We resided in an apartment for five months (May-October) while we were renovating our home. Week one was a little bit of an adjustment all six of us (4 humans, 2 pets) living in a small space but I received an email that shined a light on a huge positive for this type of community. The email read: “Someone has found a Shitzu in the Cooks section, we will have the dog at the clubhouse.” -Landings of Brentwood

What a wonderful asset to be living in a small community, where people know what to do when they find a lost pet, and have a broadcast system in place (email to all residents) to ensure a speedy reunion. On a larger scale we try and emulate a similar experience when we lose a pet in a bigger residential area, contacting neighbors through signs, amber alerts etc. but it takes considerably more effort. StrayMagnet is trying to help with a lost and found section including a posting board, email alerts and helpful information.

When we began looking for short term places to live in Nashville (and surrounding areas) that were pet friendly it was disheartening because there were not a lot of options. We choose The Landings of Brentwood, operated by Ventura Living, because of its location, affordability, and pet friendly atmosphere. It is a large community, easily accessible to the interstate and main thoroughfares, with lots of green space nestled around each of the apartment sections. While it’s located in the heart of booming Cool Springs, (technically in Brentwood but a stones throw from Franklin) with tons of restaurants and shopping, it’s set back far enough that you feel like its a more quiet, residential community.

I highly recommend this community if anyone is looking for an apartment and has pets. It was very pet friendly offering Dog waste stations throughout the grounds, lots of grassy areas, and no restrictions on weight/size. I saw Great Danes, Chihuahuas, Labs and even a St. Bernard puppy. There is a limit on number of pets (2) and there are breed restrictions. Every night from 5-8p.m. there were lots of neighbors out walking their dogs. One of my greatest concerns, moving from our home with a nice fenced in yard, was the adjustment for the pets. The pets did quite well. Winston got three walks a day and aside from drinking from the toilet instead of the water bowl, seemed content.

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I’ve been an animal lover my whole life and aspired to have my own business one day. I envisioned a petfriendly restaurant with a separate pet store beside, pet daycare in back with a special self serve bath station, and some guest rooms upstairs to make it petfriendly B&B. Drop off your dog on the way to work and pick up breakfast at the same time. How great does that sound?

Well I am the only sibling in my family without an MBA. My background is in education and after sharing my dream with my sister she practically pointed out that there were about 5 businesses I mentioned and it would be best to start with one. All this is to say is the dream is still alive. However, at this juncture in my life where I am busy each day raising/chasing two young children my ability to help make a difference for people and their pets needs to be approached differently.

While there are already tons of websites in existence assisting adoption and reunification and providing education and local resources, I still want to do my part. I am not in it for any monetary gain. I just want to utilize my passion to help make a difference in the world and if I can help just one person or animal it will be worth it.

Along these pages, you will get to know me in ways some people have never witnessed. The mission of this website is to help empower people to make a difference for animals through education, awareness and stories. I hope you will join me on the adventure and share in a promising future.

Each week the website will feature a local pet for adoption, a news article, inspiring story and a rescue blog. You will also find a helpful lost and found section with a lost and found board and email services to spread the word about missing pets. The local resource page boasts a directory for all things pet in middle tennessee including a free business directory. Lastly, there is a pet memorial section to honor those furry friends who have passed.

Thank you for being a part of the dream.

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