Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Goebel.
Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always wanted to do something with animals. I have been a Physician Assistant since 1988 and spent 20 wonderful years caring for cancer and bone marrow transplant patients and LOVED it. But I always wanted to do something with animals. There comes a time in one’s life where either you decide to take a chance or you always wonder what could have been.
I volunteered with dog rescues in Houston. I love Siberian Huskies so I spent a lot of time with Husky Haven. In 2006, I began fostering a blind dog named Rummy for Husky Haven and wrote Rummy’s story to enter the first Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue contest. Purina chose Rummy to be one of 10 finalists! All finalists received one year of Purina Pro Plan dog food and a FREE 3 day, 2 night trip to California, where the final events took place.
Midwest Airlines flew Rummy INSIDE THE CABIN in the seat next to me – all arranged by Purina. Rummy and I stayed in a luxurious Beverly Hills hotel, the Sofitel, for 3 days and 2 nights while the final events took place at the Hollywood and Highland Mall – where movie stars have stars on the sidewalk. Emily Procter of CSI: Miami was at the final Purina event to promote rescue animals, as she adopts rescue animals herself. When they announced Rummy as the winner, they handed me a check for $5,000 of free Purina Pro Plan dog food for Husky Haven. Rummy won!
It was unbelievable! Here is Rummy in a luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel, the Sofitel, when only 2 years ago he was on the streets – blind, starving and bald from mange. Now, Rummy had a home (was adopted by his foster mom – me) and was loved by so many. It was such a pleasure to be by Rummy’s side throughout this contest. This dog loved and trusted in all people and people responded. To win the contest people had to vote for Rummy. So Rummy and I went to shows, malls, anywhere we could to meet people.
If you met Rummy, you loved him. Some cried for him. Some would lie down on the floor next to him. Everyone got Rummy kisses and Rummy’s paw. He was a show stopper. Rummy taught me many life lessons and I wanted to give something back to him and all dogs. So I started Rummy’s Beach Club.
Rummy’s needed to be private for dogs that can’t go where other dogs go – dog aggressive dogs, fearful dogs, handicapped dogs, dogs that have medical problems, etc.
Rummy’s needed to be about the dog. Not about the kids. No children under age 16 allowed at Rummy’s. Sorry – we tried it.
Rummy’s needed to be fulfilling for the dog and the owner. An hour of uninterrupted time for bonding through physical exercise, relaxation and being with each other.
Rummy’s is all of that and more. We offer a one-of-a-kind facility with PRIVATE dog swimming for dogs and their owners on a PRIVATE, completely enclosed, one-acre property with a PRIVATE dog park and a PRIVATE, heated, custom-built dog pool. To get on the property, we open a large drive-in gate that clients drive in.
Once that gate is closed the dogs can jump out of the car and go crazy. The whole place is theirs.
There are no other dogs or people around except a member of our staff to help you while you are there. Our magical, happy, clean pool water is addicting!
Warm water dog swimming is not only FUN, it tires puppies out!! It benefits arthritis, joint dysplasia and provides physical conditioning that may help improve performance in competitions like agility, flyball, lure coursing and confirmation.
During the warm months, we offer a beginner’s dock for dock jumping and during the cold months, we cover the pool with an airtight winter dome so you and your dog can go swimming all year long. We offer over and underwater dog photography and videography you can share with your friends and family on Facebook to bring joy and laughter to more lives.
Follow our videos and pictures on Facebook and You Tube – we will keep you smiling!
Has it been a smooth road?
I didn’t open a dog business to get rich. I opened a dog business to have FUN! Sure there have been struggles, but you just look at the face of the dog you are swimming with and you remember why you are there.
Rummy’s is about the dogs and making sure the dog and the dog’s people leave happy and smiling.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Sunshine! I have lived in many US cities and Houston is one of the sunniest!
Pricing:
- 1 PRIVATE hourly swim = $120
- 3 PRIVATE hourly swims = $300
- 5 PRIVATE hourly swims = $450
- 10 PRIVATE hourly swims = $750
- 14 PRIVATE hourly swims = $1000
Contact Info:
- Address: 22111 Fields Ln.,
Spring, Harris, TX - Website: http://www.rummysbeachclub.com/
- Phone: 713-446-3805
- Email: lisa@rummysbeachclub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/rummysbeachclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RummysBeachClub?fref=ts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rummysbeachclub?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rummys-beach-club-spring
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/RummysBeach
Image Credit:
Lisa Goebel
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
