We know one person who walked OVER 3 million steps!
3,157,507 steps to be exact…
And the PuppyUp Nation Walk wants to congratulate her for the Top Stepper that she is:
Debra’s story: My company Wipe Your Paws Petsitting has been in existence for over 16 years. It is run by me with help from my family. I started it since I absolutely love pets and also walking. It just took off and I have had some of the same clients for that time period. I can honestly say I love my job. I used to work in a corporate environment, stopped when I had kids, and then decided to do something I truly loved.
My clients are like family and so are their pets. Some I see daily and others for vacations. My favorite part of the job is when the dogs and cats remember me and get so excited to see me – yes even cats! The worst part is when I have to say goodbye to them. They really are like my own. Seeing the family go through this difficult time is heartbreaking but they turn to me seeking consolation that they were great pet parents.
I have an array of pets at home and grateful for all of them. Each year I choose an organization who has a walk. My clients and friends and associates have been so generous over the years with donations. I did my first walk with Puppy Up about five years ago after suddenly losing two of my own dogs to cancer within six weeks of each other. I still have not gotten over that pain. I remember at the walk there was a moment of silence to honor those we lost. I looked out into the crowd and saw the sorrow and pain all of those people were going through and knew I was not alone. In some way that has helped me deal with this terrible disease.
Currently my boxer, Roscoe, who has been my steady boy through all of the 5K walks, developed cancer and is being treated. It is emotional and financially a hard process. When I saw this virtual walk and during COVID, I was so grateful to have a goal to bring awareness to this organization.
I am grateful for this honor. Roscoe is so special to me and I am hoping in time a cure will be found for all the families who have to experience this process.
| We thank Debra for her dedication to making all those steps for Puppy Up. |
