Art, Design & Dogs

Isabel Alvarez Arata  on Pet Life Radio

Ashley Cook believes anyone can be an artist but that's only because art and design come so naturally for this New Jersey native. An "art school drop-out," and reluctant professional interior designer, Ashley's true passion lies in working with dogs and creating something out of nothing with her hands. She truly loves an underdog, whether she be adopting her foster, Captain, and helping him get a handle of his social and health challenges or bringing new life into her home, furniture, and one-of-a-kind garbage finds.

In episode 21, Isabel gauges what part of NJ Ashley lives in during "Which New Jersey Are You?," a game based on Isabel's husband, Chris', experience as a Philadelphian and New Yorker. Turns out, Chris guessed right and Ashley lives in a NYC suburb in Northern NJ. Ashley talks about her clientele, her experience during the one year she worked as an interior designer, and what makes her tick. Ashley knows dogs as well as she knows art and this episode is perfect for anyone that has a love for all things dogs and beauty. 

BIO:


Ashley Cook established Viva La Pet in 2004. Besides working as an artist, Ashley has dedicated over two decades to working with animals. In 1998, after adopting her Pit Bull, Zavien, she began her journey in animal welfare, animal rescue and animal advocacy. She continues to have hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs, ranging from frightened and abused pets, to bright eyed and curious puppies and kittens, to everything in between.
Ashley is a tried and true pet care expert. She has worked with some of the best and most progressive experts in the fields of pet care, training and wellness. She has built Viva La Pet into a successful and professional pet care and education business through her compassion, dedication and commitment to her clients. In relationships built with her clients and their pets, Ashley has been asked to join clients during joyful adoption processes and dog parties, as well as some of the most difficult times of her client's lives, in saying goodbye to their beloved best friends.
Ashley continues to work effortlessly to help make Viva La Pet a community where like-minded pet owners can experience an exceptional level of pet care services, unique educational and mentoring programs, fun-filled social events and most of all, a place where clients can learn to live in harmony with their pets. She's proud to act as a pioneer in the pet care industry and is happy to offer you the opportunity to become a part of the VLP community.

Viva La Pet was established in 2004 and is independently owned and operated by experienced pet professionals. Our small, award-winning team of pet care specialists has been scouted and vetted in order to maintain our high quality standard of knowledge and expertise in pet care. We proudly offer pet sitting services to pets and their owners in Morris County, NJ. Currently, we are accepting clients in Morris Plains, Morristown, Denville, Randolph and surrounding areas. We are always expanding, so be sure to shoot us a message to let us know where you'd like to see us!
We are fully insured and bonded, a member of Pet Sitters International, The Pet Professional Guild and The Morris County Animal Response Team. Not only are we pet care experts, but we are dedicated animal lovers, owners, advocates and fosters. We proudly support our local shelters and rescue groups through hosting various events and supply drives throughout the year. Check our events page for details.

With experience in working with all breeds of puppies and dogs, recently adopted pets, special needs pets, reactive, anxious, stressed and confused dogs, as well as senior pets, VLP is able to offer customized services to fit each pets' needs. Additionally, through continuing education, we pride ourselves on being up to date with the latest training, behavioral and nutrition sciences and trends in the pet industry.

When you choose Viva La Pet, you are choosing a lifeline of care, education, and support for you and your pets. Rest assured, you can leave your home with the comfort of knowing that your pet is in his or her most comfortable atmosphere and is in dedicated, compassionate and experienced hands.