In a world often marked by division, few things have the power to bring us together quite like sports, music, and the love we share for our pets. Pets, our loyal companions, offer comfort and companionship in times of stress and despair. They provide unwavering love and loyalty, regardless of who we are, and perhaps it's this unconditional affection that inspires us to go above and beyond to care for them.
In our community, there are many who deeply care for animals, but Kelly's dedication is truly remarkable. She's not just a pet sitter; she's a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Her work with "Love on a Leash," along with her ongoing efforts to support local shelters and rescues, reflects a commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. Her passion and commitment to animal welfare inspired me to share her journey with you.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in 1998 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kelly moved with her family to the quiet neighborhood of Wyndham Lakes in Odessa, Florida, when she was just one year old. Growing up with her siblings, Connor and Shea Meehan, Kelly experienced a unique family dynamic—her mother worked full-time, while her father took on the role of a stay-at-home dad. Despite the distance, the family maintained close ties with relatives in Huntersville, North Carolina, where they owned a farm and had four dogs.
Kelly attended Trinity Elementary School, Seven Springs Middle School, and Mitchell High School. Her parents' divorce, when she was a teenager, led to her living with her mother, while her brothers stayed with their father in their childhood home.
Discovering Cheerleading
As she grew older, Kelly discovered a new passion that would shape her formative years. Her interest in cheerleading was sparked at an Open Gym birthday party at a gym when she was just ten years old. Impressed by the skills displayed, she eagerly began taking tumbling classes. Her early self-taught skills on a trampoline at home allowed her to start at Level 4 at the gymnasium.
After a year, Kelly aimed higher and tried out for the renowned Brandon Allstars gym, known for its world-class coaches and athletes. Her hard work and natural talent earned her a spot at Level 5, a remarkable achievement for a newcomer. Thus began the best three years of her life, filled with early morning high school cheer practice, school, a part-time job at another gym, and intensive training at Brandon Allstars.
First Job Experiences
Alongside her cheerleading endeavors, Kelly's first job as a tumbling coach at a gym allowed her to share her cheerleading passion while earning some extra money. She also worked for Shipt during her college years, gaining valuable experience and some financial independence while living with her mother.
A Love for Dogs: Lucy and Chloe
Kelly's journey into animal care began with her own pets. Kelly's first dog, Lucy, came into her life when she was 15. A Labrador puppy from her aunt's farm, Lucy had a challenging disposition, including aggression toward other dogs. Despite these challenges, Kelly and her family loved her dearly, even though they couldn't take her to dog parks due to her behavioral issues.
The arrival of Chloe, another unexpected addition, marked a significant moment in Kelly's life. During a visit to her friend Tiffany, Kelly was captivated by a cute puppy named Chloe. Despite her mother's allergy to most dogs and their recent move to Starkey, Kelly's clever introduction of Chloe to her mom resulted in an unexpected bond. Chloe quickly became a beloved family member, deepening Kelly's connection to animals.
Struggles with ADHD
While managing her responsibilities and passions, Kelly also faced personal challenges. She has lived with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) since childhood, facing challenges in concentration and hyperactivity. The lack of awareness and diagnosis, especially for girls, meant that Kelly's struggles were often misunderstood. She chose not to take advanced classes in high school, fearing they would exacerbate her difficulties with focus.
The Birth of "Love on a Leash"
Kelly's journey into pet sitting began serendipitously with a request from her friend Tracy to dog sit. Initially hesitant to expand while still in college, Kelly's career as a dog sitter took off after Tracy's encouragement and a key endorsement from her mom. This led to the creation of her pet-sitting business, "Love on a Leash." Over time, Kelly's dedication and passion grew the business, leading to the hiring of an assistant and considerations for formalizing it as an LLC.
Heartwarming Rescue and Re-homing Stories
Kelly's love for animals extends beyond her business. She has been involved in several heartwarming rescue and re-homing efforts within her community.
Uber Eats Delivers Jasper
Wendy Joy, a Starkey resident, received a surprising addition to her household when an Uber Eats delivery included not just food but a German Shepherd puppy. The delivery driver, noticing Wendy's love for dogs, offered her the puppy, Jasper, whom she couldn't care for. Unsure of what to do, Wendy contacted Kelly, who remembered that another resident, Jessica, was looking for a German Shepherd. Jasper now happily resides with Jessica, enjoying a loving home.
Sammy Finds a Forever Home
Sammy, a sweet dog rescued by one of Kelly's elderly clients, needed re-homing as his owner could no longer care for him. Despite efforts to find a new home through various Facebook groups, no suitable matches were found. Kelly suggested adopting Sammy to her mother, and after a successful play date with Molly, Kelly's mom's dog, Sammy found a new loving home.
A French Bulldog Named Nash
Kelly also helped rescue a French Bulldog puppy abandoned in Whitfield Park. The pup, not microchipped and left with a bag of food, found a new home with Kelly's neighbor, McKenna. Although Nash tragically passed away due to cancer shortly after his first birthday, he spent his last days surrounded by love and care.
Supporting Local Shelters
In 2024, Kelly launched a project to support local pet shelters by collecting donations from her community. Through a community Facebook page, she encouraged residents to leave items on their porches, which she then collected and delivered to shelters in need. Focusing on smaller rescues with limited resources, Kelly often found herself making multiple trips with her car full of supplies, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of her neighbors.
Kelly's boyfriend, Yanni, has been a great support in her endeavors. They met through mutual friends and quickly became comfortable with each other. Yanni, who is a paramedic, shares Kelly's love for animals and assists with "Love on a Leash" by helping with pet sitting whenever possible and delivering donations to shelters. His support has been invaluable, particularly during busy times when Kelly needs an extra pair of hands.
Kelly's journey is a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of animals and their community. Through "Love on a Leash," she has not only provided a valuable service to pet owners but has also created a network of care and compassion that extends far beyond her immediate reach. Her dedication to animal welfare, from rescuing and re-homing pets to supporting local shelters, reflects a genuine love for animals that is both inspiring and heartwarming.
Kelly's story is a reminder of the incredible bond we share with our pets and the difference we can make when we extend that bond to others. Whether it's through adopting a pet, volunteering at a shelter, or simply being a responsible pet owner, each act of kindness contributes to a more compassionate world. As Kelly continues to grow her business and make a positive impact in her community, her story serves as an inspiration to all who love and care for animals. In a world that can often feel divided, Kelly's work is a beautiful example of how love for our four-legged friends can unite us all.