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Things to do
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MATT WITTMEYER staff photographer
Wendy Sympson Pettrone, 43, of Webster is a paralegal who started her own dog-treat company, Updog Natural.
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Personal: 43, of Webster; married to Jeff Pettrone and has two sons, Cameron, 12, and Zachary, 9.
Occupation: (include specific job title): Paralegal at Rose & Reh in Victor, New York; recently started small company, Updog Natural, making home made dog treats.
Community activities: I started Updog Natural after learning about the Verona Street Animal Shelter. I donate 50 percent of the profits from the sale of my products to the shelter, and try to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting shelter pets.
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: I love the rich history of Rochester, and enjoy the beautiful canal villages of Pittsford and Fairport The homes and buildings are so well maintained, you can imagine so easily what it would have been like during the 19th century.
Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: I was terribly afraid of failure and all of the risks and uncertainty of starting up a business. My family has been amazingly supportive, especially my husband, who stressed to me that the only failure is the failure to try. Whenever I experience a set back or disappointment, I think of the beautiful animals at Verona, and then try a little harder!
One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: I would love to travel around and see more of this country — the historic sites in cities like Boston and Philadelphia and Williamsburg, the Grand Canyon, Sonoma, New Orleans. There is so much here I would love to experience.
If I could change one thing about myself it would be: My brain is always hopping around from one thought to the next! I would love to be able to slow down and be fully present in each moment. I am continually trying to slow down and just BE.
The talent I would most like to have: I love watching Top Chef on Bravo. I would love to be a brilliant and creative cook.
The one thing I can’t live without: My children! I love everything about them — they keep me centered on why I am here, and they make my life incredibly rich.
My favorite movie: I honestly love anything with Will Ferrell.
One of my favorite sayings is: “People will forget what you say, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou) I try to remember this in every interaction I have.
A person who has inspired me (and why): My father is one of the most incredibly brave people I have ever known. He is a decorated Vietnam War Veteran, had non-Hodgkins lymphoma and recently had surgery for prostate cancer, yet he is at the gym working out like a maniac, taking boxing classes and playing tennis with my kids. And my mom is equally inspirational, because she has gone through it all with him with determination and grace. They are truly amazing people.
