Hi I'm Kari (Care-E) the founder of Lil Doggie Den. How did it all begin? Well, after working for a major childcare corporation for 15 years, I realized I needed to do something more engaging and to make a bigger impact with my time. I also knew I would rather be playing with and training my dogs than sitting behind a desk on zoom meetings all day. During every break and right after work I immediately played with my dogs, or took them for a walk, or practiced agility. Any stressors I had from work were immediately eliminated. Anytime I went to anyone’s house with dogs, I was just as excited to see the dogs as I was the people. Anytime I saw a dog on the street it immediately brought a smile to my face and any negative feelings or thoughts went away. This is how I realized I should be spending time with dogs all day. I could open my own doggy business. My vision was affirmed anytime someone would come across me with my dogs and comment how happy and well behaved they were.  ​My biggest inspiration came from my two little dogs, Ruby and Gus. When I sought out a daycare facility where they could socialize specifically with other small dogs. I wanted a place where they would feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Somewhere that focused on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being—a place where we all felt part of a larger community.
Though there are some good dog daycare places in Portland, none fit exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to use everything I had learned about the daycare business, and from working in dog daycare since, to open a small dog-only doggy daycare. I look forward to you and your lil doggies joining our family!