Nashville Voyager Magazine

Written By Alex Ciaramitaro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Ciaramitaro.

Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.

Oh, let me fetch you up on our story! Born and raised in the state of Tennessee, in the delightful town of Spring Hill. Right from the start, dogs had a special place in my heart. My first word was “dog!” I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my life with some delightful English Springer Spaniels and lovable rescues throughout the years. They bring boundless joy and wagging tails to my life.

But my love for dogs didn’t stop at my pack. In 2009, as part of my Eagle Scout Project in collaboration with the Parks and Rec department, I unleashed my creativity and brought the Spring Hill Bark Park to life. It became a barking success, a wonderful place for dogs to play and socialize. It was a testament to my dedication to dogs and my community.

As fate would have it, in 2020, the opportunity to work remotely presented itself. This newfound freedom gave me the ability to combine my love for travel and my passion for dogs. Wherever I went, someone would ask me to watch over their precious pups, knowing I’d be home all day to provide endless belly rubs and playtime.

In 2022, I decided to take it a step further and signed up for Wag, offering walks, drop-ins, and pet-sitting services. It was a barking good time, and I realized that my true calling was caring for our four-legged friends.

Then, on March 8, 2023, the moment arrived. I proudly announced the launch of my very own dog-sitting business, “Oh Doggonit!” The response was paws-itively overwhelming, can you believe I received seven bookings on my very first day? To keep up with the demand and ensure top-notch care for all the pups in need, I enlisted the help of four of my friends. We became a paw-some pack of pet sitters, and in just three months, my team and I have completed a whopping 52 bookings!

Now, you may wonder why I chose the name “Oh Doggonit” for my business. Well, you know when people get frustrated and exclaim “doggonit?” I wanted to turn that frustration into relief and peace of mind for pet owners, knowing that their furry family members are in good paws. Our mission is to ease their worries and provide the best care possible, one doggone amazing experience at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?


No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the significant struggles I encountered was on an early Christmas morning at 2:00 am while I was sitting with a senior pug at an apartment complex in Nashville. The unexpected event occurred when the fire alarm went off, and I had to evacuate the building immediately.

In response to the emergency, I promptly called the fire department to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Once the firefighters arrived, they discovered that a fire sprinkler on the top floor had frozen and burst, triggering both the fire alarm and sprinkler system. They assessed the situation and deemed it safe for us to re-enter the building briefly to retrieve our essential belongings. Water was pouring down the stairs, dripping through the ceiling, and creating a challenging environment to navigate.

Realizing the severity of the situation, I promptly notified the owner of the senior pug about the incident. After evaluating the circumstances, I decided to take her dog, Sherlock, to my home for the holidays to ensure his safety and well-being. As I left the apartment complex, I noticed that the hallways were filled with four inches of water, and water had started to pour into the owner’s apartment.

To minimize damage, I gathered my belongings along with Sherlock’s necessities and loaded them into my car. I then returned to the apartment and placed towels in front of the door as a temporary measure to prevent further water from entering the unit. This was a challenging task, given the chaotic state of the building and the uncertainty of what I was walking into.

After Christmas Day had passed, I went back to the apartment to assess any damages and provide an update to the owner. With the landlord present, we unlocked the door and were relieved to find minimal water pooling near the front entrance. The landlord expressed his gratitude and informed me that by stuffing towels at the doorway, I had effectively saved the owner’s apartment, highlighting it as the best one in the entire complex under the circumstances.

When the owner eventually returned, she was genuinely grateful for my actions and even referred to me as a hero. This experience had a profound impact on me, instilling a sense of accomplishment and the belief that I can handle tough situations and maintain composure.

Overall, the journey has had its fair share of struggles, but it is through these challenges that I have grown and learned the importance of staying calm and taking decisive action when faced with unexpected obstacles.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?


The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that every dog has its unique personality, triggers, and mood swings. It’s crucial to recognize that you cannot treat every pup the same way. Each dog requires individualized care and attention, tailored to their specific needs.

Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand that dogs, like humans, have distinct temperaments and preferences. Some dogs may be more energetic and playful, while others may be more reserved and sensitive. It is essential to observe and understand these differences to provide the best possible care.

By acknowledging and respecting each dog’s unique personality, I’ve learned to adapt my approach and cater to their specific needs. This involves being patient, compassionate, and receptive to their cues and body language. Building a strong bond and trust with each dog allows me to address their triggers, understand their boundaries, and provide a nurturing environment for them to thrive.

Pricing:

  • $75 per day

  • + $10 add-on per additional pet

  • + $5 per day over holiday weekends.

Contact Info:

Alex Ciaramitaro
Previous

Nextdoor’s 2023 Neighborhood Faves