Pattie Boden Embodies All The Enterprising Qualities Of A Successful Social Entrepreneur In Charlottesville, Virginia

Editor’s Note: This is episode one in a three episode Pattie Boden series.

Pattie Boden embodies all the enterprising qualities of a successful social entrepreneur.

Pattie, the creative and forward-thinking businesswoman behind, Animal Connection, launched her business more than 17 years ago out of her garage after her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Ernie, developed cancer. Pattie’s veterinarian said Ernie would die in less than two years.

Instead of expensive chemotherapy and a daily drug dosage, Pattie chose to change Ernie’s diet from the national brands to a raw food diet.

“A raw diet [for a dog] was a new thing 20-some years ago,” Pattie explained, “but when your dog has cancer, what do you have to lose?! I tried it, and six months later, Ernie is cancer free!”

Instead of the grim two-year prognosis for Ernie, Pattie enjoyed six-and-half more years of love and laughter with her Chessie.

“Not only did the cancer go away, but the fatty tumors melted away. He had sparkling clean teeth. He never needed expensive teeth cleaning from a vet,” Pattie said. “Ernie was a picture of health.”

After Pattie discovered the right raw food diet for Ernie, she then needed to figure out where she could source the meals moving forward. When she could not easily find the raw food, Pattie realized that she had a business on her hands.

Today, Pattie owns 17-year-old Animal Connection, the epicenter for everything animals in Charlottesville and across Central Virginia. Located in the McIntire Plaza, Pattie started with 800 square feet. Now, she has 3,200 square feet, including the addition of grooming services and a spa-like self-serve dog wash that is the best one in Charlottesville.

Pattie has created a business that is without question making Charlottesville and Central Virginia a better place. For example, Pattie launched “Dog Fest: Charlottesville’s Most Fun Outdoor Party For Dogs” with her own money and sweat equity. Today, “Dog Fest” is a marquee Charlottesville event and recently enjoyed more than 2,000 dog lovers in attendance at its event in September in the Ix Art Park.

Pattie Boden, your hard work, your vision, your creativity and your courage are a big-time asset to Charlottesville, Virginia. Thank you for being you!

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