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What does it take to start over and succeed in pet care—twice? After moving from Los Angeles to Canada, Maricella Sauceda launched Love 4 Dogs Pet Services from scratch, building it into a thriving solo operation. When betrayal and burnout led her to scale back and start fresh in a new town, she leaned on resilience, community, and clarity to move forward. From seasonal adventure hikes to enrichment walks for senior dogs, she shares how custom services and strong boundaries have helped her stay passionate and present. Her evolving journey—including a surprising recovery from a cat allergy—highlights the power of trusting your instincts and staying true to your purpose.
Starting over in a new country
Rebuilding after betrayal and burnout
Offering seasonal and custom services
Balancing business with community work
Overcoming health challenges to grow services
Main Takeaway: "I can reinvent myself again… because I've done it over and over."
Starting from scratch isn't a failure—it's proof that you're adaptable, capable, and strong. Maricella Sauceda's journey in pet care is a reminder that we're not defined by setbacks, but by our willingness to keep showing up, keep serving, and keep dreaming. Whether it's moving to a new country or recovering from betrayal, she proves that resilience and reinvention go hand in hand. If you've ever had to hit reset, this episode will inspire you to trust your experience and believe in your next chapter.
About our guest: Maricella Sauceda is the owner and founder of Love for Dogs Pet Services based in Aurora, Ontario, just north of Toronto. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Canada in 2009 with her two beloved rescue dogs, Tazz and Jazz (may they rest in peace), who were more than happy to make the cross-country journey by her side. After months of research and planning, she officially launched Love for Dogs in 2010—building the business from the ground up with determination and care.
Surrounded by animals her entire life, Maricella has a natural disposition that dogs and cats instinctively gravitate toward. As an only child, pets became her closest companions, a bond that still shapes her work today. She is certified in Pet CPR and has completed continuing education in Animal Behaviour and Welfare through the University of Edinburgh, and Dog Emotion and Cognition through Duke University.
Her services include weekday dog walking, seasonal forest adventure hikes, and enrichment walks for senior dogs, along with select custom services for long-time clients. Now developing Love 4 Cats after recovering from a long-standing allergy, Maricella brings her signature personal touch to feline care. Deeply involved in her local community, she volunteers with Turtle Tias, serves on her child's school council, and contributes to local town committees. Starting Love for Dogs has been one of the best decisions of her life—and her clients' pets are better for it.
Links:
https://otcn.ca/location/turtle-tias/
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