PetSmart Store Leaders Show Their Passion For People

PetSmart Store Leaders Amanda and John have never met in person but are the best of friends. #LifeAtPetSmart is a place where our associates not only do Anything For Pets but for people too! Read the below for a heartwarming story Amanda shared in support of her friend John's family.

Amanda and Shelby rocking their necklaces! 😊

#LifeAtPetSmart can be so many things. Everyday tasks, customer interactions, celebrating a pet's birthday, and more. This week, #LifeAtPetSmart means: making lifelong friends and supporting them through the toughest times.

Since working at PetSmart, I have met so many people that I will care about forever. Some of them I have never even met in person, but they are some of my best friends, and I would do anything for them. One of those people is John.

John is one of the funniest, most upbeat Store Leaders in my district. He is always ready to tackle anything and is always ready to listen if I ever need anything. John and I talk almost daily, and we are always helping each other improve. When John told me his son, Ian, who is only 9, was diagnosed with cavernous malformation and was going to have to have brain surgery—as a mom and friend to John—I couldn't get Ian, or John, off of my mind.

I drove John crazy for updates, checked in for moral support, and did anything I could to be sure he knew I was there during this hard time. He and his wife flew Ian to Boston for the surgery, and IT WAS A SUCCESS! When John told me, I was over the moon, and the lump in my throat was gone because I knew he would be okay.

Store Leader, John, and his son Ian

A couple of weeks ago, we had a conference call. John came wearing a new accessory, and I asked him what it was. Since Ian's brain surgery, he had to take it easy for a while, and John said he was utilizing that time making necklaces and selling them, with a portion of the proceeds going to cavernous malformation research. I've never said, "take my money!" faster. My Assistant, Shelby, said the same thing, and we put in our order. We now have some awesome new accessories we've been sporting at work in support of Ian, and it brings so much joy to my store!

So, #LifeAtPetSmart is pretty sweet right now. Lots of good behind these necklaces, and so thankful for these amazing friendships along the way. If you're looking for a SWEET new necklace, I may know a guy. 😉