We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maryglenn Warnock. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Maryglenn, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Anything that involves fishing–not catching, though catching is nice!–makes me incredibly happy. I love being outdoors and have an obsession with a particular fish, the muskellunge or muskie. Muskies are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts” as they’re highly elusive, but absolutely fascinating (and sometimes downright maddening.) I told a friend recently that the more I learn about muskies, the less I understand and it’s true. The pursuit is the real joy for me, as is trying to make sense of their behavior. Don’t get me wrong: catching a muskie is phenomenal, but just being outside, being present, and doing something I love is such a gift.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maryglenn Warnock and I am the founder and owner of Paws to Remember. I am a certified pet bereavement counselor and pet chaplain. I help pet lovers navigate the loss of their beloved animal companions. The idea for Paws to Remember came about after I lost my beloved Old English Sheepdog, Garcia, in 2011. I absolutely fell apart–but even in that painful season of grief, I knew I wasn’t the only one who suffered so mightily upon the loss of a pet. I decided to do something about it and the idea for Paws to Remember was born.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is such a wonderful question. I had such a wonderful village that raised me, but one person, a teacher named Mrs. Joanne Smith, really changed my life. Mrs Smith was the teacher who oversaw the yearbook staff and she was the kindest, most encouraging, most wonderful teacher. She saw something in me I didn’t know I had and her encouragement, care, and belief stays with me even to this day. She changed my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Fear not! I look back and realize there were so many things I was afraid of when I was younger–disappointing people, failing, making mistakes. In retrospect, I think I sold myself short many, many times just out of fear. As I’ve gotten older, I have come to realize that I am human and I am going to make mistakes, I am going to disappoint people, and I am going to be in situations where I don’t succeed, at least in the ways I define success. I’ve also realized that all of that is okay.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe that we, as humans, can make a real and lasting difference in the quality of lives for pets. I envision a perfect world where pet overpopulation is a thing of the past. We have made great strides, and I think it is possible. I will never give up on that dream.
Also, I am wholly committed to normalizing grief over the loss of a pet. Pets are family–and grief over the loss of a pet is normal, it is real, and it is valid.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
Even though I don’t do a whole lot of it, I absolutely love to write. I have plenty of hang-ups about whether I’m good enough, and find that I don’t indulge myself in the pleasure of just writing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pawstoremembernashville.com
- Instagram: @maryglennwarnock
- Facebook: Maryglenn M. Warnock
Image Credits
Photo Credit: John Fletcher at GetPetPics
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