Those of you who read this blog on a regular basis know that I've pretty much left my one-on-one pet loss counseling days behind me. And I often miss it! For me, there was no more rewarding work than being able to spend hours, or even days and weeks, with pet parents as they said good-bye to their beloved animals.
So, it was fun for me this weekend to revisit those days a bit during an interview with Megan Hess who writes the NoJoeSchmo blog. Megan is a recent Syracuse University grad with a degree in journalism. She's interested in how people like me have built careers that aren't exactly in the business mainstream. On her blog, Megan has collected interviews with all kinds of innovative and creative people. It's really inspiring to read about how other folks like me were able to take an idea or opportunity and create a livelihood for themselves. Megan defines a NoJoeSchmo as people who "aren't necessarily featured on Fortune 500 lists, and you probably wouldn't recognize them on TV. But their stories and career paths are just as worthwhile." (photo from the NoJoeSchmo website.)
If you've been thinking about changing jobs or, if you're interested in learning a bit about the ClayPaws® prints history, check out my interview and others like it at http://nojoeschmo.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/clay-paw-prints
Thanks, Megan!
--Laurel
Laurel - I have known from my first e-mail, of your brilliance and gifts of kindness, compassion and understanding to both the Veterinary community and to their pet patients and their pet parents!
You are truly NoJoeSchmo! You made a niche for yourself and your family. I have come to learn Kaia, Bryn and Pete, along with the Vet Wisdom groups, are equally kind and compassionate. You have accomplished much in this special field - and I know you have much more to do....you are a true visionary who sees beyond the surface in your field.....I wish you every continued success, for you are truly NoJoeSchmo!
Posted by: Midge | July 15, 2011 at 07:00 AM
Laurel - What a great interview. I personally know how much you helped me with advice getting me prepared to have my beloved 'Maximus' crossover in our home peacefully and have my husband and kids be involved. A few months after our family cat of 16 years 'Flower' had to be euthanized aswell and we were so prepared. My toddler and 5 year old have such an amazing understanding of death because of making the experience truthful, kind and peaceful that I really owe kuddos to you and Tammy for all the help I received in e-mails. I have shared this site with so many in hopes that it can enrich them as it has done to me. I would love to see the ABC, 20/20 that your family was featured in.
Thanks.
Posted by: Christina Perez Bass | July 15, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Midge and Christina, thank you! I feel really humbled by your kind words. I'm grateful that our website and anything I may have suggested or talked about has helped you. I appreciate the feedback!
Posted by: Laurel | July 18, 2011 at 08:47 AM