We were lucky to catch up with Linda Standard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Linda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Five years ago, I had taken four of my dog guests outside to play and have fun. Two of them were running towards me while I was watching another so I didn’t see them as they barreled into me and sent me flying up in the air. I landed horizontaly on my left knee and foot. Didn’t realize it then, but it caused a tibial plateau fracture. Fortunately, a friend happened to be at my house. I could barely stand. Michele went out and bought crutches plus came over four times a day for a couple weeks to let the dogs out and feed them. I was totally dependent on others to run my business. Someone else had to pick up water bowls or put food down since it was impossible for me to even walk down my stairs to get to the dog boarding area. Two other clients also volunteered to help and all three took shifts to feed the dogs plus let them outside. What angels!

Linda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Since childhood, I have wanted a “doggie hotel”. After pet sitting for friends or family over 30 years, certain resort features were known but many were not and after researching cleaning products, kennel enclosures, etc., the puzzle pieces took shape. Dream became reality after finding a great location then custom building. My 4-acre property became not only home but also the exclusive pet resort that loving fur parent’s want.

Clients love the videos and pictures they receive every day their dog is with me. It makes them happy to see new dog friends with their fur child or get a status update on how their dog is doing. Since I am home based, it gives me a huge advantage over commercial facilities because eight is the maximum I can take on boarding guests (dogs). It allows me to pay more attention to all plus the large yard is heaven to most dogs. Classical music plays 24/7 inside and the solid color kennel panels help the dogs remain calm because it is harder for them to see each other. It allows the dogs to settle quickly and rest.

I am most proud of the sense of peace clients tell me they have when on vacation. They know their dog is safe and happy. The best compliment for me to hear is “you’ve ruined my dog!” Spoiling is quite high on my list…

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve always been keen doing certain tasks at specific times. However, that is not always possible when a client is an hour late or wants to drop off a day early. I was not a flexible person at the start of my business and it soon became a new way of life to learn to “roll with it” or go crazy. Years of having customers has certainly taught me that it is okay if a glitch happens. There’s normally a solution and things will be okay. Ideas and changes have evolved from the first work day so that pivot from “my way” to another direction has been ongoing.

For a sole proprietor of a dog boarding business, structure is critical. Learning the timing on feeding guests, cleaning rooms, taking dogs out in between showers, etc., has to be factored on a whole day’s chart. Duties are numerous and not all are done on a daily basis. Just the breakfast or dinner feedings can take an hour, depending on the dogs and their requirements. Any new ideas on saving time or energy are a blessing. There could be a “fix” that is seen on TV or heard from a client that I’d never thought of so I try to be receptive to that new thought and see how it could be a perfect step.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Dogs are the love of my life. They pull on my heart strings and give me such a sense of peace. That shows when potential clients come over with their dog on the first tour. It is a natural connection between a dog and myself. Owners have told me that they can relax while on vacation because they know their baby is safe and happy. Word of mouth is what delivers more clients to me than any advertising ever has. For advertising, there is only my website and business sign at the road. Owners bring in the majority of new clients.

Sending the dog guests home in a calm mood is what brings more business in. You don’t get that at a commercial facility because there is too much chaos. I play classical music 24/7 and keep the lights off when the dogs are inside resting. They have a balance of running the yard and being still so the parents can see how their dog is happy on pick up. I am known for taking really good care of the fur kids!

Contact Info:

• Website: atailaway.com