Tennessee Highlighter

Written By Alex Ciaramitaro

Meet Alex Ciaramitaro | Owner, Oh Doggonit!

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Ciaramitaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Many people may not realize how much time I spend away from home in my industry. Last year, I spent 182 days dog sitting, which is exactly half of the year, staying in someone else’s home. It’s quite an adjustment; it’s not like staying in a hotel room where there’s a cleaning service and everything is predictable – like adjusting the thermostat and turning on the tv.

I have to learn how to navigate an unfamiliar environment, where you don’t know where anything is. While at the same time being respectful of the homeowner’s space. Each house is different; some are old and creaky, while others are new and automated. On top of that, I’m constantly caring for different dogs, each with their own unique personalities. It’s always an adjustment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Oh Doggonit! is a local pet sitting business in Middle Tennessee that prides itself on personalized and attentive care for pets in their own homes. What sets us apart is our commitment to ensuring no double bookings, guaranteeing each pet receives our full attention.

I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built for reliability and care. Building the business wasn’t easy, especially in a competitive market. We’ve overcome challenges by focusing on exceptional service and building trust with our clients.

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of a strong team and fostering a culture of care and professionalism. Oh Doggonit! is more than just a pet sitting service; it’s a community of animal lovers dedicated to providing the best care for our furry friends. Our story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep love for animals. We’re excited to continue growing and serving our community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great places to visit in Nashville!

For dining, I highly recommend Otaku Ramen in the Gulch. They offer a mix of ramen bowls and Japanese comfort snacks like hot chicken buns, gyoza dumplings, and edamame. They also serve coffee, boba tea, soda, and seasonal alcoholic slushees. Another fantastic area for dining is McGavock St, also known as MStreet, which offers an eclectic mix of restaurants. Some highlights include Virago for sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, Moto for rustic Italian dishes, Kayne Prime for a boutique steakhouse experience, and Saint Añejo for a rock and roll cantina vibe.

For drinks, you can’t go wrong with The GreenHouse Bar in Green Hills. It’s a functioning greenhouse that grows fresh ingredients for their cocktails, creating a unique and refreshing experience. Another great spot is The Green Hour in Germantown, a premier absinthe lounge serving imported and locally sourced absinthe cocktails. The ambiance is intimate and cozy, with a funky techno jazz music playlist.

As for things to do, consider exploring beyond Broadway. Instead of the usual party buses, try the Pontoon Saloon, which offers Nashville’s only honky-tonk experience on the water. You can mingle, dance, and enjoy great music while cruising down the Cumberland River. For accommodations, the Dive Motel in East Nashville is a fantastic choice. They have 23 uniquely designed rooms, each with a custom Party Switch that activates a disco ball, radio, and shag carpet. It’s a fun and funky place to stay, with amenities like a pool, hot tub, and sauna.

Finally, if you’re into live music, check out the concert schedule at the FirstBank Amphitheater. It’s a world-class boutique amphitheater located in the Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station, offering a beautiful setting for a concert experience unlike any other.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friend Mary Elizabeth Leingang. She has been incredibly insightful and helpful as I started this business. It has been tremendously convenient that she owns a pet sitting business, FurriendsPDX, in Portland, Oregon, and a web design company, QME Creative. Whenever I have a question, whether it’s pet-related or about websites, she’s always there to answer any questions I have. Most of the time she’s just my personal hype man, a confidence booster of encouragement. Reassuring and reminding me of my self-worth, that my time is valuable.

Alex Ciaramitaro
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