Very Important Pet Parent Spotlight
Joseph Dunbar, Lydia & Willow
What brought you to Florida?
I was born and raised in Jacksonville. I’ve moved here and there but I’ve always come back. I was a medic in the National Guard and currently work as a project manager in civil construction. Florida will always be my home. I enjoy living close to the beach with my two standard poodles, Lydia and Willow.
Have you always had pets?
Yes. Cats, birds, dogs, a horse as a kid. Dogs have always been my favorite companions.
Please introduce us to your Fur Family. How did you meet and become FURever companions?
Lydia is an 8 year old black standard poodle from Ocala, FL. An ex-girlfriend got a dog and I wanted one too. I fell in love with the breed and added another 2 year old white standard poodle named Willow in 2020.
What do you love most about your pets?
Lydia is very refined, gentle, independent, and sweet. She doesn’t mind her space and rarely ever ever barked. That all changed when the puppy came along. She found her voice and plays with Willow day and night. Willow is goofy, clingy, gentle, and loving as can be.
How has 9 to 5 Pets made your life easier? What do your pets enjoy the most from our service?
I sold my house in St. Augustine and moved back to Jacksonville closer to the beach. I didn’t have a dog walker and my dog groomer was not doing daycare, so a friend recommended 9 to 5 Pets and it’s made my workdays a lot smoother. All of the walkers have been kind, informative, and helpful.
What are your favorite activities you share with your pet?
Lydia and Willow are as content laying in bed watching TV as they are running around and playing at Brew Hound. I cook them breakfast every weekend consisting of rice and eggs and chicken.
Share a fond memory with your pet:
When Lydia was a puppy, I took her to the Keys. She loved roaming around the sandy beaches off leash and burying her nose in the sand.
What life lessons have you learned from your pet?
Dedication, compassion, and unconditional love
If you had to wear a T-Shirt with one word on it for a year, what word would you choose?
I’m not sure
If you could instantly become an expert in something what would it be?
Probably investment predictions!
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you?
I don’t receive a lot of gifts, but probably a handmade wooden box from my dad