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Community Corner

Business Owner is Barking Up the Right Tree

Rita Landis combines her love of dogs with being her own boss at Central Bark in Mount Pleasant.

After 22 years surrounded by emails, copiers, phone calls and meetings, Rita Landis decided that she had a very different path she was meant to follow. It was time to be her own boss.

In 2008,  she opened Central Bark Doggy Day Care and she is now happily surrounded by wagging tails, fur coats and unconditional love. 

Central Bark Doggie Daycare is a full service canine kingdom. Not only do they offer day care, but also doggie spa treatments, vet visits, a variety of classes, playroom rental, birthday parties and more.

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Making the decision to trade a steady paycheck and a predictable work day for the new world of business ownership was very challenging for Rita.

“It was a roller coaster. So many pieces had to fit together at the right time. It was the longest year of my life,” Rita admits, “What got me through it was the constant support of friends and family. Without their encouragement and pep talks, I wouldn't have made it. Plus, I am so lucky to be able to go to work with my 3 dogs everyday and provide a better pet experience for my customers.”

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Rita is passionate about helping dogs and their owners. Having been a lifetime dog lover, owner and rescuer, she brims with delight when she witnesses the good she is doing for the pups and their families. From helping a shy dog out of her shell to training a difficult dog to behave appropriately, Central Bark provides services of which people may not be aware. 

“Many people in our community are not familiar with the many benefits of socialization for their dog and still view day care as a luxury. A lot of dog owners have never seen the important health benefits from providing them with regular social interaction. Our location is so much more than just a day care.”

Before opening her business in Mount Pleasant, she was a customer of Central Bark for 10 years. Rita experienced first hand the good that came from using their services. The happiness being in day care brought to her pet was priceless and it made life easier at home, too. When she decided to start her own business, she knew Central Bark would be a perfect fit. 

When Rita is not working – which is rare – she enjoys Brewers Games and grilling out. And of course she adores spending time with her fur family: Rupert, a 12 year old German Short-haired Pointer, Maxwell, a 7 year old Husky/Lab mix and Jersey who is a 2 year old Boxer. Rita is looking forward to a warm summer and plans on attending many public events in hopes to meet new customers. So if you see her with her dogs out and about, be sure to say "hi."

If you would like to learn more about the services offered at Central Bark Doggie Day Care, please visit the website HERE or call 262.456.4021 for further information. 

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