Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Habermaas
Hi Julia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been afraid of dogs until my husband passed with 42 in 2018. On my walk through the local park right after his passing, I noticed that I felt drawn towards a boxer instead of hiding behind a tree. Dogs normally run off-leash in parks in Germany and I always tried to avoid them. However, not this time. The sensation was so surprising to me, that I will always remember it. During that year, I was laid off work my corporate job and a German friend asked me to join her to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I was grieving, my heart was heavy and I didn’t have a job, so why not? I also used to be an exchange student in Minnesota and had reconnected with a friend, so I had a place to go to, My German friend stopped hiking after about 100 miles into the PCT but I decided to continue the hike alone, During this time, while my feet hurt every step on the first 500 miles, I had the vision of living and working with dogs. I didn’t know where this came from, but it was so strong, I believed it. No clue how and when, but the vision was clear. I would be living and working with dogs. After 940 miles I had a happy heart again and stopped hiking. I embraced a new relationship with my former high school friend who asked me to stick around a little longer to see if it would work out between us. But COVID happened and I had to decide what to do – go back to Germany and stay with my mother or stay with my new boyfriend. I stayed and we moved into the empty house of his grandparents on Lake Superior. During Covid I continued my healing journey and a life coach asked the questions: What would make you get up in the morning? Again the answer was strong and out of nowhere: dogs. A couple weeks later I met a woman who needed help with her puppy. As of this time, I was studying dogs 24/7. When we moved back to Minneapolis and I started working at a doggy day care. I planed to become a dog trainer in Germany and it was here where I learned about the Tellington TTouch® Method. This holistic approach how to handle animals seemed to include all my life learnings and I found my calling. 2 years later I received my practitioner certification in Canada and started my business Better Together Pets, a business that empowers people and pets to live a harmonious life together by applying the elements of the Tellington Method. I continue to study dog training techniques in a school in Germany and found a follow practitioner and certified dog trainers in Minneapolis who became my mentor. I enjoy working with my private clients and their dogs, I give classes and live happily with my American husband, a foster dog and a cat in Minneapolis. My journey is proof that one should trust intuition. Even when life hits you hard and you feel powerless, listen to your intuition. There might be happiness on the other side of the world waiting for you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There where mostly the struggle of dealing with my own expectation, guild and grief, and of course physical ones.
I was not in shape for a hike like the Pacific Crest Trail and I had various physical issues. Trusting the universe and having a strong mind helped me through the hike.
Not going back to Germany when COVID started in 2019 was a big decision and I didn’t make it easy on myself. Was I not to return home, was it too early for a new relationship? I had to make up my own mind and it wasn’t easy. After 100 days in isolation with my boyfriend, we decided that this is a serious relationship and married. This was the way to go, also we didn’t share this event with anyone but our parents.
Living in America, in isolation was a challenge by itself. Journaling, meditation, time in nature and gardening helped me during this time.
Learning how to navigate life in America and opening a business is a challenge up till today. I fell in marketing traps, lost money to big companies and are often frustrated. What helps me is community with likeminded people, talking to friends and clients, meditation and clear picture of what I want to achieve. At night I’m grateful for three things and envision what I want to create the next day. This ritual really helps.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Better Together Pets?
When people have pets with behavioral issues they normally try everything in the text book. But some of them don’t get an answer. These people often come to me and find help within a short period of time. I work with the nervous system of animals and help them to achieve physical, mental and emotional balance. I work with the Tellington TTouch® Method and coach people to listen, understand and help their animals. It is great fun, because I need to think outside the box. Each situation is unique and I find simple, safe, fun and effective ways to improve a client’s situation.
I would like every animal handler to know about the ways of the Tellington TTouch® Method. Linda Tellington-Jones found this unique way of communication with animals than can reduce the stress for animals at the vet, groomer or in every day situations. It is an easy way to improve focus and well-being, increase bonding and communication. It even can prevent an animal to fall into shock after an accident. With a little circle and a quarter TTouch® or a gentle stroke everyone can change the situation of their animal to the better.
I passionately try to understand the people and the pets and use my entire network to find the right solution for a particular scenario. However, my service is a supplement and not a substitute to vet care. It is always gentle and mutually respectful.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish I had an business expert at my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bettertogetherpets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettertogetherpets/?hl=en
