Natalie Palmer & Bugsy
What brought you to Florida?
After visiting family in Jacksonville Beach several times my husband and I fell in love with the area and the friendly, easy going vibe. We have been here for almost 9 years and still love it!!
Have you always had pets?
Yes
Please introduce us to your Fur Family. How did you meet and become FURever companions?
Bugsy is an almost 9 mo old Shih Tzu. After searching pet shelters and being on rescue wait lists for a small dog we ended up buying Bugsy. We didn’t know what we wanted, other than small. He chose us with his friendly, outgoing personality and continues to charm most everyone he meets. He is our little lovebug!
What do you love most about your pet?
He loves to chase his tail, since he was tiny. He sits very still and looks at it out of the corner of his eye then leaps trying to sneak up on it! And now that he is bigger and a little (very little) more coordinated he can occasionally catch it. When he does he often does a somersault roll trying to hang on. So funny!!
How has 9 to 5 Pets made your life easier? What does your pet enjoy the most from our service?
We found 9 to 5 Pets when we were in the process of moving and needed a few hours a day to pack without a puppy unpacking or trying to play with the boxes.
Bugsy absolutely fell in love with Lauren and the Off Leash Adventures! He gets so excited when she pulls into the drive. Since moving we have continued the service and we get continuous compliments on how great he is, especially with other dogs. And as an added bonus he learned how to sit in the seat alone without trying to move around in the car.
What are your favorite activities you share with your pet?
The water – ocean or lake. Bugsy loves to play in the water. Just hanging out at the edge of the waves or chasing balls in the lake. He likes to ride in the front of the boat with the wind in his face and is learning to jump off the boat swim platform. But then he pretty much loves doing anything outside.
Share a fond memory with your pet:
My father is in memory care with Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia and doesn’t really know Bugsy but usually wants to pet him. Last time we were there we had cake and then my dad wanted to hold him. I told him he would probably lick him (he loves to give doggie kisses). Sure enough Bugsy gave him a big old lick and my dad had the biggest expression of surprise and happiness. He even started laughing. It was a wonderful moment.
What life lessons have you learned from your pet?
Patience; forgiveness (aka short memory); always do puppy stretches in the morning; saying hello to people is the easiest way to make new friends; and always show people you love how you feel.
If you had to wear a T-Shirt with one word on it for a year, what word would you choose?
Choose Happiness (sorry I know thats 2)
If you could instantly become an expert in something what would it be?
Identifying priorities that are not obligations. Fulfilling obligations is a necessity (ie. providing for your family, etc) but spending time with those you love or doing things that truly make you happy is equally if not more important.
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you?
Unconditional love
