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Oh, For Pet's Sake! Editor's note: Our pets bring so much joy and silliness into our lives. They rarely complain. They're fun to hang out with. They're good companions who overlook our faults and are always happy to see us Ñ especially at feeding time. For some of us, the relationship we have with our pets is the most direct connection we have to nature, childhood, and our true selves. As the grateful caretaker of three cats, two dogs, and a couple of dairy goats, it's nice to learn there are women-owned businesses in New Mexico that cater to the creatures I call friends. PET TAXI
Pet Taxi is a chauffeuring service for animals that has been in business for five years. Created by Jackie and her sister-in-law, Kathy Miller, Pet Taxi serves the special transportation needs of pet owners. Jackie transports mostly cats and dogs to the groomers, veterinarian, and other des-tinations. "The animals don't give me any problems," Jackie says."I haven't been bitten by any of my clients' animals. Most of the animals ride in the front with me." She is not a vet, and Pet Taxi is not an emer-gency transport service. Most of her clients treat their ani-mals like a valuable family member. Jackie treats the animals the same way. "Pets are the only family some of my clients have," she explains. "I spoil the animals, too, by allowing them to ride in front with me. I usually don't need to use the cages in the back of the van. The ani-mals are very pleasant."
BOW WOW BLUES
"Every year is the year of the dog at Bow Wow Blues," according to Letherer, whose shop this month is celebrating Chinese New Year with a 10 percent discount for owners of Chinese breeds. Plans for spring include a speakers' series, an Easter parade (with barkers in bonnets), and an outdoor garden for the enjoyment of patron and pooch. A Web site and resource book are currently underway. Canine adoption programs are also wel-come to set up shop. Inspiration for the business is Letherer's late yet beloved poodle, Sasha Blue, who was "born on the wrong side of the tracks," rescued by Letherer, then spoiled with gourmet burgers from La Posada. Although she has since passed on, her legacy remains. A miniature Schnauzer, Bichon frise, and Airedale are now part of Letherer's family, which includes daughters Ali, 12, and Andi, 9. Bow Wow Blues opened for business on September 6 last year. Refusing to be daunted by the terrorist attack on America just days later, Letherer 'sheds' a canine perspective on 9-11.
Letherer will soon make a buying trip to the international gift market in New York to support that city as well as to "bring home good stuff" for Albuquerque dog lovers. A UNM alum who has realized her goal of becoming an entrepreneur, Leatherer claims she's found happiness in what some see as a dog-eat-dog world. "I'm living my dream. It's excit-ing," she says. Bow Wow Blues is open Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-3 @ 3845 Rio Grande Blvd. NW. Call (505) 247-9195 to get your copy of New Mexico WOMAN Magazine. |
Jackie's
day usually ends at 7 p.m. when she takes her last client home.
Every Friday, for example, Jackie picks up a bor-der collie from
the doggie daycare and takes her home. Every Thursday, Jackie picks
up shipments for PetSmart and delivers them to the store. Sometimes,
she takes and picks up pets from the airport, and even makes their
airline reservations. With 50 to 75 regularly scheduled clients,
Jackie believes her business will continue to grow. Eventually,
the company will need two or more vans to chauffeur clients' pets.
In the future, she wants to sign on with the airlines and hire employees.
