Making an Impact: Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward

By Chuck Cascio, author and former South Lakes teacher

Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward

Of the many ways Reston has been described by people who were raised in the community, perhaps the most unique comes from Beth Greenberg Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward: "Growing up in Reston was like living in a warm hug!" That environment led to a childhood in which the two 1988 South Lakes High School graduates spent hours exploring nature.

"We would go for nature hikes in the woods and look for signs of tadpoles, squirrels or baby rabbits," Beth said. "We thrived in nature, and there was so much around us."

Their affection for Reston's natural settings led them to spend countless hours exploring. "When we met in January 1973, we were instant friends," Beth said. "We always loved animals and spent endless hours researching careers involving them."

It would be logical to assume that the two pursued careers in biology, science or veterinary medicine. "We considered becoming vets, of course—but there was too much blood to deal with—and then looked at being naturalists or marine biologists," Beth said.

Instead, Pam graduated from St. Paul's College in Virginia with a degree in sociology and a minor in business, while Beth left the University of Delaware after one semester and returned to Reston.

Even while working full time at the Washington Speakers Bureau in Alexandria, they continued pursuing their interest in animals and nature. Then, in April 1998, Pam told Beth, "I had a dream about pet sitting." After researching the idea, she suggested it could become a part-time business.

Later that month, while keeping their full-time jobs, they launched what was then called Best Friends Pet Care, now known as All Friends Pet Care.

The business grew quickly. By Jan. 1, 1999, pet care had become their full-time occupation. Today, All Friends offers services including midday dog walks, vacation visits, overnight stays and more. "We have never looked back," Pam said.

For Beth and Pam, the rewards extend beyond building a successful business. The two continue to work as both owners and operators. "Clients can reach out and speak to either of us with any questions, concerns or booking requests," Beth said. "I often say, 'It is tough to stay in a bad mood in this job,' because as soon as you walk in the door, you become the center of a pet's world."

In 2020, the pandemic slowed business and led to a reduction in some services. "We got by on Small Business Administration loans and a lot of prayers," Pam said. "We also offered future-use gift cards for clients to purchase. It gave us a little cushion in our bank account, and clients could use the credit when they were ready to travel again."

She added that several regular dog-walking clients continued paying their biweekly rates to help support the business and its pet sitters. "We wouldn't have made it without them," she said.

After more than 25 years in business, All Friends continues to evolve. Beth said the company is testing a new service called "Hangout Buddy," which provides extended daytime pet care of three hours or longer. The company is also considering expanding services for exotic pets.

All Friends supports several local rescue organizations, including Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Homeless Animals Rescue Team, Friends of Homeless Animals and Husky Education and Rescue Team. "We participate in events with Reston Town Center and Reston Association and are always looking to develop new partnerships throughout the community," Pam said.

Beth and Pam are also co-authors of the book "Torchbearer Chronicles: Yin and Yang."

The warm hug Beth and Pam associate with Reston is also reflected in the satisfaction they derive from their work. "Our clients are always very grateful that they can travel or work worry-free, knowing their pets are being well cared for," Beth said. "That's what makes this job so rewarding for us, despite the occasional difficult days and long hours."