Illawarra Animals Replace Rat Race
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday March 2, 2004
PETS have proved perfect therapy for two Sydney women who left the corporate world for a stress-free lifestyle.
Until 18 months ago Samantha Tatlock, 24, worked in bankruptcy and collection but the pace was too much and she developed chronic fatigue syndrome.
After a lengthy illness she replaced the rat race with life in Wollongong surrounded by cats, dogs and animals of all varieties.
It wasn't long before Skye Broadhurst, 25, who worked in the insurance industry, made the same decision.
The two animal lovers moved to a Mt Ousley townhouse and found contentment looking after other people's animals.
``We have always wanted to work with animals and have our own animals, but we just haven't been able to," Ms Tatlock said. ``In the corporate world we didn't have the time to give them the amount of care and attention they need."
But when they started minding pets for friends and volunteered to help care for dogs for the Dalmation Club they realised there was a market for a pet sitting service.
``If owners don't have time we are more than happy to do it for them," Ms Broadhurst said.
When the Illawarra Technology Centre revealed planning assistance was available from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the women decided to take their idea by the leash.
Ms Tatlock enrolled in an animal care certificate and inspired by the Gerald Durrell book, The Stationary Ark, formalised a name for the business.
The Stationary Ark offers a service from Helensburgh to Kiama where client's homes are visited once a day and pets are given a meal, water and attention.
People on holiday can also have their mail collected, plants watered, bins put out and animal litters, cages and feeding areas cleaned.
Ms Tatlock said minding pets had great therapeutic value. ``We have so much fun," she said.
© 2004 Illawarra Mercury
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