It’s been six years since Marissa Diamond started her business, Marissa’s PawPals.

Since then she’s walked many miles, given countless belly rubs and served up hundreds of tasty treats to her furry friends. Not only has she taken care of dogs and cats, but also bunnies, chickens and lizards.

“My favorite thing about my business is giving pets love,” Marissa wrote. “I can see my old clients every week and sometimes new clients can be my new best friends.”

On the Facebook page for Marissa’s PawPals, visitors can see photos of pets she takes care of often, as well as her own dogs. They’ll also see examples of pet portraits that she’s created.

A lifelong artist, Marissa loves to draw animals. But she also creates characters inspired by the animators of Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks and Nickelodeon.

“I have 11 different stories I am working on and coming up with new ideas.” Marissa wrote. “I like to draw (by hand) and on an iPad. It makes me happy!”

Working with her art mentor, Meg Krone of Heart to Art Therapy, Marissa has been creating new pieces, which she hopes to sell on her Etsy store. She’s also working on an animation called “Stories of Gravity” and a new logo for her PawPals business.

As her client base has grown, Marissa has been able to offer new services beyond walks and play sessions. Now she offers overnight pet sitting and also creates pet portraits. 

She and her mother, Kate Diamond, also bake natural, gluten-free dog treats and are trying to develop a cat treat as well. Although they are not able to ship the treats, they can be delivered locally in Licking County. 

Marissa’s clients are always happy to be taste testers when she visits them for walks or playdates. 

Not only are the pets happy with Marissa, but their owners are too! Since Marissa started sending out a client satisfaction survey, the reviews have been positive. 

Kate said she is especially proud of Marissa for her hard work and consistency, especially when she has to get up early to check in on the pets she is caring for.

Working in a job that not only works for her schedule but inspires her creativity has been a great fit for Marissa.

She is currently open to more pet clients and is working on new art that will be available this fall. 

Click here to visit Marissa’s Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarissasPawPals?ref=shop_sugg_market

For more information search Marissa’s PawPals on Facebook or email marissaspawpals@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Kate Diamond.