Lucky Pup Lodge is the home away from home

Kim Hoppers is the owner and operator of Lucky Pup Lodge as well as Lucky Pup Pet Tags and Accessories. Hoppers taught at Madill High School for eighteen years and her husband Jed works at the Madill Hospital in the Radiology department.

Both love animals and have a soft spot for them. Having a herd of fur babies themselves made them realize the lack of facilities close to the area that offer a safe and warm place to keep their animals when they needed to be away.

“We both have been taking care of family pets since childhood. Our parents always had animals in the households and instilled a sense of affection and enjoyment from their companionship,” she said. “We have also been to several training seminars on animal care and toured many other boarding facilities before we opened our own.” Owning businesses that

Owning businesses that cater to pets runs in the family, and that was where the idea for Lucky Pup Lodge came from, Hoppers said.

“My aunt and uncle run a rescue for shih tzus and other small dogs in Plano called Tzu Zoo Rescue,” she said. “We were inspired by their heart for animals.” They opened Lucky Pup

They opened Lucky Pup Lodge in April of 2019 and bought the pet tag business from Ronnie Behrens in April 2021. Their job consists of providing boarding and daycare for dogs and cats. They also offer things like baths and nail trims.

They even have stylish pet tags, collars, clothes, leashes, harnesses, toys, beds, and strollers for sale as well. There is even cake, cookie, and ice cream mixes that they offer for dogs. Days at the Lucky Pup

Days at the Lucky Pup Lodge start with outside time first thing in the morning. While playtime happens outside, every kennel is cleaned and disinfected inside.

Then, it’s breakfast time for those that eat a morning meal. After breakfast, it’s back out of their kennels for more playtime until they have a break at lunch time.

After their naps, it’s more playtime in the afternoon until supper. After supper, they return for more play time until they close. They also have another playtime before they go to bed for the night.

“We really care about the safety and happiness of the animals that come to stay with us,” Hoppers said. “We treat them like our own while they are in our care. It is a lot of work sometimes, but it is work we really enjoy doing.”

Hoppers said their biggest success is when their clients excitedly burst through the front door to revisit them. She said they love to know the animals have a great time and are excited to come back for more play time with their friends and great care while their owners are away.

Sometimes, their biggest challenge is finding just the right playgroup for each dog. Not all dogs get along even if they are the friendliest and well behaved at home. Their goal is to make sure they are having the best time they can while they are away from home as well as ensuring they are safe and healthy.

Hoppers advises anyone wanting to endeavor in this type of business, or any business, to get ready to work hard.

“My best advice for someone wanting to do the same care is work hard,” she said. “Owning your own business is not for the faint of heart. Whatever you are doing, do it right and it will all work out.”

“Also, invest in lint rollers,” she said with a grin. “The animal hair is everywhere in this business.”