The Mind Behind the Business

Melissa Smith

Owner/Pet Lover/Operator

Born and raised right here on Cape Cod, Melissa Smith spend 23 years in the retail industry before pursuing her passion to work with animals. A proud supported of causes such as animal welfare and ending domestic violence and child abuse, Melissa is also an active community member and a proud supporter of law enforcement. She currently lives in Dennis with her adult son.

Not An Ordinary About Page

Some of you visiting this page may know me already, from my 23 years in the retail field. Those of you who don't, welcome! Glad to meet you! (And since I know my mom will read this page about a hundred times -- Hi Mom!)


There have been a lot of questions asked about my decision to start a business here on the Cape. So instead of a formal About Us page that is about as interesting as dry toast, let's answer some of those.

1. Why start a business -- don't you know how risky it is?! 
Well yes, I do. And I've had my moments where I need to run and breathe into a paper bag. But after 23 years in the same industry, it was time to do something else. In Fresh Start, I have a way to give back to my community, support myself and my son, and enjoy living in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

2. Why Pet Sitting? 
Why not? One thing that is really difficult  to do in regular retail is stop and have an actual conversation with a person. Fresh Start allows me to connect with members of my community and visitors in a way that I have not been able to before. Being part of this community means understanding how hard we all work and how difficult it is to maintain a life with our busy schedules; now I have a way to help! Plus, I just plain love animals. Who wouldn't want a job where they could spend time with pets?

3. Why "Fresh Start" for a name? 
Fresh Start was so named because that is truly what this is for me -- a new beginning in my life. It sounds hokey, but I'm a sentimentalist. 

4. What are some interesting things about you, the woman behind the business?

Diehard Red Sox fan. (Sorry New York visitors, but I promise not to charge you extra.)

Attended Teaticket Elementary, Mashpee Middle School, and Falmouth High School.

I have one adult son who is an absolutely amazing person. He's intelligent, funny, caring, and the best part of my world.

Discussions Manager and writer of weekly articles for Petful.com. I find it to be tremendously rewarding work that began when I wrote about caring for my now deceased German shepherd Gyspy, who had Myasthenia Gravis and a slew of other medical issues.

Recent attendee and graduate of the Community Leadership Institution of Cape Cod's Leadership Program. Recently a group of CLI attendees and myself got together and volunteered for a day at Children's Cove to help begin landscaping their hoped-for tranquility garden. An amazing experience!

Here you have it -- a bit about me. It is my hope that I can get to know you a little better, too!