Throughout my certification process I had just assumed I would work at one of the local veterinary clinics as this is what many PTs do after becoming certified. The thought of starting my own business was not even a blip on my radar despite my husband’s suggestion of, “Sommer, you may have to go out on your own”. I heard the words but did not take them seriously…until I had to.

After interviewing at a local veterinary clinic and quickly learning that my knowledge and skill set as a physical therapist were not valued at the level of what I had to offer, I knew it was time to start thinking differently and that my husband was right. I had to go out on my own if I really wanted to make something of this and be able to provide therapy to dogs the way I wanted to do so. Now the question was, “how do I start all this”?

This is when I finally became thankful for Facebook. There is a group called Canine Physical Therapists that I was told about and joined. The moderator, Francisco Maia, who is now my business coach and mentor, reached out to me asking where I was at in my canine rehab career. We had a long discussion about both of our paths and what I really wanted to do with my certification. Over the past year, I have worked very closely with him in some of the other groups he has created for PTs certified in canine rehab who are interested in starting their own business and learning the business side of things as well as emphasizing the value we bring to this profession.

As I continued to work with him, I truly started to believe I could start my own business and there is so much value a physical therapist working with animals can offer and to stop selling myself short. There are other coaches and mentors I have worked with over the last year and continue to work with; however, Francisco has really been the one to open my eyes, tell me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear, and continues to remind me to keep pushing forward.

This whole journey has not been an easy one, but it is one I wouldn’t change for the world. I have learned so much since I started and continue to learn more about myself and grow everyday. When you have something you truly believe in and know your WHY for doing it, it is always worth pursuing. It is a matter of finding the right people who can help you, surrounding yourself around them, and learning everything you can from them.

I know that every time I look into Minzi’s eyes and feel her stare into my soul that she is my inspiration behind pursuing canine rehab and starting Movin’ Tails so that I can help other dogs out there who are in need of therapy.