RWD18 Good Dog Center - Carmen Hurley and Ann Grimstad

The Good Dog Center, located just north of Decorah, started as the dream of two friends – Carmen Hurley and Beth Einck – and a leap of faith into creating a business to not only train dogs, but build a community of “dogs and their people” from across the region.

Good Dog Center's Carmen Hurley after a great day in the ring!

Over the years, Beth moved on to retirement (as planned) and long-time GDC students and training professional Julie Wittry and Ann Grimstad joined the roster to offer additional classes and services. It wasn’t long before the business outgrew its space on Short Street in Decorah, as dog ownership and training interest continued to increase. Carmen recruited Pam Long, a friend and professional trainer from Atlanta, Georgia with 40+ years of experience, to move to Iowa and help with the expanded services. Ellen Drewes Stoen, Vicki Armstrong, Shirley Richards, and others rounded out the teaching staff as interest grew.

Only half of Carmen's Furry Family showing off their ribbons.

The group began looking for a space in the Decorah area that was large enough to accommodate two regulation-sized obedience rings, room for grooming, retail, boarding, and more. The former Nob Hill Supper Club north of Decorah offered an attractive location on a hard surfaced road with ample green space, as well as abundant indoor space to meet the needs, and the group decided it was a perfect fit. In keeping with the history of Nob Hill - nods to the former occupant abound at the "Pupper Club", even with the occasional "Yappy Hour"!

The Grimstad Pups show off their loot!

Learn about our friends at the Good Dog Center and all that they provide for four legged friends near and far on this episode!

 

"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming