About Us

    Home Safe n' Happy is a family owned and operated Pet Care business that originated in Hampton Roads VA, and has now opened a second location in Austin TX. We are a member of, and insured through, Pet Sitter Associates, LLC. We are also a member of the BBB, Pet Sit USA, Professional United Pet Sitters, and Pet Sitters International.

    Tonya and Diana Nartowicz,  the daughter/ mother co-owners of Home Safe n' Happy,  were both born in Virginia. Tonya moved to Austin 9 years ago to attend the University of Texas where she earned degrees in Asian Studies and the Japanese language,  graduating with honors. Though an east coast girl, Tonya fell in love with Austin and has made it her home. While attending college she founded the Friends of Norwood Estate Dog Park and soon assumed the role as President and CFO. She and the members of her team were recognized by the Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin for their restoration and improvement efforts and as of today the Norwood Dog Park is one of the only completely fenced dog parks making it the safest place in Austin to take your pets for off leash play and exercise. And it was through her vigilant efforts that a permanent water source was brought into the park. Tonya, her husband and their new son are tolerated by the real heads of household,  Milo and Auggie ... two lovable and very opinionated rescued Airedales.

   Diana has lived in the Hampton Roads area most of her life and hopes to move to Austin to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She began working with animals at a young age when her Grandmother, Julia Roberts, with the help of two close friends formed the first No Kill Animal Shelter in the Tidewater Area called The Animal Aid Society. Working closely with several of the Veterinary Clinics, Diana and the other members of the AAS rescued, nursed back to health and adopted out animals to loving families for many years. Though it has grown, some 37 years later the AAS still operates successfully on Butler Farm Road in Hampton Virginia where it first began. 

    She's had many pets throughout her life and at one point the count was15 assorted little friends at once. Taking care of animals with serious illnesses like Diabetes seemed to come naturally. There's a standing joke with those who know her best that if there's a sick or injured animal within 100 miles it will find her. In fact, Kitty is one those little guys who wandered a long way before deciding Diana's house was his new home. Kitty showed up on the back deck at Christmas very sick and weighing just under 7 lbs. After a Vet visit, Kitty was diagnosed as having  FIV and Leukemia, both of which should have killed him long before now. That was over 4 and 1/2  years ago. Today Kitty takes medicine twice daily and weighs 16 lbs. He's a loving grouchy lil' old man who allows Diana the privilege of living with him.

    It was a search for someone who would take care of Kitty during a planned family vacation to Texas that led Diana to return to her love of animals.

    "After all, the lil furry monster has saved my life a few times already since he adopted me  ... the least I can do is return the favor and pass it on.  I'll be glad to tell anyone who wants to know about Kitty's rescue. You see, he rescued me... "

    Both Tonya and Diana are certified in Animal first aid and CPR.

 

(Kitty passed away Monday morning, 12:30 AM August10th, 2009 in the Emergency Vets from complications of his illnesses. He developed Pneumonia and though we tried everything to save him, the diseases won. I wrapped him in his blanket from home and held him closely for a long time, told him how much I loved him, how lucky I was he had come into my life, and how I would miss him. He tried to purr for me and nuzzled his head under my chin. Then he fell asleep for the last time. He was so loved. He saved my life in more ways than I can explain. I miss him very much ... Diana N.)