“Gone to the Dogs” Wins Shark Tub Competition

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A five-year dream paid off last night for a local business-woman as “Gone to the Dogs” won this year’s “Shark Tub” competition.

Owner Stacey Sucky says that what makes her business unique is that it is the only facility in Southeastern Ohio that offers training, grooming, and daycare all under one roof.

“This has been a plan or a business dream for I’d say about five years, or so. We’ve only been here since October of last year; it all just came together when our two great groomers were looking for another opportunity and I needed a larger training area,” said Sucky.

Sucky explained that last year she submitted an application to participate in the “Shark Tub” event; she attended meetings and received marketing training to help her be prepared not only for the competition but also on how to be successful regardless of the outcome.

And while the $7,400 investment Sucky received will help increase the number of play yards at her facility, as well as extend her grooming area and purchase new agility equipment, she says it’s the mentoring from the sharks that will benefit her the most.

“I’m looking forward to that, we get to mentor with the business owners now, so we hope to and we’re going to gain a ton of knowledge now, and that is worth just as much if not more than the money. They were very complimentary about the structure of our business so far, that we’re out there putting our name out there and involved in the community,” Sucky added.

The plan going forward is to continue to grow the business by hiring more employees over the next year and adding to the number of dogs they currently see. Sucky hopes in 3-5 years she will be able to add a second facility that would incorporate large-scale boarding services.

Aside from her day-to-day services, Sucky also hopes to help others realize their dreams, and develop a curriculum that will train potential employees on grooming and dog training. She also wants to give back to the community by developing programs with the animals to support both adults and children with special needs.

For more information about gone to the dogs and their services, you can visit their website www.gonetothedogszanesville.com.