My husband and I are both animal lovers and have 4 of our own, 2 cats, Black Jack and Missy, and 2 dogs, Maddie Grace and Suzie. Suzie is our humane society dog and one of the best things we have ever done. They are our pride and joy and definitely a part of our family. They are the reason Grand Paws at Home was born.

When the job I had moved out of town, I found myself looking for a new line of work. I have a business degree and could go that direction again, but what I had wanted to do for a long time is to start a business taking care of people's pets. I know that others view their pets as family members just like us, and that when they go out of town they are not comfortable leaving them at a kennel. I have left pets at kennels in the past and they have come back upset and a few times sick. I know we have some good kennels in Dalton and do not want to sound like I am saying they mistreat animals. But not all animals do well when left at kennels, just as, not all animals can be left at home with a pet sitter. My husband and I have decided that this is the time for this dream to become a reality. Grand Paws at Home was begun in October 2005 and has been successful with the clients who have used the service. I have found more and more people who are thrilled to know they have another option besides boarding their pets when they are away.

A little about our human family. My husband is a computer programmer for Chadwick and Associates here in Dalton. We have 2 grown children, a son 23 and a daughter 21. We are very active in our church, Trinity United Methodist. I have been attending there for 37 years. I was youth director for 7 years and am now the Children's Coordinator. We both sing in the choir, are involved in our food program "Angel Food Ministries", our Christian Coffee House, " Heaven at 7", and are involved in many other aspects of service. We believe strongly that when God created animals he expected the humans He created to take care of them. We are also active volunteer members of the Humane Society Adoption Center on Cleveland Hwy. We help with shifts caring for the animals several times each week. This is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling things we have ever done.I hope that if I can be of assistance to you and your pets, you will email me at grandpawsathome@yahoo.com or call at 706-271-7618.

Sincerely,
Rita Burrows