My love of animals began at a very young age, and dogs and cats of every size have been an integral part of my life and family ever since. I was always drawn to animals and loved spending time with the neighborhood pets as a child. Over the past twenty years, I have worked professionally with all types of animals as a pet sitter, veterinary technician, and shelter worker, while also volunteering with various animal rescue organizations along the East Coast.
Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and I believe every pet deserves to be treated like family. My husband and I share our home with our own furry family members, including our dogs, Lizzie, Nico, and Biscuit, and our cats, Kaia, Jupiter, Ashes, Ralphie, Pip, and Pocket. We love spending time outdoors together and enjoy exploring all that Ohio has to offer with our pups.
I founded The Cheerful Chug Pet Care Services, LLC because I wanted to combine my lifelong passion for animals with my years of professional experience to provide pet parents with loving, dependable, and personalized pet care in the comfort of their own homes. I am a member of Pet Sitters Associates, fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and trained in pet first aid and CPR.
I understand how difficult it can be to find a pet care provider you can truly trust. As a small family-owned business, we are committed to providing the same level of care and attention that we would expect for our own pets. We go above and beyond to ensure every animal in our care feels safe, comfortable, loved, and happy while their family is away.
- Evelyn Shealy
Owner and Operator
The Story behind The Cheerful Chug Name:
The inspiration for The Cheerful Chug comes from our sweet dog, Lizzie, a Chihuahua-Pug mix (or "Chug") who completely changed our lives.
We adopted Lizzie from an animal rescue in Georgia, where she had been waiting for a family for over a year. She had been placed in three different homes, but each one returned her because of her fearful and timid nature. Her foster worried that Lizzie might become a "forever foster". I like to think she was simply waiting for us.
The moment we met, I knew she belonged with our family. She was still scared and trembling when she first let me hold her, but little by little she relaxed and stopped shaking.
Once we got home, Lizzie quickly claimed her favorite spot on top of the couch and began to trust me (peanut butter definitely helped!). I'll never forget the first time she licked my hand. It may seem like a small moment, but to me, it felt like a huge milestone and a sign that she was finally starting to feel safe.
Lizzie transformed from a frightened little dog into the happiest, most cheerful companion imaginable. Watching her confidence grow and seeing her true personality emerge has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Today, her larger-than-life spirit, endless affection, and joyful nature bring smiles to everyone she meets.
When it came time to name my company, The Cheerful Chug felt like the perfect choice. Lizzie's journey is a reminder of the patience, compassion, and understanding that every animal deserves. She encapsulates why I love working with animals and a daily reminder of why I chose this path. I truly can't imagine doing anything else.
