Local StoriesNovember 21, 2022

Conversations with Susan Thomas

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Thomas.

Hi Susan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I was let go from my job in September 2020. With the pandemic happening at the time, I was looking for something I could do on my own. I have a great love for horses as well as animals so I decided I would try my hand at on-site farm sitting and pet care.

I am a hard-working honest person who will go above and beyond for my clients. It’s very satisfying to know I give people the peace of mind they need to enjoy their time away from home while I care for their critters. When I hear a client say they haven’t been on a vacation in 10 or 15 years because they couldn’t leave their critters, it makes me realize I made the right decision in starting Hold Your Horses Farm and Pet Sitting.

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?

I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road but definitely satisfying and rewarding. Some of the challenges we faced were in the details regarding taxes, government, and the legalities of setting up a small business. That’s where I’ve been blessed with my boyfriend Chris. He has assisted me with these challenges and helped Hold Your Horses to be a successful small business.

Whether it has to do with humans or animals, each job teaches me something new. So far my biggest challenge is not being available to accept every job.

For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?

Before accepting any job, I do an on-site consultation to meet with both the client and their critters. I’ve been asked to do general barn chores along with the daily feedings of horses, goats, chickens, donkeys as well as other farm animals. I look after house pets such as dogs, cats, birds, fish and an array of other critters.

I go above and beyond by communicating with my clients both when I arrive as well as when I leave their property. I let my client’s know their critters are safe, happy and content by texting pictures daily. My clients have repeatedly expressed how enjoyable their time away was knowing their critters were well taken care of.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

Each job has shown me that individuals, whether it be two legged or four legged, require different levels of dedication, knowledge, love, and understanding for their well being. I feel it is my job to care for each critter as if it were my own.

Contact Info:

Facebook: Hold Your Horses LLC

Image Credits
Chris Lewis

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