What happens when you follow your instincts and let your passions lead your career? Some people take a risk, move across the country, and start something from scratch. Bree Brown did that. She created a pet boarding business in the Bay Area, using skills from earlier ventures and a lifelong love for animals. She’s also someone who advocates for animal rights and practices a form of Buddhist awareness. In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Bree started and grew Claws and Paws, serving Bay Area pet owners for over twenty years
• The organizations she supports to protect animals and how you can get involved
• Ways to bring calm and compassion into your everyday life, for yourself and those around you

Key Takeaways

1. Bree’s journey shows the power of combining passion with business savvy. She transformed her love for animals into a successful, personalized pet boarding and house sitting service, “Claws and Paws.” Her story highlights that entrepreneurship is often about finding a niche that aligns with your values and skills, then bringing personalized, heartfelt service to your clients.

2. Bree’s support for organizations like the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Species Unite underscores the importance of advocating for those without a voice. She illustrates how individuals can contribute—through donations, raising awareness, or spreading news about positive change (like phasing out animal testing)—and that every level of advocacy plays a role in improving animal welfare.

3. Through her Buddhist awareness practice, Bree shares that mindfulness and self-compassion are critical for living a more peaceful, intentional life. Making conscious choices and questioning self-talk can reduce stress, foster kindness, and transform reactions to life’s challenges.

4. Bree’s experiences—whether with clients, animals, or advocacy communities—underscore the transformative effect of genuine connection. She stresses that forming bonds, being open to others’ stories, and creating trust are fundamental, not just for business success, but for meaningful, enjoyable living.

5. Bree embodies the idea that personal growth is a continuous journey. Her advice to “be kind to yourself” and appreciate your own worth serves as a reminder that self-care, openness to new ideas, and being less self-critical enables richer experiences at any age or stage in life.

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