When It Clicks: A Pet Parent Moment
Welcome to "When It Clicks", a series from me, JoeyCo Founder Alison. I listen to customers every day and hear about 'that moment' for each of them. It comes at different times with different personal circumstances - but each Host has one. It's that moment when JoeyCo just clicks as the right option for them.
I am sharing a series of these moments that I hear about all the time, in the hopes that one might resonate with you. To be transparent and to protect privacy, I wrote these based on the prospective Hosts I talk to, not about one specific person. And please remember, when it clicks for you, I am just a click (or call!) away.
Meet Carol! A retired teacher with an infectious laugh and endless curiosity, she fills her time with local theater productions, weekly bridge club, and spontaneous visits to her grandchildren in Seattle. And of course there's Buddy, her energetic dog who brings boundless joy to her life. This is Carol's JoeyCo story:
I sipped my coffee, watching Emma and Buddy return from their rainy morning walk. I am happily warm and dry hearing them coming up the sidewalk—Emma's cheerful puppy talk mixing with the jingle of Buddy's tags and his happy panting (and shaking).
"Another successful adventure!" Emma announces as she towels off Buddy's paws. That task just a few months ago, was the first time I really thought about getting some help with Buddy. He tumbles in to greet me. What a joy to receive his love with her support.
All that is Possible
While she handles his post-walk routine, I'm busy planning my day. Bridge club tonight, but no need to rush home since Emma can feed Buddy. Tomorrow, a matinee with friends. Next week? Maybe I'll accept my daughter's invitation for an extended visit.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Emma says, pulling out her phone. "I made Buddy a vet appointment for his annual check-up next Thursday. I can take him if you want to keep your pottery class."
The ease of this moment—this natural flow of shared care and consideration—brings a smile to my face.
Flexible and Reliable
Last rainy season was just different. I worried about slipping on paw prints after wet walks and toweling off has never been Buddy’s favorite. Sure, there were dog walking services and pet sitters available, but I wanted something more flexible and consistent—someone who would truly know and love Buddy, understand his quirks, and be there reliably if the weather turned. Someone built right into my routine when I needed them.
My wanderlust and social calendar, and love for Buddy, means I need flexibility for:
Theater rehearsals running late into the evening
Impromptu lunch dates with friends
Weekend trips to visit family
My weekly bridge club and pottery classes
Those inevitable rainy days
My Friend's Reassurance
A few months ago over lunch, my friend Susan couldn't stop talking about her Joey, Michael. "Check this out," she said, pulling out her phone. Her screen filled with photos of her cat Winston curled up with a smiling young man. "I was in Florida for two weeks, and I got updates like this every day!"
"So he lives with you, even when you aren’t travelling? Weren't you nervous about having someone in your home?" I asked, voicing the concern I'd been harboring.
Susan's laugh was immediate and warm. "Honestly? I thought I would be. But JoeyCo's thorough vetting and matching process put me at ease. And you know what? Having Michael there actually makes me feel more independent - like a built in back up plan always ready to help. Plus," she added, "he's teaching me how to use TikTok so I can share dances with my grandkids!"
More Than Just a Dog Walker
I took Susan’s advice and looked more into JoeyCo. I felt better that their matching process goes beyond just pairing dog lovers. Emma has a class schedule that works well with Buddy’s needs, and she honestly reminds me of my daughter at this age. And her thoughtfulness isn’t limited to Buddy - she is happy to pick up groceries or prep me a warm meal if my theater rehearsal runs long. JoeyCo creates true partnerships: Emma gets affordable housing and a flexible job she loves, while I get the cost of help for Buddy fully covered by the rent she pays, and of course Buddy gets snuggles and scratches on the couch. It's a win-win-win that just makes sense.
Joy in Independence
“Clean bill of health”, Emma says as Buddy slides around the corner coming in from the vet. She adds, laughing, “He managed to snag a few extra treats out of the vet’s pocket though.” I couldn’t get this with another dog walking service. The peace of mind I feel when I'm traveling, knowing Buddy is getting familiar belly rubs and love at home rather than sitting in a kennel. Not to mention the pride I share when Emma tells me about her latest exam success, and the joy I feel being part of her journey.
JoeyCo helped me travel and care for Buddy on my own terms. Trust me, you can’t believe how good this feels.
- Conduct thorough background checks
- Provide detailed matching processes
- Facilitate meet-and-greets before any commitments
- Offer ongoing support for both Hosts and Joeys
- Create clear agreements about responsibilities and boundaries
Ready to learn more about becoming a Host? Call Alison (me!) at JoeyCo today for a friendly chat about how we can help you maintain your independence while creating opportunities for the next generation, too.