Brighter Days Bids a Fond Farewell to 2011
To say that it's been quite a year would be an understatement. From
Here at Brighter Days, we celebrated five years of worker owned awesomeness, exellent customer service, smart growth, and of course furry four legged friends! We also celebrated our committment to giving back to the greater DC community. So here's a quick recap of all the places we chose to donate to this year:
DCTC
The DC Trans Coalition (DCTC) is a volunteer, grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to fighting for human rights, dignity, and liberation for transgender, transsexual, and gender-diverse (hereafter: trans) people in the District of Columbia.
Words Beats Life seeks to transform individal lives and communities through hip-hop. Read more at the link above.
Located in the heart of
RAMPS is a non-violent direct action campaign based in the southern coal fields of
We Are Family serves seniors in the Shaw,
HIPS mission is to assist female, male, and transgender individuals engaging in sex work in
Gimp is a freely distributed piece of software that can be used to enhance/retouch images and do graphic design. This is the open source graphic design software we use for our flyers and business cards.
The DC Abortion Fund (DCAF) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that makes grants to women in DC,
The mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.
We encourage people to give generously and often to all these organizations and others that make our community a more just place to live. And thanks to all our clients and animal friends that made 2011 a sweet year for Brighter Days.
Five Years of Darby
In October 2006, two months after our founding, I started walking a stately pug-chihuahua mix near Ben's Chili Bowl. He was one of the first dogs in what has become the heart of our current service area in NW.
It's been years since we were evicted from our games of fetch on the baseball field at 13th and V (I seem to recall it was I doing the throwing and he the fetching, but it could have been the other way around), and just about everyone who's ever worked with us has taken a stroll with him at some point; but Darby and his wonderful owner Jeannine are still on board as the only remaining clients from our first few months in business.
Darby's not the model of health that he once was, but he's still hanging tough on the the mean streets of the U St. corridor, and still happy (well, willing.....well, resigned) to share his walk time with any number of other pups in this area thick with BD clientele.
So, big thanks are in order to Jeannine and Darby on this anniversary. Maybe we could have done it without you, but it's indubitably been better to do it with you!
John
Holiday Sitting 2011! + Sitting Guarantee
As you are gearing up for the holiday season, think of us for holiday sitting! Why? Because we would rather work for you than...
If we are not available, we have a list of independent pet sitters (out of work Culkin look alikes) that we can refer you to.
Also, cancel on us and give new meaning to the word "Professional Pet Sitters":
HOLIDAY SITTING GUARANTEE: (resurrected sitting policy of the past)
For pet sitting that falls over Thanksgiving, Xmas, New Year's, July 4, Memorial Day, or Labor Day, we reserve the right to be guaranteed 80% of the total cost of the sitting if you cancel. Reason being, we often forgo standard holiday travel, time with friends and family, and a break from the pet hustle to work so that our clients can enjoy those things without worrying about their animal companions. When we have work lined up and it falls through at the last minute, then we're left with no paycheck and no time to make alternative plans. It's a bummer when it happens. So this policy reflects that reality of our work lives.
Dog Sitting price change
Hello loyal customers!
Effective immediately, we have decided to adjust our sitting rates. To better reflect the amount of time, care and responsibility that we put into caring for your animals and home.
The new rates are:
$60 for 1 dog (per 24 hrs)
$80 for 2 dogs (per 24 hrs)
***Prices are for overnight or non-overnight care. Please ask your sitter which options are available. Or let us know what you need!
To see our full list of prices, visit our pricing page.
Brighter Days turns 5!
This summer, the Brighter Days dog walking collective turned five! In June, we celebrated by throwing a birthday party to celebrate our dogs, their owners, and five years of collectively-owned business.
Here are some glamour shots from the party:
Auggie showed up ready to party!
Nico takes a breather after braving the heat to come to the party.
Bruno checks out the big dogs.
"The dog park's got nothin' on this party..."
Theo is ready for his close up.
John and Sonya hang out...
...while Preston's working hard!
Naturally, Windsor shows up in style with his birthday hat.
Thanks to all the clients and pups who came out to celebrate Brighter Days!
Staff Login
Yep, We're on Yelp!
We have some great reviews!
Thanks to all of our loyal customers. View reviews of our Dog Walking services here.
We Are Insured
Brighter Days is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.