My Story

After spending 28 years working in public education, supporting students, families, and communities, I decided to turn my lifelong love of animals and creativity into something special.

Throughout my career as an educator and school counselor, I learned the importance of patience, compassion, trust, and building meaningful relationships — values that now guide everything I do in my pet sitting and handmade pet accessory businesses.

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I started Home Instead Pet Sitting because I wanted pets to feel safe, loved, and comfortable while their families are away. I understand how important peace of mind is for pet parents, and I strive to provide affordable, dependable, high-quality care with lots of love (and no extra snuggle fee!).  House-trained and dog friendly guests are treated like family in a house that is very pet friendly and welcoming.  Cats should also be litter-trained and friendly with other cats (No dogs are at this location in Whitehall).

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My passion for sewing and creativity also inspired me to create Buggy’s Bowties & Bandanas, where I design handmade bow ties, bandanas, and pet accessories that help pets show off their unique personalities in style. 

I even have a few items to put a smile on pet parent's faces!

Whether I’m caring for your pets or creating something special for them to wear, my goal is simple: to treat every pet like family.

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​— Dr. Nena S. Hisle

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Mission Statement

At Home Instead Pet Sitting and Buggy’s Bowties & Bandanas, our mission is to provide contemporary, affordable, and personalized pet care and handmade pet accessories. 

Founded by Dr. Nena S. Hisle, after a 28-year career in public education, our businesses are rooted in empathy, creativity, inclusion, and community.

As a neurodiverse, Black woman-owned business, we embrace different ways of thinking, creating, and connecting, and we strive to build welcoming spaces where both pets and people feel seen, valued, and cared for like family.

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Vision Statement

Our vision is to create a trusted, community-centered brand where pets receive loving care, families experience peace of mind, and individuality is celebrated through creativity and connection.

We envision Home Instead Pet Sitting and Buggy’s Bowties & Bandanas growing into recognized brands known for heart-centered service, inclusive values, handmade quality, and advocacy for neurodiversity, authenticity, and joyful living — one pet, one family, and one handmade creation at a time.