Community Highlights: Meet Michele Beveridge of Paws 2 Pavement LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Beveridge.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As soon as I could walk and talk it was obvious to my parents that I had a true love for animals. Growing up in Orange County California my love for animals grew. I was always bringing home a random cat or begging for a dog. So my dad finally consented, and we got our first black labrador retriever. We named him Magic. He was not only our pet but my dad used him for hunting ducks. I had a best friend who lived in the neighborhood and her grandparents had a ranch. They had lots of various animals ranging from peacocks to cats, dogs, chickens, horses and cows. This is where my passion for horses started. Being free out on the ranch riding in the wide-open hills was magnificent. I was obsessed with the horses. Wanting to learn everything about them, from the kind of horses to the necessary tack and equipment.
She eventually moved out of our neighborhood, to another part of California. Our times we were able to get together were cherished. Her parents bought a home that would allow horses on the property. We would get up at dawn and stay outside all day riding.
I took consistent horse back riding lessons not far from our home. Eventually got my first horse in 6th grade. Her name was Foggy’s Notion, Foggy for short. She was boarded close by and I spent every moment I could with her. I always rode western style but soon learning that Foggy was not slow paced. So to my chagrin, I had to change to riding english. I truly hated the attire. Especially the attire required to show. The whole tight pants, jacket etc made me feel like I looked like a snob. The only time I was ok with it was learning to jump. Foggy was much more fast paced and she truly was good at jumping. It was a thrill and rush to ride over fences and clearing them. The arena was a fair ride away to get to for lessons and shows. Summers were spent all day until dark at the horses. In southern California there are over 150 miles of beautiful kept riding trails for horses, runners, bikers. Being once again free to pick a trail, ride with friends, was like living a dream come true. There was no time for boys!

My eighth grade year my dad moved part time to Colorado. He owned his own construction company that did well until the early 90’s. California went through a recession. So my dad wanted something better for us. Looking back, I think he really wanted out of California. We moved after my eighth grade year to Parker Colorado. Back then it was a small town. Wondering why on earth we moved! My parents bought 35 acres east of downtown Parker. They built a house, barn and work shop. The transition was not easy. Leaving my beloved friends and home behind. The only saving grace was shipping Foggy out.

Through high school I remained persistent in my riding, taking some lessons at High Prairie Farm. I missed the California trails so much. During my Junior year I was deciding what I wanted to do after I graduated. I had a great school counseler that suggested veterinary technician school. We looked into it, toured the school and applied after graduation.
The program was very challenging. Math is not my strong suite! I met my best friend in math class, both of us clueless as to what medical math actually was. But I stuck with it and graduated. I landed my first job working for a small/large animal clinic in Brighton. They specialized in canine reproduction. It was a very interesting side of the veterinary care. Working with breeders definitely had its challenges. I left after 3 years, having enough of the reproduction side. My next job landed in Lafayette. The practice was new, practiced much better medicine. As the practice grew, we moved into a larger building. I loved my job! No 2 days were the same. I moved up in the field becoming a head tech and eventually into the practice manager role. Managing was not my forte. So I ended moving back into being a vet tech. After 12 years with that practice, I had had enough. Deciding to start my own business of dog walking, pet sitting and able to offer certain services as a traveling vet tech. I started my business in the summer of 2017. I absolutely love my job, clients and being a help to my clients. My tech skills have come in handy!

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?
My business has had it’s bumps along the way. Dealing with the public will always have it’s challenges. Figuring out what works best for everyone is half the battle. I do love being my own boss and treating my clientele the way I see fit. I love having the flexibility in my schedule to accommodate the needs of my clients.

As you know, we’re big fans of Paws 2 Pavement LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The primary portion of my business is dog walking. To be working outside most of the day is refreshing. The dog walks are one of my favorite aspects of my job. I love to help people. I have been able to provide at home services such as nail trims, gland expressions (yes, gross, I know), pain medication injections, Insulin injections, bandage changes. I feel my veterinary technician skills set me apart from others because of my knowledge base and skill set. I believe that I am a valuable asset to my clients by being able to save them time and money, for scheduling appointments at the vet. I still work closely with my old veterinary hospital. They have been very gracious in referring clients to me based on our relationship and their knowledge of my skill set.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There’s so many to choose from! However, one of my favorite memories is when I decided to ride my horse to a fast-food restaurant with a couple of friends. We chose a Jack in the Box after a long trail ride. We thought we would be smart and go through the drive through. Not realizing it wasn’t by weight that prompted them to know we were there. We sent our friend Eric in to get our orders. Of course, all three of our horses pooped in the parking lot. A small asian manager came out raving mad at us. She handed Eric a cardboard box to put the poop in and told us to find somewhere to dispose of it. Like we could control animals pooping! Eric was normally a rule follower. However, this day he decided not to be. He scooped all the poop into the box and plopped it on the counter and told her he found something to do with it! We were shocked, scared and laughed hysterically. Needless to say, we rode off in a hurry in case she decided to call the police.

Contact Info:

• Website: paws2pavement1@gmail.com