Episode Ep 729 August 26, 2026 59 min 47s

729: Still Standing with Cathy Duvall

From Pet Sitter Confessional Pet Sitter Confessional, LLC

What happens when one unexpected moment changes your business—and your life—overnight? Cathy Duvall returns to Pet Sitter Confessional to share her deeply personal journey after a sudden accident led to years of surgeries, chronic infection, and a complete rethinking of how she operates her solo pet sitting business. Together, we explore the emotional challenge of adapting to physical limitations, learning to say no, and creating resilience before a crisis arrives. Cathy shares practical lessons about financial preparedness, backup plans, and protecting your health without losing your passion for pet care. This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about pretending nothing has changed—it's about continuing forward in a new way.

Main topics:

Adapting After Life Changes
Health Before Business Always
Creating Business Safety Nets
Learning To Say No
Resilience Beyond Determination

Main takeaway: "Failure is not an option, but I've learned that saying 'no' sometimes is what allows me to keep saying 'yes' for the long run."

There is a difference between refusing to quit and refusing to adapt.

Cathy's story reminds us that resilience isn't pretending everything is fine or pushing through at all costs. Sometimes resilience means changing the kinds of clients you accept, slowing down, asking for help, or protecting your health so you can continue doing the work you love.

As business owners, our greatest asset isn't our schedule or our client list—it's our ability to keep showing up.

The goal isn't to prove how much we can endure. The goal is to build a business that can weather life's unexpected seasons while allowing us to still be standing on the other side.

Links:

https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/499 ****

https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/553

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Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.