In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Hounds Town locations across Florida faced incredible challenges, but their dedication to the safety and well-being of the dogs in their care never wavered. From working overnight to collaborating with neighboring locations, our teams demonstrated the resilience, teamwork, and commitment that define the Hounds Town community.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
In Clearwater, franchise owner Johanna Evans and her team activated their emergency preparedness plan before either of the storms hit. Evacuation routes to nearby Hounds Town locations were clearly mapped out, supplies were double-checked, and the staff stayed overnight to monitor the situation closely. Additional dogs were also welcomed to the location, as Johanna and her team were committed to supporting families under mandatory orders, such as first responders, nurses, and physicians, who needed to focus on their critical work during the storms. They also welcomed dogs from families that were already on planned vacations and couldn’t return home.
As part of evacuation Zone A, Hurricane Milton brought significant challenges, including flooding and loss of power. The team relied on a generator donated by a customer’s friend and bottled water was on hand to keep the dogs hydrated to ensure they were safe and comfortable. Once the location was under mandatory evacuation, 16 dogs were transferred to Hounds Town Zephyrhills for safety.
“Despite the challenges, the way our team rallied together and the bond we formed with the dogs made it a memorable experience,” Johanna said. “It really highlighted the strength of our community and the love we all have for the pets in our care.”
Heroes Behind the Scenes
At Hounds Town Space Coast, franchise owners Leslie Bottesch and Jane Banke went above and beyond to support their dogs. With 46 dogs to care for, they transformed the playroom into a safe haven, even allowing nervous pups to sleep alongside them overnight. Leslie moved 300 pounds of sandbags on her own, and the community rallied with generators, food, and gift cards to support the efforts. Despite being exhausted and even celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary during the storms, Leslie’s dedication never faltered.
As Leslie said, “It was no question to step in and help. We’re here to serve the community.” That community spirit was echoed across all locations, with support pouring in from customers, local organizations, and even a Florida Power and Light lineman who helped restore power to our facility.
Florida Franchisees: A Family of Support
The Florida franchise locations of Hounds Town truly operate like a family. Hounds Town Zephyrhills, led by Darren and Luann Cockeram, took in 16 extra dogs from the Clearwater location during the storm. Despite their building quickly flooding and power outages, the team worked tirelessly to keep the dogs calm and secure, maintaining their regular schedules and providing plenty of love and attention.
A particularly memorable moment was when Zephyrhills cared for two police canines, Bolt and Woody. When Bolt, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, became seriously ill, a local police officer took him to the emergency vet. Thanks to community connections and an organization that assists police dogs, Bolt received the necessary treatment, showing the true power of community support.
Join Our Pack
We believe in creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for every dog. Whether you’re looking for dog daycare, boarding, or spa services, our Florida locations—and all of our franchises across the country—are ready to provide exceptional care, no matter the circumstances.
If you’re interested in learning more about our services or how to become part of our pack, visit us today or call your nearest Hounds Town to book your dog’s next stay at a location near you.