Balancing a busy work schedule and school can be a difficult task, freshman Madison Grappo can confirm. With an expanding dog sitting and walking business, and over 50 clients, she has her hands full – not counting her 15 additional pets.

“When I was little my mom said I took a sharpie and put dalmatian spots all over me,” Grappo said. “I did that myself, because I wanted to be a dalmatian. [ I ] always had a thing for dogs – especially animals – but dogs in general.”

The job began near the end of Grappo’s sixth grade year, as a way of raising money for a trip to Europe. As one of three students attending, she had to raise $5000 in order to go. Seeing an opportunity to do what she loved, Grappo decided to look after dogs. 

According to Grappo’s mother, Pam Grappo, the direction and quick growth of her daughter’s business was no surprise for her.

“She loved dogs so much and was already doing a little pet sitting,” Pam said. “And we decided to go full speed ahead with it. She was able to earn her own way to Europe in ten months.”

After the success her initial venture into dog-sitting granted her, Grappo decided to expand her business. Her mom advertised through Facebook and, with the help of satisfied clients that spread the word, her client base grew. Grappo also found many new customers by frequenting the dog park, where she took the opportunity to tell curious dog owners about her business.

Suzanne Eckes heard about Grappo’s business and became a close client. Her Great Dane, Dash, adores staying with Grappo.

“People at our local dog park talked about Maddie and how great she was,” Eckes said. “After watching how well Maddie cared for dogs at the dog park, I knew our pet would be in good hands.”

Grappo earns an average of $100-$200 a week, depending on how many dogs she takes care of. The overwhelming amount of animals can be difficult to control, but she can rely on her friends and family to help her out.

Grappo’s friends encourage her business’ growth and enjoy helping out when they are given the opportunity. They find ways to spend time with both her and the dogs, as they all love animals. According to one of her close friends freshman Jazlyn Kittle, there is always something to help out with whenever she comes over, and it’s inspiring to watch Grappo’s business grows.

Her other close friend, freshman Catherine Campbell, sees the time Grappo spends operating her business.

“Her business never really limits her time with her friends,” Campbell said. “She always wants to include me and her other friends with the dogs.”

According to Eckes, Grappo handles the dogs well and has learned business skills many adults struggle with. Her responsibility allows her to be dedicated to her business, freely communicate with her clientele, and meet any special needs their dogs may require.

Grappo grew up in an environment of animal-lovers and is happy to be earning money doing something she enjoys.

“[My family] always told me stories about being dog lovers – animal lovers,” Grappo said. “My mom, she was telling me how we would rescue every single dog we could. They’ve always loved animals.”

In the future, Grappo plans to expand her business by helping her mom find a property  with plenty of space, so the dogs can have have a large area to run around and play. According to Grappo, a house with a barn would be ideal for kennels for the dogs. Her mom has said that she would be happy for Grappo if she continued the business throughout high school, and even college.

“She’s a natural and all of her clients just adore her,” Pam said.