THE GROWTH
In 2021, Rose opened Valkyrie Dog Training and Services, a Fort Atkinson business offering private dog training lessons in areas such as obedience, behavior modification, and a wide variety of other skills to pets and service dogs. Valkyrie Dog Training and Services benefits from Rose’s ten years of experience as a Police K9 Handler with the City of Madison Police Department.
When she discovered that prohibitive costs were an obstacle to families and individuals in need of acquiring and training service dogs, she was inspired to start Ten Eight Service Dogs. In 2022, this non-profit organization started helping those whose lives could be enhanced by the addition of a service dog to find a puppy to train and grow from puppyhood to graduation.
THE OBSTACLES
One of the obstacles Rose faced was owning no physical space to train the dogs; she was renting space to meet her needs. So, when an existing local business called Laughing Dogs Daycare became available, Rose saw a solution. She purchased the business in 2023 to provide not only training space but also services like boarding, grooming, and daycare. Rose purchased the business and added it as a DBA owned by Valkyrie LLC to establish a more complete menu of services she provides for dogs and their families.
Rose said, “I learned resilience through hitting road blocks. I discovered the importance of deciding which ideas to pursue and which to pivot on. I truly love the variety and challenges that come with owning Valkyrie.”
Accomplishments with UW-Whitewater SBDC
- Growth strategy
- Business plan
- Strategic plan
THE ASSISTANCE
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater helped Rose through many steps on her entrepreneurial journey. “I would say the number one value that I’ve received from the SBDC is having a knowledgeable outlet to bounce ideas off of, gain different insights from, and learn about resources through. Ron Chisholm, my consultant, was super helpful!” Ron helped with business valuation, marketing strategy, and financial projections as Rose considered her purchasing, opening, and growth options.
THE IMPACTS
“The biggest impact I’ve been able to make is helping individuals feel some relief and hope in situations in which they were experiencing frustration and hopelessness,” Rose said.
She has created some wonderful partnerships with local organizations who also support dog services like Celtic K9 Academy, Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson, Humane Society of Jefferson County, and many local veterinarians. She is also currently participating in the Boost Fort Atkinson event sponsored by the City of Fort Atkinson and the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce. The competition offers budding entrepreneurs a chance to win a rent-free storefront for a year in downtown Fort Arkinson.
We wish Rose the best of luck as she continues to grow the services she provides for dogs and the people who love them!
