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 1) What inspired you to work with animals?
Since I was born, I’ve loved animals. Through my own trials in life I’ve learned the importance of helping the underdog, so to speak. Animals don’t speak a recognized human language, so they need people to be their advocates. I had a lot of odd jobs over the years, until I became somewhat of a jack of all trades. I eventually gravitated back to intensive work with animals, as well as writing on their behalf. I give a lot of my professional energies these days to caring for special needs pets—-particularly dogs who’ve been abused, abandoned, or neglected and need help overcoming their fears.
I really enjoy my column for Valleyplanet.com. It’s called Auntie Jen’s Animal Crazy. It’s been running for a few years now. I like to pass on useful info about pet care to my readers. My favourite articles I do are my interviews with pets. That gives me a chance to play with pop culture and give my readers a good laugh. For example, I interviewed this famous cat for my column recently. His picture had started circulating all over the Internet, and he blew up overnight. So this cat started wearing his sunglasses around the house and teasing his cat siblings ‘cause he’s famous and they aren’t, right? So naturally when I wrote the article I had to compare him to Kanye. I’m actually a huge Kanye fan, and I also have a ridiculous sunglasses fetish. So I was also kinda poking fun at myself too.
2) You seem to have so much fun working with pets! Tell the Unleash readers about what you do and how you connect your passion with your business.
I tell people I’m in the business of love, laughter and peace of mind. I’m a business woman in this modern day, but I’m also old school and about valuing integrity and service before money. I’m not about quantity but rather quality. I’m not interested in having the most clients. I’m interested in giving the best service possible to the clients I do have. So, Auntie Jen’s Pet Services is pet sitting, pup-tials (dog weddings), and dog party catering. We mostly care for pets in their own home while their human parents are away at work or travelling. We customize the care based on each pet’s needs so their mom or dad’s absence doesn’t affect their routine or cause them stress. My associates and I also cater and host dog birthday parties with gourmet, preservative-free dog cakes and treats. We also do dog weddings, followed by a dog-friendly reception. I even offer a personalized “prepup” so there’s no disputing whose chew toy or bone is whose in case the marriage doesn’t work and they bark for a divorce!
.jpg) 3) How do people respond when you tell them that you plan weddings for dogs?
When I tell people I do dog weddings, I often get, “You’re crazy!” But it’s almost always said in good humor. People usually laugh. Or they smile and their eyes get really big. The reaction itself is why I tell people—-not so much to promote the idea as to get some kind of joyful response. As far as dressing dogs, I personally don’t advocate putting clothes on dogs on a regular basis. Now some dogs seem to really like it, and some dogs seem to need the extra insulation in winter time, and that’s cool. But, generally speaking, I think it’s unnatural. I believe in letting dogs be dogs. Dog weddings are a very special event—-think of it like a party where everyone plays dress-up and socializes and then goes home and takes off their party clothes. And if a dog’s not cool with the dress-up part, or even with participating at all, I won’t force it. The idea is for everyone to have a good time. If a dog’s not down, I won’t even go there out of respect to that dog’s boundaries and mental health. The dogs I’ve married have been totally cool with it. My dog, Sharky, is a backyard tomboy who likes to roll in the dirt and stink herself up good. I encourage her to be a dirty dog. But once in a blue moon she’ll get cleaned up and do the diva dog thing, just for fun. She’s a total ham for the camera, and she digs the vibe of a good party with happy people paying lots of attention to her. Sharky has a special shine about her, and dog parties are just another opportunity for her to share her endless love with other dogs and humans alike. So check this out—-Sharky’s famous overseas now. Her wedding came in at number 24 in a documentary called “50 Greatest Wedding Shockers.” It debuted in the UK in April as part of the pre-Royal wedding TV hype. At the beginning of my segment on dog weddings, actor Todd Bridges (Willis of Different Strokes) jokes about my weddings. He’s like, “Dogs don’t get married…They just got bitches!” (laughs)
4) You're also known as "Reverend Roberts." Explain.
I’m an ordained minister. Granted, I got ordained online by the Universal Life Church Monastery in five minutes. So it was easy to do and might not seem like a big deal, or it might even seem like I’m mocking marriage between people. Not at all. As far as I see it, if I’m gonna do something, I’m gonna go all out or go home. If I were to marry two humans, I’d have to be ordained. Why should it be different for dogs? They’re also God’s creatures. To treat them differently is to be prejudice, and I’m about equality for all.
5) Being a dog lover at heart, are there any animal welfare agencies that you support or would like to shout out?
There are so many groups I support that I’d rather not play favourites. I would like to say that I encourage people to research any nonprofit they give to or are considering giving to. Find out how your donations and volunteer time work for animals. Plus looking into an agency before you give your endorsement protects your integrity and helps keeps them accountable.
Additional comments:
If people wanna check out my site and find out more about me or check out links to my YouTube videos, IMDb page, other interviews I’ve given—-or just look at some hilarious pics of pets that’ll make them smile—-go to www.auntiejenpetsitter.com, or just Google “Auntie Jen.”
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