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We had to hire her: She has more pets than anyone we know

By Gina Spadafori

April 1, 2010

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We kind of jumped the gun by having Ericka Basile write her first blog post before we ever told anyone we hired her. That’s because after spending a little more than a day with her, I hired her on the spot.

Now, this wasn’t exactly as impulsive as it might seem. Our Dr. Becker has known her for quite a while now, and he had been urging me to find something for her to do for us. He told me as I got ready to head for Orlando that I would love her — her wit, her drive, her smarts and her talent.

Whatever.

We hired her as a temp to help us at Global Pet Expo because she lived nearly and because Dr. Becker insisted, and I, being a good business partner, went along mostly because he had just said yes to me buying a new MacBook Air and so it was my turn to agree to something I wasn’t sure about.

It was sometime on that first day together between the time Ericka told me she owned more than a thousand domain names and the time, a few hours later, when she introduced me to my new favorite drink, Absolut with cranberry juice and a lime wedge (a/k/a a Cape Cod), that I decided she was, quite possibly, one of the utterly coolest people I’d ever met.

And the next day, when she put in a 12-hour day on the massive trade show floor  and wrote two pieces on screaming flat deadline that were just about perfect … well, what could I do?

I texted Dr. Becker to meet me in the hallway. We consulted briefly, walked in and hired her.

So … another blogger joins the Pet Connection team. Here’s her incredible background. In front of her: A bright, bright future.

Welcome, Ericka. You rock, girl.

Oh, and how many pets? Eight cats, four dogs (one blind), three rabbits, seven turtles, two birds, a hamster and a bearded dragon.

Filed under: administration — Gina Spadafori @ 4:37 pm

13 Comments »

  1. Welcome, Ericka!!

    Comment by Jill — April 1, 2010 @ 6:33 pm

  2. and a partridge in a pear tree.
    All I knew was this very attractive blonde woman greeted me enthusiastically at breakfast Friday morning in Orlando and told me how happy she was to meet me. She seemed to know who I was, though I hadn’t a clue yet who she was. By the end of breakfast I still wasn’t clear who Ericka was, but I knew I liked her a lot because she was smart as hell, and that’s generally all I need to make an impression on me on first sight. Looks may be fleeting but brains aren’t. I’m snobby that way. As the first day wore on, I became more and more impressed by Ericka’s background, relentless smile and boundless energy. By dinner that night (when Gina found out about the Cape Codder dealie), it was plain that Ericka was a winner.

    Then I saw Ericka’s first post Saturday, which sealed it. Dear readers: if you think Ericka’s posts are good, you should meet her in person. The woman’s a pure delight, and fits in to the diverse team flawlessly. Great catch, Gina (and Dr. Becker)!

    Comment by David S. Greene — April 1, 2010 @ 7:46 pm

  3. I’m “Max” (Schnauzer Rescue) Ericka’s First Makeover from Naples Dog.com—-she can tell you the loving story of how she saved me—I “woof” you Ericka—congrats on your new career & they hired the best!!!! “Max”

    Comment by "Max" Verba — April 2, 2010 @ 5:33 am

  4. Thank you! I am thrilled to work with such a prestigious group of pet journalists and advocates. We are all here to help make a difference in pet’s lives. That feels good.

    Comment by ericka — April 2, 2010 @ 6:06 am

  5. Welcome, Erika.

    Can’t wait to hear more!

    Comment by Marge — April 2, 2010 @ 9:55 am

  6. Congratulations, Ericka! Sounds like the perfect job for you - combining your talent, energy, and love of animals. The Pet Connection Team is lucky to have “found” you!!

    Comment by Mary Beth — April 2, 2010 @ 10:19 am

  7. I am so happy for you. Congratulations! I can think of no one more suited or more deserving. You have made such a difference to so many, including me, and for so many pet’s lives. To your love of animals and life, Cheers!!! The Pet Connection Team is truly blessed to have you join them.

    Comment by Valheriee Royce — April 2, 2010 @ 2:19 pm

  8. Thanks Valheriee! We’ve known each other a long time now and I am equally happy for you. Anyone who talks tech geek web design with me while giving Roxi a palm tree shaped dog cookie is A-ok in my book. Love and hugs! -e

    Comment by Ericka Basile — April 2, 2010 @ 8:06 pm

  9. Welcome, Ericka! I guess this makes me ‘not the new guy’! I am happy to shed that moniker for my new, cool nickname Dirk Steelthorn.

    Looking forward to working with you!

    Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — April 3, 2010 @ 5:37 am

  10. Dirk Steelthorn? That’s your soap opera name, isn’t it?

    Comment by David S. Greene — April 3, 2010 @ 5:56 am

  11. Uh, you’re confused David. That’s his OTHER stage name, wink wink say no more.

    Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 3, 2010 @ 6:19 am

  12. Congratulations Ericka, i am thrilled that the rest of the world will get to know how terrific you are!
    you have always been a wonderful animal advocate and i am confident that if any one can make a difference in the pet shelters, it will be YOU.
    warmest regards, and “smooches to your pooches”
    debbie foley aka poodle diva

    Comment by debbie foley — April 3, 2010 @ 7:43 am

  13. Thanks Tony, er, Dirk! I’ve heard a lot about you. David told me you are one of the funniest people he knows. I had thought of ER vets as serious dry folks. I’m glad to hear you are smart AND funny.

    P.S.
    Dirk Steelthorn sounds like a classic romance novel hearththrob. Huh, Now I’m confused. ER Vet, writer, comedian, and muse for a romance writer.

    Comment by Ericka Basile — April 3, 2010 @ 8:21 am

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