Our Founding Story

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In loving memory of the many dogs whom stole our hearts now watching us from the rainbow bridge:   Ripzi, Roxi, Gunner, Dale, Bear, Mattie, of course Buffy and Lucy, and can’t forget my childhood dog Jo Jo!

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Many years ago, my parents had two Golden Retrievers named Buffy and Lucy and oh my goodness, were they such a pain! I've always had a great love for animals and I remember thinking every time I went to visit my parents, "These dogs are driving me crazy, jumping on me, and wanting my attention all the time." But  I still always loved them! 

 

Unfortunately, Lucy was struck by a vehicle and my dad and I worked together to rehabilitate her. Thankfully, she was eventually able to walk again. It was about this time that my mom decided she wanted puppies. That was the last thing she needed with Lucy being injured, yet she decided to breed Buffy, and dad set up a spot in the garage. I made sure to check on both Lucy and Buffy daily.

 

I remember the day clearly. It was December 7th, and I received a call from my parents. I remember them saying,  "Come quick! We have pups and we don’t think they are going to make it! (like I’m a vet) I rushed out there finding two pups already passed away and the other eight pups struggling. Buffy wasn’t producing milk. I rushed them to our vet, where they each received a vitamin shot. Reluctantly, the vet informed me that they probably all would not survive. I remember crying my eyes out, and saying I will take care of each and every one of them. My parents said I couldn’t handle it, yet that was all I needed to hear. I was determined to prove them wrong.

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Thus started my journey and what I believe is one of my key purposes in life:  Loving doggies of all kind.

 

After taking the pups home, I made sure to bottle feed each one daily. I treated them as any good mother would, burping them and making sure they went to the bathroom. Yet, I didn’t quite realize what all I had signed myself up for. Every two hours of around-the-clock feeding for eight babies. Whew! Working a full-time job with eight newborns... it was a struggle, but so worth it and rewarding to my heart and soul! 

 

When it came time to find them new homes, I was devastated. I couldn’t even be in the room when they left. After a while, there were only two left. I remember having to make the phone calls for their new owners, and I just couldn’t do it! I just had to keep at least one of my babies! And I did! Her name was Ripzi and she was such a sweetheart!

 

Ripzi grew up and had two pups of her own:   Cinnamon Girl and Roxi Starr. My friend wanted a pup, so he took Cinnamon Girl, and I kept Roxi Starr. Roxi fell in love with Buddy, and ended up having fourteen puppies!!  One of those pups was Daizy, who I decided to keep.

 

During this time, I met so many wonderful people and became friends with all of them. I loved, cherished, and hand-delivered each one of those puppies. Because of my love and attention for them, I remember my mom telling me,  "You need to open a dog daycare or kennel! That is your calling!" At the time I shrugged it off, and accounted it to mom just being mom. 

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Years have passed since then and I have lost my mom, dad, brother, Ripzi , and Roxi Starr.  I even lost my job of nearly 30 years. I almost strayed from my path. Yet, the thought of them smiling down at me from heaven is what kept me moving forward. 

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Around this time, I adopted Zeek. He and Daizy were instantly in love! 

Daizy and Zeek had their first litter in December, and it was then that I decided to start a Facebook group called:  "Daizy n Zeek Love Story." I met so many wonderful friends while finding homes for their babies! Then in March, while watching the Kentucky basketball game, I realized I was going to be a mawmaw again. Daizy and Zeek were expecting!!

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My seven year old grandchild helped deliver the puppies with me.  I loved those puppies and once again met wonderful new friends and families for them. 

 

While elated for my puppies finding new homes, I still was struggling to find a passion for my career, dabbling in a few jobs in which made me miserable. I kept hearing the words of my parents:  "Do what you love and love what you do. Then, it isn't work!" from Dad, and "Follow your heart. Follow your calling!" from Mom.

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So I quit my job and here we go! And just like that, WatchURdog Daycare was born! 

 

I am excited, nervous, and a bit of a scaredy-cat, but I am more importantly motivated and eager for this new adventure! Again I hear the words of my father who always believed in me, "You have never failed at anything you put your mind and heart into." It is with those words that I find strength and passion to start this new endeavor. My journey may be a roller coaster ride, but it will for sure be a fun one!

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Thank you for taking the time to read and be a part of my story. I cannot wait to share this journey with you!

 

Hug your pets now, for tomorrow is never promised. What I can promise you, is that when your babies are with me, they will be loved, hugged, and spoiled! That is a GUARANTEE!!

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Stop by and see us anytime! Daizy, Zeek  would be happy to greet you!

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- Missy