APRI L 2 0 1 7 I BOROMAG.COM 33 P ad LILY’S PAD Devoted to happy homes for our furry friends! Last year, after losing her job, Astorian Jen Bowman sat in Madison Square Park at 9 a.m. crying alone on a park bench when a dog pulled away from her walker and stuck her nose in for a sniff and a lick. Before she knew it, she had started up a conversation with the cheerful walker and canine companion and realized the crying had stopped. A simple lick had soothed her disappointment. “I’d like to say that was the moment I made the decision to start my own pet care business, but it wasn’t,” Bowman said. “After grueling for weeks over what to do next, I focused on what makes me happy. Then it hit me. Fostering had always made me happy. It gives me purpose. I’ve always loved working with animals, so why not dive head first, all in? So I did. That is how Lily’s Pad was born.” Bowman had long adored the fostering process, something that she did accompanied by her therapy dog, Lily. cared for while they go out and make sure the bills are paid. There is a wonderful awareness about pet care now that didn’t exist 10 to 20 years ago. If it wasn’t for those thoughtful pet care owners, my business wouldn’t be here.” SERVICES OFFERED Dog Boarding: “Your dog comes to stay in my home and becomes a temporary part of our family!” Pet Sitting: “I come to your home and care for your pet, whether that involves me spending an hour with them or staying in your home overnight.” Dog Walking: “This is pretty selfexplanatory. However, we do offer free meet-and-greets so you can meet the person who will be visiting your home and caring for your dog while you’re away. We also try to lightly work on basic obedience commands that you may have taught or are teaching your dog during the time they spend with us.” LILYSPADNYC.COM EMAIL: JENNIFER@LILYSPAD.COM FACEBOOK: LILYSPADPETSERVICES INSTAGRAM: @LILYSPADNYC Photos courtesy of Lily’s Pad They were an energetic and purposeful team, often visiting nursing homes, bringing residents comfort and cheer. Deciding that she wanted to do more, she connected with several rescue groups, nurturing her passion for helping dogs find their forever homes. “It was something meaningful to me, and it certainly helps that the local rescue community is incredibly supportive,” she said. “Now my life revolves around rescuing and pet care. I am currently enrolled in Animal Behavioral College (ABC) to eventually become a certified dog obedience trainer, so that will be an added service in the future.” Bowman was born and raised in Astoria, so she has watched the neighborhood evolve over time and become more pet friendly. “The change in the neighborhood has … helped me find the clientele that I have today,” Bowman said. “People who love their pets and want to make sure that they’re well
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