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Living the American dream this July 4
Rosie Bundick is proof that with a little hard work and a lot of inspiration, anyone can live the American dream.
Bundick began her journey at 9 months old, when her family escaped from Vietnam to America. Thirty-four years later, the Leesburg resident is the owner of Animal Au Paws of Loudoun, a successful pet-sitting business she started in 2006.
"My mom always taught us to work hard at whatever we do and follow our dream," Bundick said. "I'm lucky to be doing what I love."
The Bundicks fled Saigon mere hours before Communists took over Vietnam. Once in America, the only person they knew was Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, chief of U.S. naval operations. Bundick's father, a commander in the Vietnamese navy, had worked with Zumwalt. Their family -- composed of Bundick, her parents, two sisters, an aunt, an uncle, two cousins and grandmother -- moved in with Zumwalt's son in North Carolina.
Throughout her childhood, Bundick learned the value of hard work from her parents, who worked in a cotton mill during the day and attended school at night. Her father died when she was 8, and her mother took on the sole responsibility for the household.
"I think my mom always wanted us to make something of ourselves," Bundick said. "She pushed us very hard. It made me always fight for what I wanted. I learned I had to go out and meet the boat instead of waiting for it to come to shore."
Bundick attended the University of Maryland in 1997. Although her heart pulled her toward working with animals, she realized that veterinary work "didn't let you play with the animals." Instead, she graduated with a degree in information systems.
The love for animals never left, and Bundick found herself walking dogs during her lunch breaks at an IT company. Married and pregnant with her first child, Bundick decided to venture into the world of the entrepreneur and began Animal Au Paws of Loudoun, a full-service pet-sitting company.
"We have the spirit of giving back, since so much was given to us," Bundick said. Animal Au Paws works with homeless animals, raising money and hosting an annual charity drive. Despite the recession, she says the business is doing well.
Bundick recognizes her success and is thankful for he opportunities. "My parents made a sacrifice so we can raise our kids and be successful," she said. "I'm happy and able to be at home with my kids, which is something my mom couldn't do. I can see her pride when she looks at her children, and that's what Independence Day is to me."
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