It’s hard to fool your pets. They have a wonderful sense of knowing when you’re about to leave them alone. And somehow they know if you’re leaving them for a few hours or the whole day.
They definitely know what’s up when the suitcase comes out and you’re leaving for a vacation without them … and they don’t like it (except for maybe a few of the cats out there).
Fortunately, for all of us pet lovers and owners, we have locals like Lori Cooper to give our dogs and cats the extra love and potty breaks they need when we’re away from home.
If you know Lori, you know she has a passion for pets and for the Lake Travis community. There’s a good chance you’ve seen Lori in the neighborhood walking doggies, at a LT football game under the Friday night lights, or hanging out at The Grove in Lakeway — one of her favorite restaurants.
Lake Travis locals, meet Lori Cooper, owner of Woof and Purr — providing a loving substitution while you are away …
1. What is your story? Were you pet sitting for others as a kid?
I have always loved animals even as a child. Growing up, my family always had dogs and cats running around the house. We even took in the occasional wild bunny, baby bird, and at one point a two foot baby alligator.
2. How did Woof and Purr get started?
My sister asked if I could take care of her two dogs while she was away for work thirteen to fourteen days a month. While out on walks with the dogs, friends and neighbors in her neighborhood got used to seeing me around and started to ask if I could take care of their pets either while they were at work or away on business or enjoying weekend family adventures. From there, the business started to grow through word of mouth.
3. What kinds of clients to you work with? What problems do you help them solve?
I work with any one and any type of client — from the workaholic to the stay at home moms. I do not have a specific client in mind when offering up my services. I am available 24 hours a day — 7 days a week — 365 days a year!
In this day and age, no one knows when they may be called out of town; thus, trying to make arrangements for their furry loved ones in the home at the last minute can sometimes be quite stressful. I want to take away that stress from my client’s lives when faced with leaving town.
4. What do you do differently than other pet sitting services?
I offer a 24 hour service. Which means, I will be with your pet 24 hours a day in the comfort of their own home during the period you are away from them. I find that it is less stressful to the animals to have someone around to love on them.
Thus, I do pretty much everything the client would do from cleaning out litter boxes to driving them to the vet or groomer.
I am a CNA so administering medication is also included should your furry family member require it.
5. What are your big goals for Woof and Purr?
I would like to have the name Woof and Purr become a household name in and around the Lake Travis Community. I pride myself in being a natural with all animals and would like the opportunity to expand my services. The reliability that comes along with Woof and Purr is a given as well as the accountability that your pet is being well taken care of in your absence.
6. What are some things Woof and Purr does to give back to the community?
I am in the process of creating area drop/donation boxes where members of our community can drop off kitty litter, food, grooming tools, crates, cages, and other pet items that are no longer needed.
These donated items will then be distributed to families in need so that they may be able to care of their pets. Eventually, I would like to establish a referral service for those families to use for low cost animal care.
7. What do you love best about doing business in the Lake Travis area?
I live in the area. I love it when I am out shopping or running errands and happen to run into one of my clients. It gives me an opportunity to catch up on what’s been happening in their lives and hear the latest news on their pets.
As fast as the area is growing, it always seems that you cannot leave your house and not run into someone you know. It’s great — you can really feel the heart felt enthusiasm of the pride we all feel living in the Lake Travis area — especially under the Friday Night Lights.
8. What are the three things that stand out about living in Austin versus other cities you’ve lived?
The single thing that stands out to me is the ever changing skyline of downtown Austin. It proves to me that we are a living, vibrant city with our best days ahead of ourselves.
The second aspect that makes Austin stand out is our ability to stand united for any cause and our community’s involvement in and dedication to those causes.
Finally, I would have to say, the overall friendliness of the people who live here. With all the growth and expansion of the city and surrounding areas, the residents of Austin still maintain the simple life, basking in the natural beauty of our great city.
9. What do you like best about living in the Lake Travis area?
First off, the people. With the influx of new residents to our community, everyone has a story. I find it fascinating to hear people talk about their lives “BLT” — Before Lake Travis. This is a great community and the diversity just makes it better.
10. If someone is new to Austin, what do you suggest they see or do?
Most definitely, The Oasis for the lake view — especially now that we have our lake back. After enjoying the beautiful sunsets over Lake Travis, I would encourage them to take in some of the local live music or a show at Ester’s Follies.
11. What is your favorite place to drink, relax and meet with friends in Austin?
I enjoy staying close to home. The Grove offers a perfect place to sit back and relax with friends. The Emerald Restaurant is another of my favorites for a more intimate setting.
12. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting their own business?
I rely on the four P’s … patience, persistence, perseverance, and prayer. It is really hard to continue in business if you do not have all four of these values.
Connect with Lori Cooper on Facebook or send Lori an email at [email protected]
