SBDC @ University of New Mexico – Gallup
Laughing Dog Kennel provides a safe, clean and fun environment for pets. On February 29, 2016, Laughing Dog Kennel opened, providing Gallup with its first and only full-care pet facility. Laughing Dog Kennel provides dog, cat, bird and exotic pet boarding, doggie daycare, dog grooming and puppy kindergarten classes.
SBDC at UNM – Gallup provided Jenny with the resources she needed to thrive, compete, and succeed. Whether you need to board your dog overnight or for an extended stay, Jenny will treat your pet as her own. As a dog owner, Jenny had trouble finding accommodations for her own dogs when she went out of town, so she knew there was a real need for such a business to serve the Gallup area pet-owners. Jenny’s first step was to research all the financial aspects of operating a pet boarding facility before making her decision to start her small business venture. After analyzing several potential locations she found the perfect site to open her business.
Growing up in Wisconsin, Jenny has always had an understanding of and love for animals. She attended a grooming school in the early 80’s. Over the years she continued grooming clients’ dogs, show-groomed for professional handlers, worked for a certified canine behaviorist, trained her own dogs in Schutzhund (a German 3-part dog sport consisting of obedience, tracking and protection work), and even showed Australian Shepherds extensively throughout the northeast finishing several champions. She has attended numerous canine nutrition, training and handling seminars. She moved to Gallup with her husband and son in 1998 to enjoy the wide-open space and has never looked back. She worked for veterinarian Dr. Podkonjak at Red Rock Animal Hospital for seven years as a receptionist and office manager until he sold the practice.
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone but Jenny is succeeding. She has always had an understanding and love for animals and is the Founder, Trainer & Chief Puppy Wrangler. She is passionate and committed to both the animals and business.
“I would highly recommend the SBDC to anyone opening a business.They have helped me so much by answering questions so that I could do things right from the start, rather than making mistakes or learning by trial & error.The SBDC is a fabulous resource.”