We recently had the chance to connect with Care Rodgers and have shared our conversation below.
Care, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Jesus Christ and the freedom I have when I trust in Him.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Care; founder and CEO of Fenway’s Runway. I am a; child of God, dog mom, dog trainer, and dog obsessed believer in one-on-one services. This means each animal receives personal attention, encouraging a strong bond and progressing good behavior. As a lifelong dog (and cat) owner, who started in Veterinary clinics and worked my way to behavioral, I’ve developed knowledge through passion and experience over the past decade. I am committed to your satisfaction, but more so, committed to extending the life of your dog and ensuring a harmonious relationship within your home.
Fenway’s Runway was founded in 2014 and named after our beautiful rescue. Fenway is our social butterfly, diligently trained service animal, and has helped many dogs overcome fears and learn to socialize. After rescuing and working with her in vet clinics, my heart broke anytime a dog was injured or worse. I started my company (at first), simply to prevent unnecessary injury and death. Four months after I launched in 2014, I left clinic and have been working full time saving dogs ever since.
I believe that our success has everything to do with being an animal lover first, and an experienced professional second. It’s all about the dogs, the owners, and what works best for you! This is why all dog training is private, customized, and in your home. YES – I come to you to ensure we build a structure and routine that will *actually* work.
Our Navy family home is extremely clean and we adore animals. We have been blessed with a HUGE backyard only ten minutes to Petco Park, and would love to have your dog for an hour (Sniffspots), or five hours (daycare/privates), and five days(boarding) or more! If you’re looking for a home away from home for your pet to be loved and played with, real grass, real outdoors, real cozy bed to snuggle – look no further!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I was working in a vet clinic in 2013 and two little girls with their parents came in bringing cards and drawings to send along with their four year-old kitten. Their kitten had gone under anesthesia and never woke up. I thought vet clinics was a good fit for me until that day. Right then God put it on my heart not to fix the problem, but rather prevent it entirely. I swore to be the detour from that moment forward, the other path that leads to life and safety, rather than the place that dogs fear and get put down. I chose to be the lane of love and fun and training, as it were, a runway.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To add the second “t” in Psalm 103:14
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That dogs need treats. They don’t. I haven’t used treats to train in over eleven years. They also don’t need prong collars, or shocks, or not so gentle leads, or to be choked or abused in any way shape or form whatsoever. Ever.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Dogs never lie. Humans do all the time. To your face. But it’s usually because they’re clueless rather than dishonest so it makes it easier sometimes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FenwaysRunway.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/fenwaysrunway
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/FenwaysRunway
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/4fO0OA5lxI
- Other: https://www.sniffspot.com/to/oj70j
Image Credits
@fenwaysrunway
