Fur Babies, Real Babies, and Running a Business—Welcome to Mom Life

What happens when you love your work… but your body is tired, the industry feels broken, and motherhood adds a whole new layer to the equation? In this episode of the Working Moms of San Antonio Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Dieringer, owner of The Canine Co., to talk about what it really looks like to build a small business in San Antonio while raising kids, caring for fur babies, and staying true to your values. Sarah shares her 30-year journey in the pet grooming industry, including why she almost walked away, what pulled her back, and how opening her own dog grooming business became the turning point. This conversation is especially for pet owners, working moms, and women entrepreneurs who want to grow a business without sacrificing their family, their health, or their integrity. We talk about: What every pet owner should know about dog grooming and trusting the right professionals The physical and emotional toll of service-based businesses Why so many moms in business question their careers, even when they’re good at them Building a values-driven small business in San Antonio Creating a healthy work environment, setting boundaries, and leading a team as a mom Raising kids inside your business and navigating mom guilt in the process This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to start over to evolve. You don’t have to choose between being a present mom and a successful business owner. And you’re not alone in wondering if there’s a better way to do both. If you’re a San Antonio mom, a pet parent, or a small business owner feeling burned out, unseen, or stuck in the messy middle, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Because real women. Real business. Real connection. 💙 00:00 – Welcome to the Working Moms of San Antonio Podcast 01:00 – Meet Sarah Dieringer, owner of The Canine Co. 02:00 – How Sarah got into dog grooming and the realities of the pet industry 04:00 – Why dog grooming is largely unregulated and what pet owners should know 07:00 – Loving your work but questioning if it’s time to walk away 09:00 – How the pet industry and pet ownership have changed over the years 10:30 – COVID puppies, socialization challenges, and modern grooming realities 12:00 – Being good at what you do but feeling burned out by the industry 14:00 – Why so many women struggle to say “I’m good at my job” 16:00 – Opening The Canine Co. and deciding to do things differently 18:00 – Creating boundaries, contracts, and a healthy work culture as a business owner 21:00 – Leading a team, compensation, and taking care of your people 24:00 – Commission-based work, sustainability, and realistic growth 26:00 – Building a business with a young child and family involvement 29:00 – The guilt, the seasons of parenting, and being a working mom 33:00 – Real-life mom moments, humor, and raising kids inside entrepreneurship 38:00 – Where to find The Canine Co. and how Working Moms of San Antonio supported her growth 41:00 – Final thoughts on motherhood, business ownership, and doing what feels right 42:00 – Closing and how to connect with the WMSA community Connect with Sarah Dieringer 🐾 Business: The Canine Co. 📍 Location: San Antonio, Texas 📸 Instagram: @thecanineco 🌐 Website: The Canine Co. (San Antonio dog grooming) Sarah is a long-time professional in the pet grooming industry and the owner of The Canine Co., a values-driven dog grooming business serving San Antonio pet owners who want quality care, honesty, and heart behind the service. If you’re a pet parent, working mom, or small business owner looking to support a local, women-owned business, be sure to follow and connect with her 💙