Very Important Pet Parent Spotlight
Carey and Patrick Johnson & Blue
What brought you to Florida?
Born and raised in Kentucky, we moved to Florida a few years after graduating college mostly because it had beaches and Kentucky did not. ☺️ Knowing we could always move back, my husband got a job in Jacksonville (he’s still at the same company!) and we took the leap. That was 15 years ago. Two kids and two pups later, we’re still here!
Have you always had pets?
Yes, my husband and I both grew up with big dogs.
Please introduce us to your Fur Family. How did you meet and become FURever companions?
Blue is a two year old AmStaff. My husband wanted a Weimaraner, I wanted a chocolate lab, so when a local rescue had a gray “lab mix” I knew he was our perfect pup. For fun, we sent in a DNA kit to see what his mix was… And not a drop of lab! (88% AmStaff and 12% Bulldog!) Haha!
Being from Kentucky and huge UK fans, Blue got his name from our love of the Blue and White Wildcats. “Go Big Blue” is his favorite Kentucky cheer!
What do you love most about your pet?
Blue has a huge personality! He will watch TV for hours, his favorite is Animal Planet obviously. He is terrified if anyone swims in the pool but jumps right in the lake at the dog park. He loves to steal stuffed animals from my kids rooms and run around the house. He’ll act like a human as he snuggles in a bed, head on pillow and all. He will curl up in a small ball, or stretch out long as can be. And he’ll sit with his legs straight out at times. When he gets off the couch he will slowly slither off, keeping his hind legs on the couch while he takes his sweet time getting to where he’s going. Makes me laugh every time!
How has 9 to 5 Pets made your life easier? What do your pets enjoy the most from our service?
Where do I begin. Kennels weren’t a good fit for Blue. He loves being around dogs but likes to have his space to run around. So having 9 to 5 be able to come pick him up and take him on an “adventure” has been the best thing for him. I love knowing my boy is being spoiled rotten when we go out of town!!! And having pictures sent just makes my day. Owen is one of Blue’s best buds, and he goes crazy when Owen walks to the door!
What are your favorite activities you share with your pet?
I love watching Pitbulls and Paroles with him! Haha. Also love taking him to the dog park or on a trail walk. He has so much fun and is exhausted the rest of the day. And he, of course, loves the beach. Love seeing him tired and happy!
Share a fond memory with your pet:
He makes me laugh when we’re out for a walk and he guzzles water out of every sprinkler we walk by. Or at the end of a day when I’ll catch him snuggling with my kids, probably his favorite thing to do!
What life lessons have you learned from your Fur Family?
Blue has taught me to adapt, be patient and love endlessly. That sometimes the best things come in unexpected packages. This boy keeps me on my toes and keeps me laughing.
If you had to wear a T-Shirt with one word on it for a year, what word would you choose?
Kentucky 💙
If you could instantly become an expert in something what would it be?
Dog behavior!
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you?
Oh wow. Maybe just getting to know them. I’m blessed to have a lot of loving family and amazing friends who have become like my family. Can’t trade that for anything.
