Meet Marissa Hickman. She is a senior in the Union County High School Class of 2020. She is active in her school and community and has recently decided to turn one of her passions into a local business, pet sitting.

Marissa has a deep love for all kinds, colors, and sizes of animals. She has three chickens and eight cows in addition to her four dogs, two of whom are sister Malinois Shepherds named Mercury and Arya. She also has a Chihuahua named Toto and a mixed breed, Mack. The chickens are miniature Barred Rock hens. She is devoted to the love and care of these animals and has also been known to pet sit from time to time for friends and neighbors. She says, “Various individuals have brought animals to me for many reasons; to take care of them and keep them, to foster them for a little while, or just to babysit them.”

She said that she has always enjoyed working with animals and thought, “Why not do what I love and make a little money?” Marissa grew up in Luttrell but has recently moved with her family to a farm in New Tazewell. Following the special place in her heart for all creatures, she plans to attend Pellissippi State Community College in the Veterinary Tech field. She has been a member and former officer of the Horace Maynard FFA Chapter for her four years in high school as well as spinning for the Patriot Band for the past three years. She claims it has been the best time of her life.

If you have a need for a local pet sitter, short or long term, be sure to contact Marissa Hickman and support her new exertion. She has a few requirements for any pets which she will provide upon each inquiry. Marissa can be contacted about walking, sitting, and light training via text or call at 865-719-4157.