Peanuts Pals
Dog Walking + Pet Sitting in Denver
This month Stroll Bonnie Brae got to go for a stroll and talk with Michelle Sroda, owner of Peanuts Pals LLC! We hope you enjoy meeting Michelle!
Please Introduce Yourself and your Business to Bonnie Brae Residents
Hello Bonnie Brae! My name is Michelle and I am the owner of Peanuts Pals LLC. Peanuts Pals provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services along with dog hikes and cat drop-in visits. If you are interested in working with me, a free meet-and-greet is always scheduled to get started! It is important to me to have a connection with you and your furry pal, get an idea of your pup's social skills, and also cover what to expect from me if you choose to use my services.
How and/or why did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
I started Peanuts Pals a month after my senior chihuahua Peanut had to be put down. We had 12 amazing years together, and after some health issues for several months which turned into an emergency trip to the animal hospital one night, it was unfortunately time to say goodbye to my little old man. During the grieving process, I knew that surrounding myself and my other dog Honey with friends and their dogs was just what we needed. These weren't just any dogs, these were Peanuts Pals. He instantly became friends with every dog (& cat) he met. Starting Peanuts Pals was another step in my healing journey. I've always been a dog lover and have always helped take care of my friends and neighbors' dogs. This was just the next step for me. Dogs fill a hole in your heart you didn't know needed to be filled. The logo for Peanuts Pals represents that little hole in my heart that they fill. Our fur babies deserve the world and sometimes it may be hard to do that for them. We all have busy schedules between work, school, vacations and more. I'm here to help relieve some of that stress and help you take care of your furry pals.
Hello Bonnie Brae! My name is Michelle and I am the owner of Peanuts Pals LLC. Peanuts Pals provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services along with dog hikes and cat drop-in visits. If you are interested in working with me, a free meet-and-greet is always scheduled to get started! It is important to me to have a connection with you and your furry pal, get an idea of your pup's social skills, and also cover what to expect from me if you choose to use my services.
How and/or why did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
I started Peanuts Pals a month after my senior chihuahua Peanut had to be put down. We had 12 amazing years together, and after some health issues for several months which turned into an emergency trip to the animal hospital one night, it was unfortunately time to say goodbye to my little old man. During the grieving process, I knew that surrounding myself and my other dog Honey with friends and their dogs was just what we needed. These weren't just any dogs, these were Peanuts Pals. He instantly became friends with every dog (& cat) he met. Starting Peanuts Pals was another step in my healing journey. I've always been a dog lover and have always helped take care of my friends and neighbors' dogs. This was just the next step for me. Dogs fill a hole in your heart you didn't know needed to be filled. The logo for Peanuts Pals represents that little hole in my heart that they fill. Our fur babies deserve the world and sometimes it may be hard to do that for them. We all have busy schedules between work, school, vacations and more. I'm here to help relieve some of that stress and help you take care of your furry pals.
Tell us about the events that led up to where you are now.
When I first launched Peanuts Pals, I still had a full-time marketing and operations position with a real estate company. Dog walking was just something I did on the side. But my business grew surprisingly fast and I was fortunate enough to go full-time with it in January 2023. I guess that's what happens when you are truly passionate about what you are doing and put your entire heart and soul into it! I am currently interviewing people to hire on a team so that we can take care of even more animals and cover a larger service area!
When I first launched Peanuts Pals, I still had a full-time marketing and operations position with a real estate company. Dog walking was just something I did on the side. But my business grew surprisingly fast and I was fortunate enough to go full-time with it in January 2023. I guess that's what happens when you are truly passionate about what you are doing and put your entire heart and soul into it! I am currently interviewing people to hire on a team so that we can take care of even more animals and cover a larger service area!
What is unique about your business? What sets you apart?
As a pet professional, I am up to date on pet CPR + first aid, safety, behaviors, and any education needed. I am insured to protect your pet and your home and take full responsibility if anything were to occur when your pet is in my care. I am set up as an LLC and take full pride in doing this as a full-time career. I wear many hats including marketing, admin, operations, scheduler, accountant, CEO, caretaker and more. I constantly keep my website and social media updated with photos, tips and tricks, updated availability, client testimonials, and local events. Clients also receive a Pet Service Report after each visit with any notes or photos I take of their furry pal. If any clients have any questions or concerns, I am just a text, phone call, or email away!
As a pet professional, I am up to date on pet CPR + first aid, safety, behaviors, and any education needed. I am insured to protect your pet and your home and take full responsibility if anything were to occur when your pet is in my care. I am set up as an LLC and take full pride in doing this as a full-time career. I wear many hats including marketing, admin, operations, scheduler, accountant, CEO, caretaker and more. I constantly keep my website and social media updated with photos, tips and tricks, updated availability, client testimonials, and local events. Clients also receive a Pet Service Report after each visit with any notes or photos I take of their furry pal. If any clients have any questions or concerns, I am just a text, phone call, or email away!
What do you take the most pride in?
I take great pride in what I do and always strive to deliver a "white glove" experience whether I am walking your dog for 15 minutes or house-sitting for 15 days. Communication, transparency, safety and trust are my top values and priorities with this business. Our fur babies are our world and you should be able to trust the person who takes care of them and know exactly how they are doing when they are in someone else's hands.
I take great pride in what I do and always strive to deliver a "white glove" experience whether I am walking your dog for 15 minutes or house-sitting for 15 days. Communication, transparency, safety and trust are my top values and priorities with this business. Our fur babies are our world and you should be able to trust the person who takes care of them and know exactly how they are doing when they are in someone else's hands.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it - what would it say and why?
"Our dogs don't need to say hi!"
As a pet professional, your pup's safety is always my top priority when they are in my care. When we are out on walks, I always try to avoid other dogs and other people. I hear too many horror stories of bad interactions between pups and that’s the last thing anyone wants. Just because your pup is friendly, doesn’t mean mine is. I care for many pups that can be in training, nervous, reactive, fearful, sick, healing from an injury etc. Including my own dog. Please be mindful of other people and how they act - if I shorten a leash or cross the street or move to the side and let you pass - please do not be offended, please do not stop, and please do not ask if your dog can say hi. I am protecting the pup in my care and I am protecting your pup. Please respect others and their need for space and always keep your pup on a leash!
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
My dog Honey! I adopted her in November 2021 from Mile High Lab Rescue Mission and she has been an absolute blessing ever since. She is the reason I got out of bed every day after Peanut passed. She knows exactly how I'm feeling, loves holding my hand, and gives amazing hugs! Honey has also been the best four-legged assistant helping me take care of all your pups! She reads energy very well and adjusts to each dog that is in our care. She truly makes every day amazing and I couldn't imagine my life without her.
"Our dogs don't need to say hi!"
As a pet professional, your pup's safety is always my top priority when they are in my care. When we are out on walks, I always try to avoid other dogs and other people. I hear too many horror stories of bad interactions between pups and that’s the last thing anyone wants. Just because your pup is friendly, doesn’t mean mine is. I care for many pups that can be in training, nervous, reactive, fearful, sick, healing from an injury etc. Including my own dog. Please be mindful of other people and how they act - if I shorten a leash or cross the street or move to the side and let you pass - please do not be offended, please do not stop, and please do not ask if your dog can say hi. I am protecting the pup in my care and I am protecting your pup. Please respect others and their need for space and always keep your pup on a leash!
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
My dog Honey! I adopted her in November 2021 from Mile High Lab Rescue Mission and she has been an absolute blessing ever since. She is the reason I got out of bed every day after Peanut passed. She knows exactly how I'm feeling, loves holding my hand, and gives amazing hugs! Honey has also been the best four-legged assistant helping me take care of all your pups! She reads energy very well and adjusts to each dog that is in our care. She truly makes every day amazing and I couldn't imagine my life without her.
What are you most grateful for?
I am grateful for everyone who supports me and my business and I am grateful for everyone that has put their trust in me to care for their furry pal. I wouldn't be where I am today without you!
What do you love about our neighborhood publication?
Stroll Bonnie Brae is such a great publication! I haven't been a part of it for long but I already feel like family. Community is so important to me and it's amazing to see everyone come together, support each other, help one another and so on. Thank you for having me here!
Stroll Bonnie Brae is such a great publication! I haven't been a part of it for long but I already feel like family. Community is so important to me and it's amazing to see everyone come together, support each other, help one another and so on. Thank you for having me here!
Michelle Sroda | Owner, Peanuts Pals LLC