Pets are Family Members Too
by Melissa LaScaleia
Cindy Bright is the owner of Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care, a pet service for people who are busy, working, or away from home and want to make sure that their pets are well cared for in their absence or while they are tending to life’s other obligations.
Cindy loves the canines and pets she sits for— and works seven days a week from 7am-11pm when needed, within the geographical radius of the Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside, Market Common, and Garden City areas.
She offers 30, 45 and 60 minute visits for dogs, and 30 minute cat-care visits, but can create a customizable schedule, offering any combination of those times to suit her clients’ needs.
“A mid-day dog walk is anytime from 11am to mid-afternoon,” Cindy says. “It includes going outside for a walk and potty break, playtime, fresh water, and a treat. I also do in-home visits for both dogs and cats. I’ll take dogs out two to three times a day for walks, or to play in the backyard, and visit cats one or two times a day, depending on what the owner wants.”
Cindy administers any medications the animals take, and gives them water and food according to the schedule the owner requests. She also provides transportation to and from the groomer or the veterinarian for scheduled appointments made by the pet parents, if needed. In addition to dogs and cats, she also cares for birds, fish, lizards, and rabbits.
“As far as in-home visits for those out of town,” she says, “I take care of the home as well: the lights, curtains, trash, mail, TV/radio, and watering plants. This gives the home a lived-in look.”
Cindy worked as a registered nurse in hospital emergency rooms for twenty-seven years as a career.
“I was looking for a change,” she says. “And one day, my neighbor needed to go out of town and asked me to take care of her dogs while she was gone. I had so much fun, I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I got some books and began doing research, and decided to start my own business. Now I’m in my fifteenth year as my own small business owner.”
“Being a nurse is very helpful in caring for pets,” she adds. “Many pets get medicines, and a lot of pets get the same medicines that people do. The equipment used and ways of administering the medicines are very similar.”
Cindy has a list of accreditations. She is a member of Pet Sitters International; her company is bonded and insured; she is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid; and has background clearances. Her business is licensed and renewed in Horry County yearly.
What’s her favorite thing about this career?
“Every pet has their own personality,” she says. “And that is the best part— getting to know who they are.”
Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care
