A new business started by a Mesa woman distributes food to pets.

Anna Baum has launched a new career as a small-business owner, similar to UberEats for pets, after a 25-year stint as a 911 operator for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Pet Wants Gilbert North, a mobile pet-food delivery service that specializes in small-batch, healthy food and treats for dogs and cats, is owned by the Mesa woman.

Her current job, which covers almost the whole Valley, allows her to put what she learned as a food-service manager in practice, as well as allow her to keep a pet again without feeling guilty about leaving it alone while she works.

Baum explained, I grew up with dogs, cats, horses, cows, chicks, and goats. Until my final two died a little over two years ago, I was never without a loyal dog. I did not buy another dog because of my long hours as a 911 communication manager with DPS. I decided it would be better if I waited till I retired.

Baum, now the owner of a cat who acts as near to a dog as a cat can get, distributes food ordered online from a 7-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio-based company founded by two women who began manufacturing food for their dog after realizing that large-scale producers' food made their pet sick.

Pet Wants also sells healing salve, relaxing balm, anti-itch spray, and paw wax, in addition to different blends of dog and cat food that the company claims contain high-quality proteins and never contain added sugar, fillers, animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or colors.

Baum said her food-delivery service satisfies another post-retirement ambition, in addition to having a career that doesn't demand the long hours of a 911 operator.

I wanted something that included the community while doing something I enjoyed, she explained. I came across Pet Wants and it was exactly what I needed. I could engage with the community in a way that I enjoyed — working with animals and promoting health and wellness."

"The numerous types of pet food, components, and how supplements can be useful, the various sorts of ailments pets can have, and how diet can make such a major impact in how pets behave and how long they live," she said last month.

"I take preventive care for myself, so talking about good food for your pets was a logical extension of that," she continued.

Because of her education, she is able to assist clients in making informed decisions when browsing the numerous types of food available on Pet Wants' website.

I can collaborate with them and provide knowledge that will enable them to make more informed decisions about the food they feed their pets," Baum said. They can place orders online, but that's only one aspect of the interaction. The other aspect is getting to know their dogs and assisting them in learning how to deal with problems as they develop.

Pet Wants is unique in that we offer fresh, holistic items in a simple and personalized manner. We have the knowledge and training to assist our customers in finding the best solutions for their unique pets, as well as the tools to assist them in living long and healthy lives, Baum added. As you and your pets get older and their needs change, we want to be there for you.

Baum had expected her father to assist her as she prepared to retire and enter the marketplace as a sole proprietor. However, he died in December.

Her biggest obstacle as she started her business was recovering from her loss, but she takes solace in the fact that her delivery van was her father's, and while he is not here to support me, he will always be with me.

And there's another aspect of her new job that appeals to her.

My kids and their families, as well as my mother and aunt and sister, are all really pleased to be a part of this new experience, Baum said. It will be extremely family-centric, with something exciting for everyone to do. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family and serving the community in a different way after all the missed holidays over the years working as a 911 dispatcher and manager."

It also allows her to continue contributing in the community, where she serves handmade dinners to Mesa's homeless women.

I'm looking forward to spending time working together at Pet Wants and having the kind of flexibility you can't have working for a 911 communications center, Baum said. I felt strongly that Pet Wants was linked with my principles and would be a fantastic opportunity to continue to give back to the community in a positive, uplifting way after serving my community for 25 years, paired with my holistic way of living.

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