A Year in the Life of Auntie M Pet Care: What We Learned, Loved, and Look Forward To
As we move into a new year, we’ve been reflecting on all the moments big and small that shaped our community in 2025. When we look back, what stands out most isn’t the total number of walks, sits, hikes, or training sessions we completed. It’s what those moments meant for the pets and people who trusted us with their lives and routines.
This year asked a lot of our community. Many of you navigated busy seasons at work, big family trips, unexpected life shifts, and the lingering effects of Helene. Through it all, you showed up for your pets and we were honored to show up for you.
Here’s a closer look at the year we shared, and what it revealed about what’s possible when we approach pet care as a partnership.
🐾 3,400+ Walks and Hikes: The Pace of Daily Life
Routine is grounding for dogs and humans alike.
This year, over 3,000 walks and hikes allowed dogs to stretch their legs, explore the world, and release energy in healthy ways. Beyond that, these moments did something quietly powerful:
They created steadiness for
Puppies learning structure
Seniors who moved more easily with gentle support
Anxious dogs who regulated through movement
Adventure dogs who needed a challenge
Families whose schedules were overflowing
Many of our recurring walk clients have shared that these visits, walks, and hikes became a turning point helping their dogs stay balanced and helping them feel less stretched thin. That’s the heart of what we do.
🏡 7,900+ Pet Sitting Visits and Overnight Stays: Peace of Mind While You’re Away
This year, we cared for pets across hundreds of houses, neighborhoods, and routines. For families traveling, whether for a weekend, a work trip, a vacation, or long-awaited time with relatives. Those visits meant peace of mind.
It wasn’t just about feeding or scooping.
It was about:
quiet mornings spent reassuring shy cats
gentle care for senior pets who needed medication or extra time
settling routines for dogs who struggle with change
checking the house, keeping things steady, and offering familiarity
giving humans permission to travel without guilt
Every pet sit mattered because of the comfort it brought.
🐕🦺 Dozens of Dogs Trained: A Year of Training Breakthroughs
Training continued to be one of the most transformative parts of our work this year. Under our team dog trainer’s thoughtful, customizable and compassionate approach, we saw families experience things they weren’t sure were possible:
reactive dogs taking their first relaxed walks
puppies settling into structure and bonding more deeply with their humans
anxious dogs finding confidence
adventure dogs earning more freedom and safety
humans learning how to support their dogs emotionally, not just behaviorally
Training isn’t just about skills.
It’s about reducing overwhelm, increasing connection, and teaching dogs how to regulate in a world that can be overwhelming. This year brought countless moments where humans and dogs finally understood each other better and that’s our favorite kind of progress.
🦆16 Species Cared For: A Community of All Species
We cared for 16 different species this year- a reminder that families come in all shapes, sizes, and fur (or feather or scaled) types. Dogs, cats, bunnies, reptiles, exotics, seniors, puppies… each one unique.
Each visit reinforced a belief we hold deeply:
Every pet deserves care tailored to them.
🌄 Community Moments That Brought Us Together
One of the brightest parts of this year was watching our community continue to show up for each other.
Our WNC Dog Moms walks became a space for connection, shared stories, and a sense of belonging.
Our team workshops strengthened our team and deepened our understanding of the animals we care for.
Every conversation in person, by email or phone, or on social media reminded us how lucky we are to be part of your lives.
💛A Team That Grew With Intention
This year, we welcomed wonderfully experienced team members whose skills and heart allowed us to continue serving at a high level, especially as our community recovered from Helene.
Their presence and steadiness mattered. Their willingness to step in and support families mattered.
Our team didn’t just grow in numbers. We grew in strength, communication, connection, and capacity, all so we could continue showing up for you with the reliability and care you count on.
What This Year Taught Us
More than anything, this year reminded us that pet parents are looking for more than just a service. They want support they can trust. And we saw again and again that:
Reliable partnership matters.
Families need a team who shows up consistently, communicates clearly, and truly cares about their pets.
The small, everyday moments make the biggest difference.
A midday walk, a calm training success, a familiar face during travel- these moments shape a pet's health and happiness.
Support creates ease for the whole household.
When pet parents feel supported, stress goes down, confidence goes up, and life becomes more manageable.
Routine is powerful.
Dogs thrive on predictable rhythms. Recurring walks, structured training, and steady care help them feel safe, grounded, and understood.
Families don’t have to carry it all alone.
Whether a pet is anxious, energetic, or still learning, having a professional partner makes a world of difference.
Community enriches everything.
From Dog Moms hikes to training relationships, connection helps pet parents feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.
Looking Ahead
As we step into a new year, we’re thinking about how to deepen the support we offer.
How to create more ease for families.
How to help dogs live calmer, more connected lives.
How to continue strengthening the team that cares for your pets as if they were their own.
If you’re heading into the new year wanting:
more steady weekly help
more structure and support for your dog
more confidence during travel
or simply a community that understands your pet
We’re here and ready to walk into 2026 alongside you.
Thank you for being such a meaningful part of our pack and and thank you, most of all, for trusting us with yours.