Our Misson
Just outside of Knoxville, a new Petcare service had opened its doors. It is called Happy Dog Days, and the mission was clear: to provide dogs with a fun, loving environment where they could be themselves while their owners were away. But what made Happy Dog Days truly special was not just the impeccable care or the friendly staff-it was a dog named Olive who played a pivotal role in making the business feel like home.
Olive was a loving, hound dog mix with soulful eyes and a playful spirit. The owner of Happy Dog Days, Kate Boshold, adopted Olive as a puppy. The moment I met her, and I adopted her from a local shelter, we were inseparable. Olive had a gentle, nurturing nature that seemed to put every dog she met at ease. I quickly realized that Olive was more than just a companion-she was the perfect dog for the job.
The Vision
When I started Happy Dog Days, I envisioned a place where dogs could enjoy themselves in a safe, enriching environment while their owners were at work. I would want clients to feel confident that their pets would not only be cared for but would also have the time of their lives. I knew that creating such a space required more than just a nice building. It needed a sense of warmth, love, and companionship that would make every dog feel special. And that’s where Olive came in.
From the very first day, Olive proved to be a natural leader. She had an uncanny ability to connect with dogs who came through the door. Whether they were nervous, shy, or energetic, Olive knew exactly how to make them feel comfortable. She had an almost magical presence, one that made even the most anxious pups relax. Olive would greet each dog with a wag of her tail and a friendly sniff, and before long, they would be running around with her, joining in her playful games.
Olive’s role
Olive’s role at Happy Dog Days is not just about playtime, though. I had a vision for Olive to be more than just a mascot. She was a guide, a mentor, and a friend to the dogs. Olive needed to teach the younger dogs the ropes of daycare life. I wanted her to show them how to play fetch, enjoy a belly rub, and get along with other dogs. Her calm demeanor helped even the most excitable dogs learn how to interact politely with their peers. I wanted new dogs who arrived at Happy Dog Days to follow Olive’s lead, finding comfort in her steady example.
But Olive didn’t just make dogs feel at ease; I also wanted her to have a profound impact on the staff at Happy Dog Days. My team of dog caretakers admire Olive’s gentle play. I wanted the staff to learn from her by watching how she communicated with the dogs, how she set boundaries with grace, and how she fostered a sense of community among pets. I had always believed that dogs had so much to teach humans, and Olive was the perfect teacher.
As long as Olive is there, Happy Dog Days will continue to be a place where dogs, and their owners, could find a little bit of joy every day. 