Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Galash Wagner.
Hi Sheryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At the age of 60, I never dreamed I would be running my own business, but as I reflect on my career, the driving force has always been connection. I wore many professional hats: starting out as a waitress and then moving into management that included catering events for large groups. Every success came from building trust and rapport—whether it was anticipating a diner’s need, coordinating a 300-person event, or leading a staff.
Simultaneously, I was navigating the complex, unpredictable world of raising four children. That journey was the most intense training ground imaginable, bringing challenges that demanded unwavering patience, creative problem-solving, and constant, meticulous organization—often all at once! I learned to handle emergencies with a level-headed approach and manage diverse schedules and personalities effectively.
Despite the professional successes and the demands of family, caring for pets had always been a bucket list dream. I’ve struggled with mental health issues most of my life, and I’ve always found solace and unconditional acceptance in the eyes of animals. More importantly, I gained several years of practical experience caring for pets before forming my business. I finally realized it was time to branch out on something entirely my own, something that spoke to my deepest passion. I made the decision to leave management and put that lifelong dream into action—and that is how Beyond The Leash started.
For your dog, this means I don’t just ‘watch’ them; I quickly establish understanding based on respect and clear communication, ensuring they feel secure, happy, and listened to while you’re away. Not only do I make a strong bond with the dogs, but I always build a special relationship with their parents. The heart of this business is rooted in a unique blend of professional expertise, personal resilience, and a profound, lived appreciation for the healing power of the human-animal bond.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband and my family’s encouragement. Knowing I have their confidence and partnership has been the foundation that allowed me to finally pursue this passion.
As part of my commitment to giving back, I donate a portion of my earnings every month to three separate animal rescue organizations.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running Beyond The Leash solo presents unique and constant challenges that demand my full dedication. Logistically, I handle the ever-present need for calm control when managing an always changing schedule. Dogs get sick, clients’ travel plans shift, and emergencies arise. My background taught me that the only constant is change, so I anticipate these shifts by building flexibility and structured planning into my daily operations. We emphasize that my safety and the pet’s safety always come first.
Emotionally, this business requires navigating the heartfelt difficulty of a pet’s short life and the pain of their passing. We form a special relationship with these animals and their parents, and that makes the hurt real. I see it as a professional responsibility to be a source of strength and empathy for my clients during those hardest moments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Beyond The Leash ?
At Beyond the Leash, we offer a full suite of services designed to keep your pet happy, safe, and loved. We are happy to customize any service to perfectly fit your pet’s routine and your specific needs.
Service Offerings
In-Home Boarding: Safe and comfortable overnight stays in our home. Drop-off and pick-up are available upon request.
Home Stays/Overnights: We stay at your home for overnight care, offering your pet maximum comfort in their own environment.
Home Visits (Pop-Ins): Quick, scheduled visits for potty breaks, feeding, and playtime.
Doggy Daycare: Full or half-day supervised play and attention.
Dog Walks: Individualized walks tailored to your dog’s energy level.
Cat & Other Pet Care: Loving care for your feline friends and other pets upon request.
✨ Simple Pricing & Special Offers
We believe pet care should be simple and stress-free.
No Extra Fees: We keep things simple! You’ll never be charged extra fees, including for cancellations.
Discounts: We proudly offer special discounts for Military personnel and Seniors.
I live by the understanding that each day, “Every Walk Smells a Story.”
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I absolutely love living in Apple Valley. It has been the perfect city to launch my business. Walking is a dream here, thanks to the parks, the trails, Lebanon Hills, and easy access to the lakes. And for the pups, the excellent dog parks nearby mean they get to have real off-leash adventures and socialize! It has also been wonderful because of the sidewalks—they are everywhere! Neighborhood streets are friendly, allowing me to safely stroll through with the pups. Watching the kids running around with their dogs is always a bonus, and it’s a great day when we can walk to a coffee shop for pup cups! Being able to enjoy the change of seasons just adds to the charm. Settling here has been a dream come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondtheleashpets.com
