The Full Story
ABOUT US
Welcome to My Sweet Michelle Family! I am delighted to have you here, and I would like to take a moment to introduce myself, as well as Michelle, the inspiration behind it all, and share a bit about our journey.
I spent many years volunteering with local rescues and also managed one of Russia's largest dog shelters, which housed around 700 dogs at that time. It was during my time there that I had the life-changing opportunity to meet my dear Michelle. In 2017, we moved to the United States, where I continued to refine my pet care skills. First, as a volunteer, and later as a kennel technician at the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus (Ruth’s Memorial Shelter).
In 2021, I founded My Sweet Michelle, Inc. in Concord, NC. This endeavor has been the culmination of my lifelong passion, and I am deeply dedicated to providing exceptional service through my business, a tribute to the love and inspiration I found in my beloved dog, Michelle.
As an active member of Pet Sitters International, I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the pet care industry. I proudly hold the title of CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® and have earned the Fear Free® certification which means that I am well-versed in creating a comfortable, stress-free environment for your pets. Safety is of paramount importance in my approach. I am also Pet First Aid and CPCR certified.
In the dynamic field of pet care, ongoing education is a top priority for me. I firmly believe that I owe it to the pets I care for to stay up to date with the latest practices and best standards of pet care. Your pets deserve nothing less, and I am dedicated to delivering the very best.
My profound connection with Michelle, as mentioned in "Michelle's Story" below, is what truly drives my commitment to pet care. Michelle's remarkable journey has deeply influenced the way I approach our business, My Sweet Michelle, Inc.
Michelle's Story
In 2014, my life took an unexpected turn when I was working at a dog shelter in Russia. One night, they brought in a dog who had seen the worst of life. She had been lying on the road for who knows how long, dehydrated, terrified, and her spine was broken, presumably from a car accident. To make things even more complicated, she was a feral dog who didn't trust people and displayed fear-induced aggression.
I couldn't just leave her at the shelter; the decision to become her new mom was almost instant.
From that point on, Michelle and I began a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. We spent years on her rehabilitation, helping her adjust to a new life on wheels. She learned to trust, to love, and to embrace a life that once seemed impossible.
Michelle, or Mishka, as we lovingly called her, became so much more than the dog I rescued. She became my family, my constant companion, my Grizzly Bear, and the heart behind everything I would eventually build.
In September 2026, after a decade together, I had to say goodbye to Mishka. There are no words big enough for that loss. She was not simply the inspiration behind My Sweet Michelle. She was the reason it existed at all.
Her name is still on our door. Her story is still at the heart of our company. And every animal entrusted to us is cared for according to the lesson Mishka taught me better than anyone ever could: their lives are precious, their trust matters, and they deserve to be loved like family.
For someone like me, who has always been a "helicopter mom," ensuring the well-being of Mishka was an ongoing challenge. Finding a pet sitter or caregiver I could trust with her care was often a daunting task. It was this experience that motivated me to create My Sweet Michelle Inc., a place where pet parents like me can find the level of care and attention they desire for their beloved pets.
Michelle's story is not just the inspiration behind our company. It is her legacy. The Values we hold dear at My Sweet Michelle Inc. were shaped by loving her, caring for her, advocating for her, and learning from her. Her life remains our reminder that every pet deserves patience, compassion, respect, and the chance to be understood for exactly who they are.
Those lessons became the foundation of our Company's Values and continue to guide our Mission today. Mishka may no longer be physically beside me, but My Sweet Michelle is how a part of her stays in this world. Every pet we love, every family we support, and every time we choose patience, compassion, and kindness, we carry her legacy forward.
