I have always had a love for animals and sharing that love and knowledge with others! About 30 years ago, in high school, I started working at Granada Pet. Then about 20 years ago, I opened up Village Pet Shop in Livermore.
Q: What are some fun activities to do in Livermore?
I like hiking on the trials. My favorite place to hike is Morgan Territory. But I also like Sycamore Grove and Bushy Peak. I also enjoy watching the independent movies at The Vine Cinema. I also enjoy going to Alden Lane Nursery.
Q: What makes the Livermore community so special?
I meet so many good and nice people here on a daily basis. There is a lot of pride in this town. I think the people truly care about each other and the community itself. We have traditions like the rodeo that make it special.
Q: Please tell us about where you work and what you love about what you do?
People that are starting out with their adventure with pets come here and it’s exciting to be part of that and share my knowledge and love of animals with the rest of the world. Pets serve an important role in teaching kids responsibility and caring for something. On the other end of the spectrum, seniors enjoying pets and it gives them something to love and care for, and gives them a reason to get up every morning.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ale House, Strings and Yin Yin are my favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Livermore since 1991.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I watch Survivor, that’s my guilty pleasure. I like all the Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings. The new one I’m watching now is End Game. I love the strong female characters in the show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do what you love and surround yourself with people you love. It’s not about how much money you make or the car you drive. Everything you have can go away in an instant. Your family and friends are all that really matters. Life is too short to not be happy. So, if you don’t like where you are in life, change it! Everything you do in life starts with one step. You just have to be brave enough to make that first step. People are sometimes afraid to make that first step and can spend a week thinking about it. But once you do, you realize it was not a big deal to just do it. You learn more from your mistakes and failures than you do from your success. I got the best advice from my Mom when I was thinking about opening up the pet shop when I was 23. She said, “What’s the worst that’s going to happen? You fail? Then you get up, dust yourself off and move on!”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Vine Cinema, The Donut Wheel, Loard’s Ice Cream and Alden Lane Nursery are some of my favorite places in Livermore.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The way people come together. The Wine Festival, Livermore Rodeo and Farmer’s Market really bring our community together.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m kind of an open book, but I am a shy person if I don’t know you. I got over my shyness when I first started working at a pet store many years ago. I really like to read. I enjoy gardening to help me relax, it’s therapeutic. If I have a stressful day, I take the dog for a walk or work in the yard.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
I enjoy getting together with family on Thanksgiving. Being with family so important. I am not big on getting presents. It’s all about doing something as a family. When I grew up, I always preferred family trips and the experience instead of gifts.
Q: Who inspires you?
My Mom and Dad inspire me the most. Currently, the president of Ukraine is so inspirational. He has such courage and loyalty to lead his people and country. I like how he said, “I need ammunition, I don’t need a ride.” He is the one person who is brave enough to stand up against a powerful leader.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, peace and happiness
What is the best way to get a hold of you? Village Pet Shop 3008 Pacific Ave., Livermore 925-443-3015
