We had the good fortune of connecting with Savannah Beck and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Savannah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, it was a meeting of the multiple avenues we had been traveling down throughout the last 5 years. We had moved to Green Valley, Arizona in 2017 on a secluded 5 acres and suddenly found ourselves in love with this low-key lifestyle. I, Savannah, had been living my dream as an elephant keeper in Tucson since 2013, but was traveling 36 miles away, one way since the move. Everett was thriving as a veterinary technician at our local veterinary clinic, but would often need to stay late. Over the years, it always felt like the hits kept coming. Between juggling massive health issues, we also discovered the chances of us having children naturally were incredibly slim. Over time, I found myself becoming bitter and salty about nothing. No matter how much I loved those elephants, it was getting harder to get in my truck every morning and leave my husband and our beautiful home to make the 40 minute commute, I started to daydream about a life closer to home. I drew inspiration from David Rose’s character in Schitt’s Creek. I found myself stupidly envious of his life with Patrick. Going into work everyday together, going home together. Making and creating a life together. I thought about it daily. Then wouldn’t you know it, the clinic Everett worked at had a dog daycare department that needed a team lead! Ok, so wasn’t elephants but equally as rewarding.
Everett and I quickly fell in love with the community and their pets while we worked together at the clinic. Green Valley is primarily a 55+ community who love their canine and feline kids. We began to notice there was this niche within these older pet parents; someone who could help them medicate their pets, someone to help catch their cat for an appointment, someone to do a medical bath, etc. We talked about it as something we both noticed, but were limited in what we could do.
Then I got the flu in the beginning of 2022 and it was at that moment, all the avenues we had been traveling down all came to the same fork in the road. We were struggling with management at work, we still didn’t see each other as much as we thought, we were still broke. I was stuck in a mental loop of our legacy in the world and what are we leaving behind to make this place better. Could we make a mark on the future and still find peace and fulfillment today? And do it together? And make a living? Seemed absolutely impossible. Then Everett came home after a real rough day at work, looked me straight in my eyes and said “lets you and me just walk some dogs! Start there.” Maybe it was my desperate attempt to put an end to this overwhelming amount of life fatigue, or maybe it was the fever from the flu but I looked at him right back and said “let’s do it”.
And I blinked, and here we are.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business is a mobile based pet support services. We wanted a way to utilize both our strengths and experiences, while bringing convenience into our community. Combined, Everett and I have 25+ years of experience in various animal based fields. We created a jack of all trades type service. We offer dog walking, day sitting, functional grooming and bathing, nail trims and gland expressions, pet shuttle, and in-home veterinarian recommended services. So often Everett would come across a client in the clinic who’s pet needed a ugly groom; just a basic shave down that a traditional groomer might not take, that’s strictly for medical or health reasons. We’re not professional groomers so we always tell new clients that our grooms aren’t winning any blue ribbons. But if your dog or cat needs a clean shave down and cant see a traditional groomer, we’ll come to you. Same with functional baths, Medical baths are a necessity at times and if you don’t want to see a vet for it and have the shampoo, we’ll come to you. Many residents of our community are unable to drive, but have pets that require medical treatment, so we will be a shuttle and liaison to their veterinarian office. Same with in-home medical needs. SQ fluids, blood glucose monitoring, etc. We preface everything by saying that we are not medical professionals. We absolutely know what are and are not. We wont touch anything without a DVM recommendation and discussion. Everyone keeps telling us what a great idea it is as there isn’t any other business like it in the community. We hope that means good things. And usually every appointment gets a cute picture. We also post cute videos on our social media.
I think what sets us apart from others is our experiences. Between years and years in the clinical setting and my time with the elephants, there isn’t much we haven’t seen, And yet humble enough to know we haven’t seen anything. Plus we know how much a good service can enhance a persons life. Especially for their pets! Nothing we’ve done in the 3.5 months since we’ve officially been open has been easy, and I think that’s what we’re most proud of. I, Savannah, have been so far out of my comfort zone that I feel unrecognizable at times. Everett has had to talk me off a ledge on an almost daily basis. But it made our first successful month that much sweeter. I sought help in the business management parts I sucked at and that has made all the difference. I learned how to budget and what a dollar truly meant.
We cannot wait to put some goodness back into the world. Believe me, if we could do this for free, we would, We are so incredibly grateful to be living the dream of running a small business and helping people along the way.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, Green Valley is small so the itinerary would include the surrounding communities. Favorite eateries would include the Arizona Family Restaurant, The Longhorn Steakhouse, El Patio Mexican Restaurant, Mario McGee’s and Two Sisters Pizza. Cant forget Eegee’s! When we arent eating, taking in the Desert Meadows Park, Historic Canoa Ranch, The Titan Missile Museum, The Deanza trail and Pecan Groves. If you’re going to come visit us, you got love the outdoors and our endless trails, and a fair amount of down time.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Savannah’s mom and dad. They’re the reason I have the foundation to jump from. Everett’s family and pets growing up. Michael and his beautiful family for their deep support and love. Krysta, our best friend/roommate/forever family and logo creator. The Reid Park Zoo Elephants and humans for a lifetime of memories and fulfilled dreams. The Animal Care Center of Green Valley Doctors and staff for just about everything. And to all the family and friends and day #1’s.
Website: www.maderacaninecare.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maderacaninecare
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maderacaninecare