Hidden Gems: Meet Dave Howington-Jara of Bow Wags

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Howington-Jara.

Hi Dave, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Bow Wags opened in 2011 by then owner Tina Thomas. My husband and I were one of her first customers where we brought our 2 fur babies over the next 6 years, In 2017 she had decided to close Bow Wags and after talking over several weeks my husband and I purchased the business from her. It has certainly been adventure navigating all the issues of owning a small business. However, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge has been taxes. Good God no one truly knows how awful it is! We truly love all the little fuzzy butts in our care so anytime one is injured it’s stressful. We are one of the only facilities that offer all day social play! Anytime one of our campers cross the rainbow bridges tears are shed. We have a rainbow bridge in our front garden with the collar and tags of the babies that have passed.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Bow Wags we offer indoor and outdoor fun for your dog in a clean, safe and fully supervised environment.

During the day, your dog will enjoy playing in one of our small (toy), medium or large size playrooms that are separated based on breed and size. Bow Wags also offers a secure outside playground with separate small and large dog play areas. When your dog spends the night with us, they will retreat to their own private (indoor) wooden suite. You are welcome to bring your dogs favorite bed, blanket or toy and we will set those items up in their private room. We encourage you to bring your dog’s food to keep their diet consistent; however, we are happy to provide a house food for $2 per day.

Dog Grooming at Bow Wags – Bow Wags is happy to offer top notch full service grooming for all breeds. Our groomers have extensive training to make sure your dog is kept safe and receives the highest quality hair cut.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a pretty independent kid. We lived in the country for many years and had horses! so no friends houses to walk to but often relied on my own imagination to pass the day! Started playing DND at age 15 and still play 47 yuears later! lol

Pricing:

• Boarding: 50 a night
• Daycare: Starts as low as 21

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bowwags.com