The Business Petners

"Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled."
—Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Sandi Hildebrand, MA

I was first introduced to feeding raw by watching a colleague switch her nine-year-old spaniel onto a raw food diet. I watched an aging, senior dog turn back into a puppy before my eyes.

When I was later able to bring a dog into my life, I researched nutrition and diet, and knew that feeding raw made sense to me. It also led me to discover the many other healthy and holistic options for animals that are available, and I wanted to share that information with others. 

I began to recognize the need for a forum that focuses specifically on holistic approaches to animal wellness. One of my goals is to provide pet guardians with the information and opportunity to make informed choices based on credible information. To that end, I began working with my Business Petner, Esther, to co-create Petnerships—The Place for Progressive, Alternative Pet Information, and The Petnership Project Holistic Wellness Pet Show. 

I knew bringing an animal into my life would change things, but I had no idea how much Belle (my eight year old giant schnauzer) would teach me. Through her, I have realized how passionate I am about the well-being of all animals, and see everyday all the life lessons that  animals teach us, including how to experience joy, being present, asking for what we want, and celebrating each moment.

I hope you enjoy the site, and that we will see you at The Petnership Project in 2011!

Esther Sarlo, BA

One cool, sunny, spring day in 2009, I was sitting at Kits Point reading a book about dogs when a large white malamut came up gently into my space, nose to nose. As he and the four other dogs with him settled at my feet in the sun-warmed sand, each dog introduced himself to me and nudged my hand for some connection. This  beautiful pocket of silent and peaceful communion together in the spring breeze has remained with me. I still smile whenever I remember my brief experience as a pack member. Having just begun The Petnership Project with Sandi, it seemed like a beautiful metaphor and affirmation. I'm delighted to  be co-creating this phenomenal enterprise called Petnerships and I continue to take every opportunity revel in a joyful connection with animals.

As a Concierge, Event Manager, Writer, Musical Performer, and former Youth Counsellor, I bring organization, energy, and my own unique skill sets to helping make The Petnership Project a success. I'm passionate about clear, authentic communication and collaboration that connects people with "things that matter". With Petnerships, I'm thrilled to be creating opportunities for people and businesses directly related to the growing trend  of holistic and alternative treatment  for animals. The more we are educated about the options available for animals, the better prepared we all are to make informed choices based on accurate, credible, and easy-to-access information.

In the past I've used my psychology degree mostly with people. Now I get to 'play' in a new arena. I love the time I spend with animals—these amazing beings that have so much to teach us. What a joyful opportunity!

Let us know what you'd like more of on our website...see you at The Petnership Project in June 2011.

Our Inspiration...