Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Mandy Haggerson
For the Clemmons Courier

Larry Wenning has always believed that you will always excel at something if you love what you do. Growing up with two older brothers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when he was younger, that was sports. “I loved sports. Pittsburgh had great sports teams. From the age of 12 until 30 I personally played mostly basketball,” explains Wenning.

Wenning took his love of sports to Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green for college. “Initially I was going to be a journalism major. I found out quickly you had to type so I dropped that pretty quickly,” laughs Wenning. “I decided to focus on getting a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.” Wenning realized that to really practice in the psychology field, he would need an advanced degree. “I wasn’t quite ready to take that leap so I decided to start a landscaping business down in North Carolina. My folks had moved down there, and I was close to my family,” explains Wenning. “They had chosen N.C. because they were avid golfers. We all enjoy being outside, and they also share the love for sports.”

The geographical move was serendipitous for Wenning. After some time, he realized the benefit of being near mountains and the ocean. “I’ve found a wonderful triad Christian singles group that focuses on adventures like going on hikes and attending various events (pre-COVID-19). We are always going to a lake, park or mountain to hike. We love musical events too,” notes Wenning. The adventuring group gathers weekly to share their love for adventure. “There’s anywhere from 5-20 people that would attend these get together. It’s a wonderful group of people that share many common interests,” says Wenning. “Although the group size is smaller these days due to COVID-19.”

Wenning’s love for adventure and being outside inspired his next professional move. “I learned with my landscaping business it really took a toll on my body. I had always loved animals so I began my own pet sitting service. I started Canine Kisses 10 years ago and have loved it. I enjoy the relationship I cultivate with the animals, and the trust that their owners have with knowing I care for them as well as they would when they are not there. It took a little time to build up my steady group of clients who are primarily in Advance and Clemmons,” explains Wenning. “I love being out and about all day visiting my pet clients. Although, one of the downsides to COVID-19 is that people are not traveling like they did prior. A lot of long-time clients are also working from home, so my business has taken a hit. I miss getting to see so many of my pet clients because of it.”

Wenning is choosing to focus on the positive of his free time, and has chosen to foster a dog from the local shelter. “I’m able to give that time and training to a pup that would be sitting in a cage and hopefully make him more adoptable. I like doing my part to make a difference,” notes Wenning.

Our neighbor reminds us that even when things seem challenging, to focus on all the good things around you. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.”