Skye and Buster
Playing in one of our huge fully fenced parklands.
Geez Louiz! You may think I've been quiet, but I've been busy! Lots of things happening that I'm both excited and nervous about. Today, I'm aching a bit. I invested in a personal trainer to rebuild my core strength, and afterwards... ooh... I'm beginning to suspect my core packed its bags and left years ago. Apparently, muscles I've never met before have decided to introduce themselves! Oh la lah! But my back feels a whole lot better. Maybe I'll become an old lady long-distance runner someday. Well, I can dream, eh? lol
There's plenty happening at Happy Tails! Our new package sale has started with a bang! My clients are jumping at purchasing their packages and booking their pets' vacations. So happy! Plus, it's also been a pleasure welcoming new clients and seeing familiar faces returning with new pets, some after quite a few years away. Many of you have stopped by to visit and encourage me in my decision to keep Happy Tails rather than sell. It has meant more than you know. I really do have the nicest clients in the world! After 30 years of investing much of my working life and earnings back into this resort, I'm planning the next chapter. I'll remain the owner while a capable team takes over day-to-day operations, bringing fresh energy, ideas and dedication to help Happy Tails continue to grow and improve while supporting my retirement.
That brings me to my next adventure: hiring! I've been meeting with HR professionals and recruiters, and goodness gracious, the costs are enough to send my newly discovered core muscles into spasms! But finding someone qualified to fill a position is one thing. Finding someone who understands what makes Happy Tails special, and has the ability to make it even better, is quite another! I'm looking for three exceptional people: a General Manager to oversee operations, administration, marketing and the business side of Happy Tails; an experienced animal care person who genuinely understands dogs; and a capable groundskeeper and maintenance person to care for our beautiful property. Apparently, it takes three people to replace one ole me! We'll continue welcoming our international helpers, and accommodation may be available for suitable candidates. The goal is to build on everything we've accomplished with people who bring proven experience, sound judgment and a strong work ethic to Happy Tails.
Now, truthfully, interviewing has never been my greatest strength. Years ago, a Happy Tails client who was a medical doctor with a counselling background offered to interview candidates for me. She recommended someone I wouldn't have chosen. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Believe me, I'm right," she replied. Well, I hired her choice AND mine. Mine didn't last long. Hers was extraordinary! Dependable, with an outstanding work ethic, she stayed for years. When she moved into her career, her mother took over and stayed another couple of years before going on to manage a business herself. Mind you, I do get it right occasionally. Our shuttle driver has been with Happy Tails for over 19 years, so I can't be completely hopeless at this hiring business! That experience taught me that sometimes I get so caught up in what someone could bring to Happy Tails that I overlook the careful assessment needed to make a truly great hire.
Habit & Benny my Happy Jack Russell Terriers
Which brings me to a question for our Happy Tails community. Is there another client like that good doctor with professional HR or recruitment experience who might be interested in helping me evaluate candidates, conduct interviews and check references? Many of you have known me and Happy Tails for years, and you understand what makes this place special! Or perhaps you know someone who would be a great fit for one of these positions? If so, I'd love to hear from you privately.
So, while my personal trainer works on locating my missing core muscles, I'll be working on finding the right people to help me choose the right people! Thirty years and counting, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next chapter brings. And maybe, if everything goes according to plan, I'll become that little old lady sitting comfortably with a dog on her knee, asking someone to fetch her a cup of tea... only to be sound asleep by the time it arrives!