Keeping our furry friends safe and in check at Pooch & Play is one of our co-founders, Michael. If you’ve stopped by our daycare, you’ve most likely met Michael – he’s the man who greets every two and four-legged friend, with a smile and friendly “hello”. Taking us behind the scenes, Michael is talking about all things Pooch & Play including the highlights, the history and the vision for the future.
Before we get into the here and now, come back with us to where this story began, and meet a guy who just wanted one simple thing for his pooch- a decent dog daycare in The Shire. Michael worked with Brad, another of our three co-founders, a few years prior to the business opening. While they parted ways for a few years, they stayed in touch and when they saw this gap in the market and had time to make it happen, they jumped on it! “Knowing my true passion and skills with dogs, along with [Brad’s] business acumen (and love of dogs!) we decided to start Pooch & Play”
Since the doors opened nearly 2 years ago, Michael has made too many memories to put to paper, but he’s sharing one of the highlights: “Opening the doors for our very first day of business back in January 2022 has to be one of the most memorable days. It was both exhilarating and a little daunting if I’m honest, wondering if anyone would show up? Thankfully they did!!”
I think it was Confucius who once said, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” and I think this is exactly what Michael has done. I don’t think a person has ever quite expressed their love for what they do and our furry friends in quite the same way Michael has. When asked what Michael’s favourite part of his job is he responded with;
“Well that’s an easy one, the dogs! Greeting them and seeing their excitement and wagging tails as they bound in our door puts a smile on my face and any outside worries seem to just disappear. We are all very fortunate to be able to work with, play with and care for these amazing creatures, and each and every day is a blessing that I don’t take for granted.”
While there’s been a lot to enjoy, it’s not all been smooth sailing with the most difficult part of this journey being putting the first paw forward. “
Today, Michael enjoys a new challenge – getting to know and understand every furry friend he meets and we must say, he does it with ease. With an experienced and eager team under his wing, we have not only seen the team grow, but our guests thrive.
When Michael isn’t here taking care of our furry family, you’ll most likely find him:
- “At home in with my amazing partner Tanya, my very special 2-legged, 2-year-old Lachlan (and come August 2023) his brother or sister, and our 2 step kids Freddy and Violet.”
OR
- “At one of the many parks that are off lead permitted, keeping an eye on my two very precious pooches (Lloyd & Billie) as they roam free, play and chase balls (or kids on skateboards/scooters as is the case with Lloyd)”
OR
- “At the local Country Club, playing some very average (or worse!) golf”
Come on down to Pooch & Play and meet Michael and the team if you haven’t already. You’ll find us at 4 Meta St, Caringbah NSW 2229.
