Hey, I’m Stephanie Presley, the founder and owner of GENTLE LEASH. I’m currently working at Connection Point Church and pursuing my Master’s degree in

Clinical Mental Health Counseling at

Liberty University.

 

I grew up as an Army kid, which

meant moving around a lot. But

through all the changes, one thing

always stayed consistent: family. And

family wasn’t just the people I shared a

last name with...it was also my dogs and cats

who went everywhere with me. Whether I needed to get outside and move or just needed a shoulder (or paw) to cry on, our pets were always there.

 

Our first family dog was Sarge, a Boxer-Bullmastiff...aka a gentle giant with the sweetest soul! Then, when I was 9, my parents told me that if I saved up $300, I could adopt a dog of my own. A year and a half later, I went to the Humane Society and met the pup of my dreams. I named her after my favorite candy: Skittles. Sarge and Skittles were a huge part of my life growing up. They always knew how to make things better, and through them, I learned real responsibility and how to care for and train animals.

 

My brother has a pup named Mavis, and I’ve been training her to be leash-trained and non-reactive around other dogs and animals. Over the years, people began asking me to watch                           their dogs...family, friends, even                                                    friends of friends. I loved it every                                                 time. Getting to know each dog’s                                                personality and earning their                                                    trust never gets old. I only expect                                              the best from myself, and the best                                            for my pets and the pets

                                         I care for.

 

Somewhere along the way, I realized how much joy I find in both caring for pets and helping them thrive. We regularly walk the trails in Jackson and Cape parks, and one day it hit me...what if I could give this same level of care and love to every dog I meet? Why not build a business rooted in compassion, consistency, and quality care? So I took what I love and launched Gentle Leash. A girl with a dream, now put into action, ready to serve the pets (and people) of Southeast Missouri.