09/07/2026
🎂🐾 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MATAYA! 🐾🎂
A few years ago, I walked through these doors at just 19 years old, simply excited to have a job where I got to spend my days with dogs. I had no idea that this place would become such a huge part of my life, or that a couple years later, I’d be walking through those same doors as the owner of The Doggie Depot. 🥹❤️
Every day, while I’m taking pictures, playing with the pups, watching them run around, or laughing at their silly personalities, I have these little moments where I look around and think, “How did I get so lucky?”
Owning a business isn’t always easy. There are long days, hard decisions, stressful moments, and a lot that people never see behind the scenes. There are days when I question myself and wonder if I’m doing enough or if I’m doing things the right way.
But then a dog comes running through the door with their tail wagging.
A pup gives me one of those kisses that makes you forget everything else.
A family tells me how much their dog loves coming here.
Or I get to watch a dog who was once nervous finally come out of their shell.
And suddenly, I remember exactly why I’m here.
I love these dogs more than I could ever explain. I truly love each and every one of them like they’re my own, and getting to know their little personalities, their quirks, their favorite things, and the people who love them means more to me than I could have ever imagined when I first started at 19.
And then there’s my own spoiled girl, Bailey. 😂🐾 She’s proof that if you love dogs for a living, you’re probably going to spoil your own even more!
When I look back at the 19 year old girl who first walked through these doors, I wish I could tell her what was waiting for her.
I’d tell her that the little job she was so excited about would become a dream she never knew she had.
I’d tell her that she would meet so many amazing people, fall in love with countless dogs, and eventually be trusted with the opportunity to call this place her own.
And I’d tell her that even though the road wouldn’t always be easy, it would be worth it.
I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who has believed in me, encouraged me, supported me, and helped me get to where I am today. And I’m especially thankful for every single family who trusts me with their best friend. That trust is something I will never take for granted. ❤️
I truly couldn’t imagine where I would be today if it weren’t for The Doggie Depot.
Sometimes life takes you somewhere you never planned to go, and somehow, you end up exactly where you were always meant to be.
At 23, I get to look around and realize that the place I once came to work is now the place I get to call my own. And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
And I’m so incredibly grateful that I get to live this life every single day.
Here’s to 23. Here’s to The Doggie Depot. Here’s to every dog who has left a paw print on my heart. And here’s to whatever comes next. 🐶❤️✨
Happy birthday to me. 🎂🐾
