Reece Carman with her dogs at Wishbone.
Reece Carman with her dogs at Wishbone.
Reece Carman has never been one to shy away from hard work.
Owner of Wishbone Doggy Daycare in Walla Walla, “the place where dogs come to play,” she has had her share of challenges.
From 60-hour-plus work weeks to lots of setbacks and the occasional bout of imposter syndrome, being a young entrepreneur has never been smooth sailing.
But when she puts her mind to something, Carman said, she gives it her all.
Having come to Walla Walla at the ripe age of 2, Carman moved away for several years before returning two years ago.
She likes knowing she provides a much-needed service to the community and enjoys laughing with employees about the shenanigans their canine clients get up to daily.
Carman appreciates her employees who work hard and love the animals in their care.
“I’ve been lucky to build a team of superstars around me,” she said, “I feel as though I really have created a little family of dog-loving weirdos (in the best possible way) who are always supporting and encouraging one another. Our clients have also become like family to us.”
Through all the ups and downs, it’s taken a while for Carman to feel proud of her business. The community has shown up and been supportive of the mission.
“We are so lucky to get to hang out with many of the friendly fluffers living in the Walla Walla Valley,” she said.
Opening a doggy day care has been a dream since high school, Carman said.
“I was lucky enough to grow up with parents who encouraged dreaming big and pursuing a career that you’re passionate about,” she said.
She spent several years after college learning different skills before taking the leap.
It hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies, but it has been worth it.
Carman is in the process of expanding her business and hopes to move into a larger building and offer more space and services to the community.
Also on the list of possibilities for the future is adding mobile grooming to the menu of services.
Unsurprisingly a dog lover, Carman has two dogs. Koral is an independent couch potato and Lou is a high-energy and affectionate agent of chaos.
Carman also loves being outdoors and doing outdoor activities.Â
“Hiking, pickleball, picnics, yard games, bonfires,” she said, “You name it.”
She also plays in a weekly adult volleyball league in Tri-Cities and enjoys playing board games with her parents, which can get pretty competitive, especially Settlers of Catan.
Since opening Wishbone, she has built relationships with people in Walla Walla whom she otherwise would never have met, a bonus she never expected.
Though the journey has been difficult at times, Carman said she is right where she wants to be.
“Moral of the story: Don’t quit your daydream,” she said.
Brittany Anderson can be reached at 509-526-8324 or banderson@wwub.com.
Name: Reece Carman
Age: 27
Residence: Walla Walla
Occupation: Owner of Wishbone Doggy Daycare
Fun Fact: Bright’s Candies is her favorite spot to go for a bite to eat in Walla Walla. “Chocolate-covered blueberries are my love language,” she said.
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