Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Dunham.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I had kicked around getting a swimming pool for years because none of my friends would let my pups come swim at their pool. My boy Goose went away to train with a hunt trainer, and he was swimming every day. I seriously put in the pool for Goose so he could keep swimming once he returned! I had heard of Dock Diving before and thought it would be fun exercise, so I decided to put in a dock with the pool. I never dreamed we would be good at it!! After everything went in, it was so cool that I truly made a Doggie Disneyland! The way I describe it, my mom, Jack Daniels, and I got to talking one night, and I decided why not turn my space into a place where we could teach dogs to swim, learn and train, dock dive, and do birthday parties…and we are now starting our 4th year!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, it has been smooth! We have met the best people. We do not make much money; it is an act of love. I am a homebuilder, so luckily, I do not depend upon Joasis to support my family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are dog-fun people! We provide a safe and fun environment for folks to play and get healthy exercise with their pups. We have many groups of people who come together, and we also have people come by themselves. It is so rewarding to have a dog walk in scared and walk out a swimmer! We specialize in catering to each dog to make sure we figure out what makes them tick and how to go about accomplishing their owners’ goals. I am most proud of how many people we have inspired to participate in local and even national dock diving trials!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
It’s never too late to be who you always wanted to be! Follow your heart!
Contact Info:
- Website: joasis-houston.com
- Instagram: @joasishouston
- Facebook: @Joasishouston
Image Credits
Alfred Knipper
Allison Wilkins
Mc Phail
