Modify your Dreams!

"Realizing that you aren't going to get everything you want in life, is not giving up on your dreams, it is modifying them to make them possible."

I heard this in a podcast or an Instagram video this week and it struck me so deep. It is no secret that the "American dream" is not exactly obtainable for the average American. A house, land, white picket fence, basic food security... yeah... 😬

As a 36 year old in 2025, it is hard to see a future that includes owning a slice of my dreams.

My dream is to have 4-5 acres of land, build a mostly self-sustainable farm on one half and build my animal empire on the other half. I want a rescue for senior animals, neglected animals and fosters. I want to be a community resource of sorts with a shop that can teach youth what it is like to have a job, a cat yoga studio (or pet therapy... a chill zone with animals) and a dog treat cafe alongside a small private dog park. I want to create a space for dog owners to be able to come and let their dog run, with a membership and time slots for those dogs that aren't dog friendly. Like when a public pool had "adult hour" and the kids have to leave 😆

I want to create a program that works with living facilities and the residents that have pets. Be it just to have a person walk them, or to get further involved and take the pets to vet/grooming appts, and most of all to be a resource and advocate for those nearing the end of life that need the comfort of knowing their beloved pet will be taken care of when they can't be there to do so.

I want to have a team of sitters and walkers, because this is the most amazing job!

That is a lot of "wants" that honestly, will probably never happen. I am not trying to sound negative. I am looking at reality. My dreams grow by the day. My mind runs wild with ideas of the future. I want to have my cake and eat it too. And the truth is, we will probably never be able to afford everything I want.

Does that mean I give up?! Heck no. It means I modify my dreams to fit into a reality that is possible.

Land is not obtainable for us in this current market. So, we continue to rent where we are and save what we can while paying off debts. That surgery I had in May was not cheap 😅

I have no idea how long we will be able to stay where we are, but at the moment it is an amazing place to be. I love the space, the people are awesome, and it is fairly centrally located to everything I do in a given day.

For my crafty side of my business, I am the epitome of having a "garage business," except it is run out of a storage unit that has no power or lights. A couple years ago, I got 2 portable power stations that run my lights and my cricut machine and sewing machines. It is my home office of sorts. I have completely rearranged it the last few months into a true space to be able to build my product business in and 2026 will have some amazing new products to share! Building my inline presence with my product side of the business has been a goal and I finally am seeing some of my effort pay off!

That is what this blog is about. My journey to build my pet empire! I am sure we'll come up with a better slogan than "pet empire". Kim's Pet Palace? Fiddlestick Animal Adventures?

I have been brainstorming content ideas this week... from sharing tips and tricks to what should go in your pets first aid kit, to disaster preparedness, to pet grief and support.... I have decided to start September off with some new regular content on the FB and Insta!

So, if you haven't, go follow me @kimspetservice.skagit on both Facebook and Instagram!

This crazy adventure call life is amazing. Even when you feel stuck in a rut. I am so excited to have you along for the journey 💗🐾