Rachel Stichnoth is a single parent, entrepreneur, a woman of faith, has a general love for animals and all creation and is the sole owner/operator of Doggone Awesome Pet Services (D.A.P.S.). She has resided in Monticello, Indiana since around 2003. She grew up on a farm in Brook, Indiana that had horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits, dogs, cats and hamsters at one point in time or another. Rachel and her son have 1 cat, 3 dog and fish...at the moment.

In 2015, changes came their way. Many changes with jobs/income took place and left Rachel wondering, 'What now?'. Not only did these changes take place but her and her son found themselves having quite a year with 3 out of 5 of their pets. Snickers (cat), got his foot caught in a fence, broke it and wore a cast for several weeks. Another cat, Hershey, developed diabetes, and they have been learning the ropes in helping him through diet changes and insulin shots. (Update: As of September 2016, Hershey has been in a diet controlled remission after transferring him to a balanced biologically appropriate raw diet. No insulin shots were needed just days after the change. Hershey has been doing great since!) But prior to both of these incidences, their beloved dog Teddy, went through quite a life threatening ordeal. He was diagnosed with Blastomycosis in June of 2015.

Teddy spent a week at Purdue's Animal Hospital in the ICU. Rachel went everyday to visit him. He was given a 50/50 chance to survive. With lots of prayers from MANY, excellent doctors/nurses/staff and a young pup's strength, Teddy pulled through and is alive today! In the beginning of 2016, Teddy tested 'Negative' for the disease!! Woohoo!! He has had a long recovery road to travel and what a gift he has been to their family. He has survived surgeries, multiple medications and regular trips to Purdue Animal Hospital. Quite a financial undertaking let alone the emotional toll. Most likely, the disease will come and go through his life and during those times, he will take appropriate medications until his tests show 'negative' again. He showed 'positive' at the end of 2016 again by just a small amount. He was put back on Itraconozole and within 3 months, he was 'negative' again. It will be a life long journey but he is doing awesome! We think that was enough paw rockin' events for that year!

With an open heart, family and friend support, Rachel prayed for what the next phase that life had to offer. At the end of the day, she knew she wanted to make a difference in people's lives but also in the lives of paws. In August 2015, she started training and working part time at Horizon Veterinary Services taking care of the boarded animals and caring for the facilities. Rachel was super excited for this opportunity! As well in August 2015, she began volunteering at Happy Tails animal shelter in Buffalo, IN which continued for a year. Volunteers are needed desperately! Rachel also continues with assisting other owners with their vacation rentals now for about 15 years+. In October 2015, she began offering professional in your home pet services, Doggone Awesome Pet Services in Monticello, Indiana after much research. She has completed a Pet First Aid Training Course via PetTech and has earned her PSI Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, CPPS, (www.petsit.com) all prior to opening the pet sitting and dog walking company.

Luckily, through everything, she was able to take their furry loves to all vet trips and administer all medications. That is not a luxury everyone has. That has been a huge undertaking but even a bigger gift. Rachel wants to pass that gift on and be there for you and your pets. Researching what your pet care needs are, meeting them and exceeding expectations are her goals. Doggone Awesome Pet Services (D.A.P.S.) will serve as a professional platform to do just that in our area. She looks forward to attending further courses, seminars, reading, watching and lots of hands on training to become more educated about dogs and your other pets. Building a community of well informed pet owners of resources, health and other various education tips, is also important to her. She knows she is just beginning on this path and looks forward to wherever it may lead in the years to come. She thanks you immensely for giving D.A.P.S. and her a chance to aid in the care of your pets!