Happy Tails Is NOT Retiring!
A few weeks ago, I shared the admittedly early news that after 30 years of building Happy Tails, I'm starting to plan for retirement and looking for the right people to eventually take Happy Tails into its next chapter. I had planned to start writing the stories of my years at Happy Tails and make this a natural transition. I love my business and everything about it.
What I hadn't planned was a big 4' x 16' "Retirement Sale" banner suddenly appearing on the property! Happy Tails wasn't even listed for sale, nor was it going to be until our busy summer season was over and the financial package was complete. Once the banner was there, the same wording was carried over by the person doing my reduction sale to clear out years of accumulated extras in the containers and Quonset. It was time for that purge, not the rest! In hindsight, I can certainly understand why those two words caused more worry than I intended. They certainly caused plenty on my side too!
So I want to clear up a few things and, most importantly, reassure everyone that Happy Tails is NOT closing. We've been having a great summer, and 370 new clients have completed customer profiles with us this year alone, either already using Happy Tails or planning to. That's exciting! Happy Tails is growing, not winding down. But this rather large "Retirement Sale" faux pas has understandably created some confusion, so I think it's time I cleared that up.
In fact, not much is changing around here at all. Happy Tails still hasn't been listed for sale. I'm still here, we're still busy caring for your dogs and cats, we're still taking bookings, and I'm still working away at Happy Tails as I have for the past 30 years. This isn't something that's happening overnight. I'm simply planning ahead, although the sudden appearance of that sign certainly knocked the wind out of my sails and the ball out of my hands briefly!
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Anyone who knows me knows I'm not going to spend 30 years building Happy Tails and then just hand over the keys to the first person who comes along! Finding the right people matters enormously to me. I'm looking for someone who loves what Happy Tails is, understands what we've built here and wants to continue it for many years to come.
That's also why I've continued investing in Happy Tails, including all the renovations and improvements I've made recently. I want Happy Tails to be at its best today and ready for an exciting new chapter tomorrow. And when I eventually do find the right new owners, I'm not planning to disappear the next morning. I'll stay on and help with the transition, share what I've learned over three decades, introduce them to how we do things and help make the change as smooth as possible for everyone, especially the four-legged ones!
And Yes, Your Prepaid Packages Are Safe!
I've heard this question, and I completely understand why people are asking. Every Happy Tails prepaid package will continue to be honoured according to its existing terms.
When Happy Tails eventually changes ownership, all outstanding prepaid packages will be accounted for as part of the transition so they continue to be honoured. So please don't worry that you're going to purchase a package today and lose it because Happy Tails gets a new owner sometime in the future.
You won't. As always, prepaid packages are non-refundable. All unused credits remain in our system, they do not expire, and they will continue to be honoured, so you can keep booking, purchasing packages and bringing your pets to Happy Tails just as you always have.
A Few Questions I've Been Hearing
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No! Happy Tails is NOT closing. We're open, busy and accepting bookings as usual. I'm planning for my eventual retirement, not closing Happy Tails.
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No. It hasn't even been listed for sale yet! I'm taking my time because finding the right people is much more important to me than finding just any buyer.
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Not anytime soon. I'm still here doing what I've always done. Even after Happy Tails eventually sells, I plan to stay on for a while and help the new owners through the transition.
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That's certainly my intention. I'm selling Happy Tails as an established, successful business, and finding the right people who appreciate what we've built here and want to continue it is extremely important to me.
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Nothing. Your package will be honoured. We know exactly what packages our clients have purchased and how many days remain. As always, packages are non-refundable, but all unused credits remain in our system, do not expire, and will continue to be honoured.
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Absolutely. Existing and newly purchased prepaid packages will continue to be honoured according to their existing terms. As always, prepaid packages are non-refundable, but all unused credits remain in our system and do not expire. And purchasing a package now also means you're purchasing those days at today's package price, which can help protect you against future price increases.
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Please do! There's no reason to change your plans because I'm planning for retirement somewhere down the road.
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Because Happy Tails isn't retiring!
I want the place I've spent 30 years building to continue getting better, both for the pets staying with us today and for all the ones who'll come through our doors in the years ahead. Maintaining and improving my property and business has always been one of my greatest passions, and I want the person or people who eventually take over Happy Tails to feel the same way.
Business as Usual, With an Exciting Future Ahead
I hope this clears up some of the questions and rumours. I've spent 30 years making Happy Tails into the place I dreamed of having when I was 30. I'm incredibly proud of what it's become, and I'm going to be very careful about who gets the privilege of taking care of it next.
For now, I'm still here, the Happy Tails team is still here, and we're still welcoming your pets, taking reservations, improving the resort and doing what we love. I may be planning for retirement, but Happy Tails isn't.
Here's to the next 30 years! I certainly hope to see lots of you and your fur kids throughout this next chapter, and later while I'm helping the new owners settle into theirs. Whoever they may be, I promise I'm going to do everything I can to make sure they're the right people for Happy Tails, for the dogs and cats we love and care for, and for all of you who have trusted us over the years. In fact, I'm planning on using Happy Tails for my own fur kids when I have to go places without them!
Lisa