Today we’d like to introduce you to Abra Posnick.
Hi Abra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Abra Posnick, and I own and operate Tiny Tails in Minneapolis, MN. I’ve been very fortunate always to know what I’ve wanted to do with my life: to work with animals in some way, shape, or form. I wasn’t always sure what form it would take, but I knew I’d be working with animals in some capacity for the rest of my life. As a child, I refused to play with dolls and only played with stuffed animals. Pound Puppies, Carebears, and My Little Ponies were my world. At age 12, I became a vegetarian, a decision that I still embrace. At age 16, in 1999, I got my first job working with animals at a local pet store. 2002, I enrolled in a vet tech program at MATC in Madison, WI. I quickly realized that was not the path I wanted to take. While I loved the idea of helping animals every day, I knew I couldn’t handle seeing sick animals perish. I chose not to pursue a career in vet tech and decided to get hands-on experience wherever I could. Since then, I’ve had numerous odd animal jobs ranging from veterinary clinics, more pet stores, a petting zoo, a fish warehouse, boarding facilities, and dog daycares, trying to figure out where I fit in within the animal world. After seeing most small dogs’ typical large daycare experience, I was inspired to create a safe and enriching space for them. On August 22, 2014, I leaped and opened the doors to Tiny Tails, a daycare and boarding service specializing in caring for small-breed dogs. We go on daily pack walks, which nourish the bond between the dogs and me. We have fun practicing commands such as heel, sit, and stay throughout our walks. It’s fantastic enrichment for the dogs as it’s a physical and mental exercise. We take breaks to pose for our cute and goofy pictures, another opportunity to practice our basic commands. I am so grateful for all of my amazing clients who have trusted me to care for their beloved dogs for the past (almost) 10 years. A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me and Tiny Tails over the years!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business by yourself is challenging and scary! You have thoughts like “What if no one comes?,” “Will I be able to support myself financially doing this?” and “Please let this work out so I don’t have to get an office job!” I had learned so much about dogs throughout my years of experience working with them that I was confident in my abilities. Looking back, I’m happy my younger self took that hard leap to follow her dream. The pandemic was a hard hit for Tiny Tails. When COVID first became prevalent in early 2020, I chose to close up shop for everyone’s safety. It was a difficult decision, but I felt it was the right thing to do. The dogs’ safety in my care has always been my priority. I am very fortunate that my clients returned when I opened Tiny Tails again months later. Although it may seem all sunshine and rainbows at Tiny Tails, it’s not without challenges; one of the first dogs to come to me used to struggle with seizures quite a bit until she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Seeing her through those episodes and making sure she was as safe and comfortable as possible was emotionally challenging for me. Compassion fatigue is very real! On the positive side, she taught me how to remain calm in emergencies (Don’t worry; she has been on medication to control her seizures since her diagnosis. She’s living her best doggy life out there and still partying with us at Tiny Tails!).
As you know, we’re big fans of Tiny Tails. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Tiny Tails specializes in the care of small-breed dogs. My goal has always been to provide dogs with a safe, structured, and enriching space for them to learn, grow, and have fun! I intentionally keep my group small, so I can give every dog the individual attention they need. We go on daily pack walks that range from 4 to 13 dogs at a time. Not only are these pack walks excellent adventures, but they’re also fun learning experiences for the dogs. We post all our activities on social media, so follow Tiny Tails on Instagram and Facebook.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Caring for animals and having deep compassion for them is crucial for success in the dog world. However, understanding dog behavior, body language, and psychology has been the most beneficial tool for my success with Tiny Tails. It allows me to spot an issue before it escalates into a problem, which helps me keep my pack safe and happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.tinytailsmn.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/tinytailsmn
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/tinytailsmn
Image Credits
Abra Posnick
