11/02/2025
This week I stood on stage as a Big Idea North Platte finalist and poured my heart into my pitch for Staycation Pet Care.
Surrounded by my biggest supporters — family, friends, coworkers, even my dad who surprised me after driving three hours — I gave a presentation I’m proud of. I engaged the judges, got a few giggles, and felt the room with me.
When the top five names appeared and mine wasn’t there, I was stunned. I cried, stepped out, and tried to breathe through the shock.
I’ve worked on this dream since last spring — meeting with Moraine at the Nebraska Business Development Center, sitting with banks, even considering the Bronco Inn for renovation into luxury pet suites. When my husband was laid off and lenders needed both a mortgage and a business loan, I started to wonder if the universe was telling me to pause… just for now.
I learned a lot this week — about myself, about resilience, and about the kind of community that shows up with matching shirts and louder cheers than I could ever ask for.
$8,000 wouldn’t have changed my life — but believing in myself does.
My dedication runs deep. After the competition, I went straight to a pet visit and ended up sitting on the floor, sobbing, as the sweetest little corgi, Jelly Bean, licked the tears off my face. 💛 Their paw-rents had left me the most thoughtful care package for me and my pups — and a handwritten note full of kindness. They couldn’t have had better timing. Jaylee Bonta Brooke Hilt
Staycation Pet Care isn’t stopping here.
I’m still building, still dreaming, and still grateful. 🐾
