Very Important Pet Parent Spotlight
Kristina Lankry, Maddie, Henry & Asher
What brought you to Florida?
I was born and raised in Florida, originally from Jacksonville and raised in Palm Coast. I returned to Jacksonville to go to college at UNF and majored in accounting and finance. I served in the Air Force reserves for almost 9 years but separated in order to focus on schooling. I have two boys, ages 5 and almost 3! They are very energetic but very sweet.
Have you always had pets?
Yes, my family has always had pets ranging from birds to ferrets to dogs and cats.
Please introduce us to your Fur Family. How did you meet and become FURever companions?
My first fur baby of my own was Henry and he became a huge part of my life helping me adjust to living alone in Jacksonville and away from my friends and family. He recently passed away at almost 14 but loved people and was not your typical chihuahua!
After Henry, my husband and I adopted Asher who is a 10 year old miniature pinscher. He lives with his dad but Maddie and I visit frequently!
Lastly I have my shy and sweet Madeline who is a 10 year old Chihuahua! I had no plan to get another dog but when shopping at Petco they were having an adoption day and she was sitting, shaking in the corner of a huge crate and I couldn’t leave without her! She misses her fur brothers but gets quite spoiled now.
What do you love most about your pets?
Henry was so excited to see people and gave so much affection to everyone!! He also picked up some cat traits from my family cats and liked to clean all the other pets. Asher is the happy go lucky one and always excited and jumping. Though I’m sure it didn’t feel the best he is always running into doors and walls! Madeline is so sweet and timid but once she trusts you she will be so excited to see you! She follows you everywhere and every once in a while you can sneak and see her throwing toys around but she doesn’t want anyone to see. Haha! As soon as she sees you she stops and pretends she was just laying around.
How has 9 to 5 Pets made your life easier? What do your pets enjoy the most from our service?
When I was working full time it definitely helped a ton to know that my dogs were not locked up in the house for 10 hours a day. I feel like 9 to 5 Pets shows so much care and I love that I get to see pictures and hear about their time out and about. It is also helpful because I don’t always have time to take them on long walks!
What are your favorite activities you share with your pets?
Madeline loves to go on car rides and lay on her pillow in the passenger seat. Maddie also loves to go lay in the sun on her back which is funny to watch.
Share a fond memory with your pet:
When we got married in Key West we were able to take them with us and it was a lot of fun to walk around the island with them and share our special week. The area is very dog friendly! I also loved that when I had my boys Maddie always wanted to cuddle next to them when they were really little.
What life lessons have you learned from your Fur Family?
I learned when getting Henry that it is a lot of responsibility and commitment and that it takes time and persistence to build trust and train them.
If you had to wear a T-Shirt with one word on it for a year, what word would you choose?
Kindness
If you could instantly become an expert in something what would it be?
I think it would be plants and flowers! I’ve been gardening and it is a lot of work!
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you?
Honestly, my children because I couldn’t imagine my life without them.