Carole Callahan, of Shirley started to ride horses at the age of two and she immediately developed a certain bond with not only horses but with animals of all kinds.

    It became a passion for her as she grew up, always caring for someone’s animals and nurturing them back to health. Carole's journey was a difficult one as a young Veterinary Assistant and Farm Manger. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Carole was forced to leave her career, as the work was just too difficult for her to do.

    With that great disappointment in her life, she went back to school and studied Law and Business Administration at Atlantic College in Lancaster. She became a Paralegal Assistant and ended up working as the Executive Assistant for Education in a local school system. She thought perhaps her life was back on the right track, but after a round of school-wide layoffs in 2008 she found herself unemployed.

    Throughout these years Carole was able to get her Fibromyalgia under control with new medicines and her strength, over the years, returned to her body. It was her never-ending passion for animals and a local need for Equestrian and Livestock Care, that influenced Carole to pursue the idea of opening her own business. Carole took the Pet Sitters International accreditation Program and passed after only a few months. Then she took her life savings and retirement money and in January of 2009, opened Hounds to Hooves, Etc. of Shirley.

    Off in a flash, she went to local Vets and Shelters and within an hour had her first client. ‘Wow,’ she thought, ‘This is great.’ She will take care of just about any type of animal from horses to snakes (ask her about her snake rescue). Hounds to Hooves services are available seven days a week, so if you are planning to go away for the holidays and do not have a pet sitter now, give her a call. All new reservations for the holidays get a 10 percent discount. Your beloved animals would rather be in their homes then a kennel while you are away.

    Despite local economic hardships she still has been picking up new clients and her ad in The Ledger has actually helped her.

    As for her future growth she would like to have a rescue operation for all types of animals and place them in suitable homes. She would like to learn more about the therapeutic effects of owning a pet and become trained in a field where she can match animals with handicapped children and adults.

        Her immediate goals are to just educate families on the types of animals that would fit into their family lifestyle and by going to her Web site houndstohooves.com there are several sites she can refer you to that relate to this topic. With the holidays ahead, many people purchase birds, dogs and cats without taking the time to learn what these animals need for care. In her works she has seen a lot of animal abuse stemming from an owner’s failure to provide the right kind of care for their pets and this is why she is so passionate about educating the public.

        A pet is a big responsibility and their care and handling is very important to the health and wellness of that animal. So keep that in mind if you are considering a pet for the holidays.

        Carole also has a Resume Service, which you can find in the Service Directory of The Ledger, this keeps her busy when she is not caring for animals. She provides this resume service to many unemployed at a big discount price. So if you need an updated resume give her a call, I am sure she can help you out.

    Carole has seen some positive results with her ads in The Ledger, so if you need to get some extra sales for the year or have a service to offer give me a call, Robert Haneisen Sr. at (978) 582-8200.

‘Til next time,
            ROB