From Dedicated Pet Parent to Professional Pet Sitter

Marion Ray was born in / raised in Northern California. 

A lifelong animal lover, Marion owned three mischievous cats named Sylvester, Rocky, and Dudley Do Right. Their antics inspired many stories, and one of them would inspire a whole lot more.

Rocky was the only one of Marion’s three cats to reach age 14. In his senior years, Rocky developed thyroid disease, a common condition in senior cats. Marion administered Rocky’s medication twice a day, making it difficult to travel or be away from home for more than 12 hours.

After five years of staying close to home to care for Rocky, Marion realized many pet owners faced similar challenges. Her experience caring for Rocky inspired her to start a pet sitting business that would allow others to travel for business or pleasure without worrying about their pets.

Rocky’s journey was almost thirty years ago. Despite skepticism from family members, who expected Marion to continue a promising career in accounting, she left the corporate world to pursue her passion for pets and pet care.

Built From Experience, Named With Love

When thinking about naming her pet care business, Marion considered going with her childhood nicknames, Minnie Mouse and Dr. Doolittle, but both are trademarked and extensively protected.

Remaining true to her story, Marion directed her attention to her childhood nickname, M (shortened from Minnie Mouse), and chose the name Auntie M, which comes from the way Marion’s nieces and nephews would refer to her when they were too young to pronounce Marion correctly. The business was ultimately named Auntie “M” No Place Like Home Pet Sitting, with the help of Marion’s sister, Linda. It was the perfect name to highlight Marion’s commitment to providing loving care where pets are most comfortable, their home.

Our Story Continues

Today, Auntie M Pet Care continues to bring peace of mind to busy professionals and families in Silicon Valley. The playful Wizard of Oz references continue too, including “Toto the Unfaithful Answering Machine” and references to the famous ruby slippers (or silver, in the original book).

Marion continues to provide pet care services while leading a team of trained pet care professionals and teaching pet first aid and CPR classes in Silicon Valley. She is all about the critters and the humans that love them. To her, running a successful pet care business is not a job, it’s a lifestyle, one she wholeheartedly enjoys!

 Putting the Professional in Professional Pet Sitting