Happy Saturday! I know this message is out of schedule, but I’ve decided to let go of any semblance of control I thought I had over my life at the moment.

I’m sure many of you can relate to this metaphor: Since October, it feels like every day I wake up holding a handful of cooked spaghetti, throw it against the wall, and whatever sticks represents the only tasks getting done that day. Some days, that means tackling a long to-do list full of personal and work responsibilities; other days, it’s a slower pace to rest and recharge from the surrounding chaos.

By “chaos,” I, of course, refer to the HUGE news I shared with you last week: my upcoming move to Costa Rica to complete the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program! This temporary move is a big step toward my goal of becoming a Certified Dog Trainer and sharing even more knowledge with The Comfy Pets family.

Balancing this life-changing decision with hiring and onboarding a new team has been quite the adventure, but it’s the human side of things that’s been most challenging to process:

• Saying goodbye to loved ones—friends, family, my fur babies staying in NJ with my mom, and, of course, all of YOU and your fur babies.
• Grieving the end of one chapter while welcoming the beginning of another.
• Pushing aside the nagging fears of imposter syndrome.
• Accepting this new season (or era, as the Swifties say) as a positive opportunity for growth.

All that said, my departure date is fast approaching—December 2nd, just 9 days away 🙀

There have been bumps in the road, no doubt, but I keep reminding myself that nothing worth having comes easy. Despite the challenges, I’m confident in the team I’ve begun to assemble.

In addition to Josh, today I’m thrilled to welcome Alison Murphy as the next Pet Care Specialist to join The Comfy Pets team!

Alison brings a wealth of leadership experience, a lifelong love of animals, and a compassionate, caretaking approach to her role. A proud Atlanta native, Alison moved to New Jersey and spent 20 years as a Merchandise Manager/Buyer for Macy’s in NYC. After retiring, she dedicated her time to managing a busy household, raising three active boys who were deeply involved in sports, especially hockey.

Throughout her life, Alison has cared for many treasured pets, including Bauer, a 90lb Golden Retriever/Labrador who passed away earlier this year after a brave battle with cancer. Her attentiveness during Bauer’s illness—recognizing early warning signs, ensuring he received chemotherapy, and giving her family the chance to say goodbye—showcased her innate ability to read and respond to pets’ needs. Other furry family members have included Oreo, a Mini Rex bunny, and Kitty, a self-adopted tuxedo cat who enjoyed 14 wonderful years with Alison’s family.

Alison has also been a trusted pet sitter among friends and family and is already honing her professional skills through PetSit Pro training courses, including Cats 101, Dogs 101, and 5 Must-Know Pet First Aid Skills. She’s also been instrumental in the beginning stages of our transition to Time to Pet, a software platform designed to enhance your experience as a pet parent. (I’ll share more about this exciting update very soon!)

In addition to her work with The Comfy Pets, Alison serves as President of the Mountainside Library Board of Trustees, a role that reflects her leadership skills and dedication to her community. She enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and learning more about the pet care world.

A message from Alison:

Having grown up with pets, it was a natural transition for me to go from a family caregiver to a pet care companion. My 3 boys have brought bunnies, cats, and puppies into our lives, and each one has become special members of our family. I look forward to engaging with The Comfy Pets clients, both 2- and 4-legged, and to share in the care of some new furry friends.

Stay Comfy,

Tanya