About Us

Our Story: Why I’m in the Pet-Care Business

One Abandoned Puppy Changed the Direction of My Life

I was in my 40s when I got my first dog. At the time, I lived in Del Rio, Texas, and had stopped at my veterinarian’s office to buy cat food. While I was there, I learned that someone had abandoned a Black Labrador–Border Collie mix puppy at the office.

It was a Friday, and the veterinary office would be closed for the weekend. I couldn’t bear the thought of that puppy being left alone for two days, so I offered to take her home for the weekend. I asked whether I could bring her back on Monday if things didn’t work out, and the woman at the front desk assured me that I could.

I already had nine cats at the time—possibly a few more, although I won’t confess to the exact number! Every one of my animals was spayed or neutered, and they were very much part of my family. As it turned out, the puppy was a wonderful addition, too. We decided to keep her and named her Rio after Del Rio. Later, we changed her name to Ria.

I had no idea that one stop at the veterinarian’s office would change the direction of my life so dramatically.

Looking for Something Better for Ria

After moving to Bentonville, Arkansas, I worked in the Walmart supplier community and traveled frequently for business. Two or three times a year, I would travel to Hong Kong and China for one or two weeks at a time to meet with manufacturers.

Because I lived alone and did not have a fenced yard, I needed a safe, dependable place to board Ria while I traveled. I tried three different boarding facilities within approximately 25 minutes of my home. Each time I picked her up, however, something seemed a little off. I never felt comfortable enough to return to the same facility twice.

I was a new and admittedly overprotective dog mom, but I also trusted what I was feeling. I wanted more for Ria. I wanted a place where I could leave her and feel confident that she would be safe, understood, treated with compassion, and genuinely cared for.

I knew I couldn’t be the only dog parent searching for something better.

A Blunt Conversation That Changed Everything

When Ria was approximately nine months old, I attended a dog-adoption event at PetSmart. I thought she might enjoy having a canine playmate and met Stacy Kiggins of Homeward Bound Pet Rescue. Stacy had an adorable Catahoula-mix puppy available for adoption.

After asking me several questions, Stacy determined that I didn’t meet the rescue’s adoption requirements because I did not have a fenced or screened yard. She also told me that nine other people were already interested in that particular puppy.

During our conversation, I mentioned that I was thinking about opening a dog-boarding facility. Stacy responded with words I still remember:

“Oh, great—another idiot who doesn’t know what they’re doing.”

I told her that her comment was a little harsh and that I was somewhat offended—but I also appreciated her honesty.

The truth was that Stacy was right about one thing: I didn’t know enough about dogs yet. Ria was my first dog, and loving dogs was not, by itself, enough to qualify me to care professionally for other people’s beloved pets.

Stacy then told me about a dog-care franchise that she considered, hands down, the best facility she had ever encountered through her rescue and dog-transport work. I promised her I would investigate it.

And I did.

Turning a Personal Need Into a New Career

In early 2007, I flew to Colorado, learned more about the franchise, and signed an agreement. I then built a beautiful indoor-outdoor dog-care facility from the ground up in Bentonville, Arkansas. We opened our doors in August 2008. That facility still operates today under different ownership.

When I later moved to Arizona, I considered signing with the franchise again. However, the company had added requirements that did not align with how I wanted to operate. I ultimately chose to become independent and created Happy Pets Palace & Playground.

That independence has allowed us to make decisions based on what we believe is right for the dogs, their families, and our team—not because a franchise requires us to follow one standard approach.

Our first Happy Pets Palace & Playground location opened in Mesa on August 22, 2014. Because so many customers asked us to bring Happy Pets to another part of the Valley, we opened our Chandler location on December 12, 2018.

We intentionally opened Chandler on Amber’s birthday because she was so instrumental in opening the location and has continued to play an important role in leading it.

Built by a Dog Mom Who Understands

I have extensive business experience and training, but that is not the reason I entered this industry.

I entered it because I love animals—and because what was available to Ria and me in Northwest Arkansas in 2005 and 2006 simply wasn’t good enough. I approached the need as a brand-new, overprotective dog mom who wanted to feel completely confident about the people caring for her dog.

That perspective continues to guide Happy Pets Palace today.

I understand why pet parents worry. I understand why they ask questions, check the webcams, call to see how their dog is doing, or have difficulty walking out the door the first time. Their dogs are family, and trusting someone else with a family member is a very big decision.

The animals entrusted to us need us to be their voices. Our responsibility is to understand their behavior, recognize their individual needs, protect their safety, and provide the best possible experience for every dog in our care.

The Most Rewarding Part of the Journey

One of the greatest gifts of this career has been watching dogs grow from playful puppies into treasured seniors. We have formed lasting relationships with wonderful dog parents and created a community where employees develop meaningful friendships—with the dogs, with our clients, and with one another.

Working with animals also brings us into contact with some of the most compassionate people in the workforce. Pet parents can be sensitive and protective because their love is so deep. The people who choose animal care as their profession often share that same compassion.

And every day, we receive the unconditional love that dogs so freely give. Dogs comfort us, enrich our families, improve our well-being, and become deeply woven into our lives.

After deciding to open my first facility, I called the veterinary office in Del Rio and told them what had grown from that abandoned puppy they had allowed me to take home. The receptionist told me they had known I would be the perfect mom for Ria. She said they were happy for both of us and grateful to have played a part in our journey.

It is remarkable to think that one ordinary stop to buy cat food led to an entirely new life and career.

Ria created a need in my life that I couldn’t ignore. That need became a vision, the vision became a business, and the business became a community dedicated to giving dogs and the people who love them something better.

That is why I’m in the pet-care business—and why providing compassionate, exceptional care will always be personal to me.

Safety, Training and Certifications

Dog daycare safety starts with a team that knows what to watch for. Our staff completes PackPro training in Dog Body Language, Group Management, New Dog Evaluation, Customer Service Basics, and Canine Health, First Aid and CPR.

This training prepares our team to read canine body language, manage group dynamics, thoughtfully introduce new dogs, and recognize signs of illness or injury. Throughout the day, dogs are closely monitored during group play, rest periods, meals, outdoor time, and private care.

Training isn’t a one-time box to check. It is an ongoing part of how we maintain consistent safety standards and provide attentive, informed care every day.