Getting to Know Our CEO
Hey there, TLDOM family – CEO Mark Carter here! This new year is off to a phenomenal start, and we hope that's the same for you. On behalf of myself and the TLDOM team, we want to thank you so much for your continued support! For those new to the community, I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself.
So- I had a little chat with our in-house blogger to share a few things about myself and the foundation of This Lil Dog of Mine.
1. How long have you been in business?
9 Years – since 2013
2. Where did you grow up?
I'm an Austin native (I grew up the only child)
3. Where did the name This Lil Dog of Mine Come From?
Actually, my mom came up with it. She was singing "This Little Light of Mine" and then just added dog, and it stuck. It was very catchy! Lol
4. Over the years, what have been some of your proudest moments in business?
My proudest moment has been able to build something from the ground up on my own, with no financial assistance. I believed in my vision and followed through with it - even when people told me to give up. I'm now able to provide others with jobs and run my business full time. There aren't many black-owned pet sitting companies, and that's huge for me to represent the black community in this capacity.
5. Where did the idea to start this business come from?
I've had a passion for animals ever since I was a child. I was the kid that would always bring home stray animals weird critters, always begging my mother to go to the pet store or zoo. As I got older, my passion and interest in animals grew. I attended vet summer camps and even joined FFA. After high school, I had my heart set on attending vet school in the future. After graduating from Prairie View A&M University with a bachelor's in Animal Science, I continued my education at Texas A&M University, where I received a Master of Science in Applied Ethology with a focus on animal behavior and well-being. After graduating and entering the work field, I quickly realized I wanted to use my experience and education in a different way. I wanted to provide a service to people that they would feel great about using.
6. How many pets do you have?
5: Ore (Mix breed), Lamar (Standard Schnauzer), Kinzie (Chihuahua mix), Averie (French Bulldog), Effie (French Bulldog)
7. What Inspires you?
Making people happy - being someone that my clients can rely on and depend on! I love reassuring people that their pets are in good hands in the business, just like if they were home.
8. What areas does This Lil Dog of Mine cover?
Everything within a 10-mile radius of 78758
9. What can pet owners expect from TLDOM over other pet sitting companies?
We are like one big animal-loving family over here! Each of our pet specialists takes the time to get to know your pet and your family to properly take care of them as if they were their own. Our sitting services are not exclusive to just dogs and cats, and we are sure to learn about other animals like exotics that are common to have as pets. We also come with an app to provide daily updates, reports, and photos while your pet is in our care. When our specialists show up for their meet and greet with your family, they take note of details that make the process as seamless as possible—expecting a package? We'll also make sure it gets inside safely!
It has been great sharing with you! My team and I take pride in the sense of family we have cultivated here. While building this business, it was intertwined in the foundation of TLDOM- you AND your pet feeling comfortable. I hope for many more years of building a community with you!