Spring 2009 - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Deedra Thompson
As the moderator for the NAPPS mentoring
teleconference, I was asked to share a bit
about myself. Well since you asked, here goes.
I couldn’t tell my story without starting with my
Dad. Alvin Cox was a zookeeper and owner of a
small private zoo called Coxville, just north of
the city limits in Austin, TX. He also made television
appearances on the “Uncle Jay” show to
share information about the uniqueness of animals.
We were all introduced to an assortment
of animals at a very early age. There wasn’t
much choice and I loved every minute of it.
My Mom, Doris, raised the girls, kept the
books, and endured it all with Dad bringing
home many of the animals for us to play with. I
was put on the back of a horse before I could
sit up and had a wonderful time playing with
baby lion cubs, a beautiful Bengal tiger named
Taboo, and our snakes and other creatures. We
learned early on what it was like to care for our
animals and had to often stay behind to care
for them while friends went on nice vacations.
Although I was a little envious back then, I
wouldn’t change a thing for those experiences I
had. As a teen the city began to close in around
us. Complaints were registered from neighbors
who seemed to be bothered by our lions roaring
in the night. Like all good things, our zoo
came to an end. Perhaps the greatest gift my
Dad gave me was his compassion for animals.
See old photos and articles at
http://fryr.tripod.com/cfhistorycox_zoo.html.
Since that time I’ve had positions in banking,
social services, and as a tour representative in
Jamaica. I relocated to Florida where I met my
wonderful husband and we now live in West
Palm Beach. I currently work as a full-time
Executive Assistant to a CEO of a company that
provides health care services. I am very fortunate
that the CEO I work for is also a pet lover.
I began Pet At Home Sitting services as a parttime
business five years ago and continue to
do so today. My husband, Russ, helps me out
considerably. We do morning, evening, and late
night visits, and an occasional overnight too.
The pet sitting business chose me. It’s what
brings me back to earth and the things that
matter most—people and their pets.
Deedra Thompson, moderator for the NAPPS mentoring teleconferences,
with (left) Rocky, and on the right, 1 year-old Ziggy.
The most demanding thing about my business
is trying to juggle my schedule and take care of
all that extra paperwork that comes along with
running a business. Encouraging clients to
understand and consider healthier food choices
for their pets can also be a challenge, but when
the reward is having more time with your pet,
many see the benefit. They also recognize the
value they have found in using a professional
pet sitter.
I joined NAPPS a couple of years ago and still
remain a member of other organizations as
well. I have found NAPPS to be very beneficial,
especially with the Web site and library that
provide so much good information for free to
their members. NAPPS has great innovative
ideas and you have the opportunity to learn
from other’s experiences, both good and bad.
NAPPS even helped me with a press release for
my business. What I have learned about pets is
there is always something new or a better way
to handle or care for them. The conferences
I’ve attended through NAPPS have included
specialists such as a behaviorist and nutritionist.
I have also taken advantage of the chance
to refresh my pet CPR and first-aid skills.
I enjoyed and learned so much from the teleconferences
that when the call was made for a
volunteer to host them, I didn’t have to think
twice. It’s a joy for me to lead the mentoring
teleconferences. It’s often difficult for me to
commit to some of the worthwhile projects that
NAPPS undertakes with my work schedule. I
also help with charity fundraisers for both pets
and people, but wanted to do more. This allows
me to give something back to NAPPS and the
schedule is just the right fit.
I feel so honored to belong to NAPPS and I have
met some wonderful and dedicated professional
pet sitters though my association. The most
rewarding thing about being a pet sitter is all
the love and kisses you get from those in your
care. It is also quite nice to hear from the
owner that their pets seem to miss you too
once they return home.
Happy sitting! ■
The NAPPS Network • 4