For the Love of Animals

No one is ever prepared for a layoff, but after 28 years of programming machines at Celestica in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Toni Cory was out of a job and ending a career. An avid pet lover, she dreamed of owning her own pet daycare and boarding facility. Toni wasn’t at all sure if chasing her dream was the next step in her life, but she decided to “test” the idea.

To learn about business, Toni enrolled in the FastTrac New Ventures class offered by the Southeastern Community College SBDC. After completing the nine week course, Toni’s son suggested she “test drive” her dog daycare idea through a business called Vocation Vacation, which offers a chance for people to try out their dream jobs by working in their chosen career for a day or two. Toni went to The Dog Zone in Cedar Rapids and worked in the business for two days, doing everything from paperwork to playing with the dogs. The experience cemented what Toni wanted to do.

Toni contacted the Southeastern SBDC to help her finalize her business plan and map out financial projections. SBDC Director Janine Clover and Toni put together a loan package and submitted it to Pilot Grove Savings Bank. The Cory family decided to relocate to Mount Pleasant so they could live on the site of the daycare facility and give the boarded dogs constant attention. In October 2006, Almost Home Dog Daycare and Boarding opened their doors. As word has spread, business has boomed.

At Janine’s urging, Toni submitted her business plan to the Henry County Business Plan Writing Contest, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. Toni won the $5,000 grand prize and used the money to purchase kennel supplies for her business. Toni also worked with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation and received funding to install a 24 hour security system.

Since Toni is also a professional dog trainer, she plans to add dog obedience classes as part of her service. Her business includes a dog bathing facility where clients can bathe their dogs, to avoid the mess at home. The company also carries a small supply of specialty dog food, treats, collars and leads. Four part-time employees work with Toni at the facility.

Toni and her personal dogs, Grace and Belle, have been featured in the New York Times, Women’s World, Success Magazine, and in the book, Test Drive Your Dream by Brian Kurth.

Toni continues to work with the Southeastern SBDC, saying, “I really appreciate the assistance I have received from the SBDC, and Janine is willing to visit me whenever I have questions.”