Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Watermolen
Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dogs have always played a huge role in my life, even as a child. While I was growing up, we fostered dogs through a local rescue, in addition to having four dogs of our own. When I was finished with high school and taking college classes, I got my first job working in a dog daycare and boarding facility. During that time, I got my veterinary assistant certification and began studying dog behavior and body language. It was my dream as a kid to have a Golden Retriever and once I was working with so many of them, it became a need. In 2015 my need was fulfilled, and I adopted Olive. Over the first year of her life, I decided I wanted to start my own dog care business. 2016 was Ruffin’ Around Pet Care’s first opening. We cared for dogs and cats. In 2018 we welcomed our son, Noah, into the world and no longer ran Ruffin’ Around, other than for a few good friends (dogs) we know. I also worked part-time at another dog care facility close to home. I learned so much in my time at the second facility. That facility concentrated a lot on building packs around the individual dogs and their particular likes/play styles. The owner was passionate about each of the dogs and his staff. This period of time was all about mentorship for me, I was learning about grooming, training, health, behavior, play, pack interactions, puppies, and the administrative side of the industry. The owner sold his company in 2019, and I used my knowledge and experience to help a brand-new daycare and boarding facility systemize everything. Then it was finally time for it all to come together and in 2023 Ruffin’ Around Pet Care reopened! I wanted to create a position that entailed becoming a vital role in a dog’s and their family’s lives. Our in-our-home daycare and lodging programs are all about the relationships – the relationship between the dog and their family, the dog and the world, the dog and other dogs, the dog and me, and the family and me. We don’t do one-time stays or play days at RAPC. We are our dogs second family. Our days follow routines with a healthy balance of rest and play. We engage in pack play, buddy play, one-on-one skills, field trips, activities, and hikes. The best part of my job is the bond I have with each of our dogs. Anyone who has ever earned a dog’s trust knows how incredibly special and humbling that feels. My whole life I’ve been preparing for the role I get to play now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running an in-home dog daycare and lodging doesn’t come without its obstacles. It’s difficult to establish boundaries. Over the years I have improved these areas by setting “business hours”, providing clear expectations, and scheduling black-out days for our family. Even with these changes, people would be floored to learn the number of days “off” I get per year. I have friends and fellow dog professionals that step in for me when needed and I don’t know how I could do it without them. Although it’s my norm, it’s difficult to miss out on holidays and other events throughout the year.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart from others in this industry is what drives me. I love getting to know a dog and learning how they communicate and how to best communicate with them back. I play a special role in being a bridge of communication between the dog and their family. I help families find their sync together. Dogs are a gift to teach us, and a lot of people miss their messages or if they do understand, struggle to relay those messages. I meet people where they are at in their understanding and help them grow with their dog as a family. What sets RAPC apart from others in dog hospitality is how the programs are built around individual dogs; their personality, play style, breed, and drive. We are a private Montessori-style school for dogs. For me, it’s about being the best leader and friend for each dog in our care.
What are your plans for the future?
We have big plans for RAPC’s future! We purchased a house at the end of 2024. We have built beautiful privacy fence around the backyard. Next, we have our sights on finishing our 3-car garage into a dog play studio for play, activities, and skill work. We just began an Exposures for Puppies program for puppies 12-16 weeks old. The program focuses on potty training, crate training, and healthy exposures to sounds, places, people, other animals, and experiences. I will continue my dog-education to continue growing as a leader for all the dogs in my care. I’ve been blessed with a few incredible mentors, and I hope to provide mentorship to others as RAPC grows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ruffinaroundpetcare.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rapcllc
