidified our reputation is the heart behind everything we do. People recognize and appreciate authentic care, and that’s what we strive to deliver every day.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life came when I realized that a meaningful career in academia wasn’t materializing in the way I had hoped. With an MFA in poetry, I had envisioned a future where I could teach, write, and contribute to the academic community while sustaining myself financially. However, the realities of the job market, coupled with the challenges of finding positions that aligned with my values and creative aspirations, left me feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

After a series of short-term roles in teaching, sales, and marketing—none of which provided the sense of purpose or stability I was seeking—I found myself reevaluating what I truly needed from my work. I needed something that offered flexibility, allowed space for my creative practice, and felt personally meaningful.

Pivoting into pet care wasn’t easy—I had to navigate the challenges of building a business from the ground up while learning how to manage every aspect of it. But the process has been rewarding in ways I never anticipated. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of forging my own path when traditional avenues don’t lead where I’d hoped.

This pivot has shown me that meaningful work can take many forms. It’s not always about following the path you imagined but about finding the one that aligns with your values, skills, and passions. For me, pet care became not just a way to make a living but a way to create a life that feels balanced, purposeful, and uniquely my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://christiespetcare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christies_petcare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564223900540&sk=about

Image Credits

I have rights to these images. Christie Maurer