A popular Memphis school on Summer Avenue asks their parents to name which famous character or personality reminds them of their child during orientation. Class studies include arts and crafts, journal entries, computer skills, field trips, theme days, theater and more. All for dogs – including yearbook photos.
Their programming reads more like an accredited preschool. In a typical week you might find the dogs having a foam party, stretching with yoga, diving into the bone pool or the mud pit, visiting with special guests like horses (real ones) and dinosaurs (in costume). And the arts and crafts? Made with paw prints in tempera paint, of course.
To commemorate milestones, achievements and life events, the dog pupils earn badges which are affixed to their school bag. Inside, journal entries document their day in each dog’s voice. Perhaps a certain student overcame a fear of water or met a new friend.
The school’s founder, Hayley Efird Horn, is an industry disruptor. The Doghouse School provides daycare, boarding and even canine carpool on their magic school bus. But with a highly creative and personal twist.
“When we started this new kind of experience for dogs, we created a system of operations that revolves around the power of creativity and the belief that dogs are unique individuals with an array of personalities and needs, just like us. So, we approach each day and moment with the thinking, 'What would a dog want, say, decide, etc.?' and apply that thinking to each dog because it’s not the same for all,” says Hayley, an advertising and branding industry veteran.
“The Doghouse exists because of Pete—my forever creative muse and the former headmaster. It was founded and continues to operate on the power that creativity has on people, places, animals, interactions and experiences,” she adds.
@thedoghouseschool
__________________________________________
Progress Report from Hayley
From day one, we wanted people to understand that we are here to offer a new kind of experience. We aren’t like anyone else. Why else embark on this adventure if we were just going to do the same old thing? A place that gives you the feeling of visiting a friend’s house, not going to a facility. A place where messy is good… mud feels right… and being you is a good thing. Dogs are highly emotional and intelligent animals and thrive on learning new things and engaging in new experiences in safe environments. We’ve witnessed this over the past six years and look forward to seeing much, much more wherever the future takes us.
Passing Notes in Class
Erin’s journey from a young employee to the CEO is a testament to her hard work, intelligence and passion.
She has an uncanny knack for understanding the needs of our clients and their beloved pets, ensuring that our daycare remains a trusted haven for them. Erin's leadership style is inclusive and empowering, fostering a work environment where every team member feels valued and motivated.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that age is no barrier to leadership, and that true dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Together we run a place built on love, trust and the unwavering belief in each other's potential.
- Hayley, Founder and Owner of The Doghouse School