My Account
Most small businesses start with a skill or a passion, so it is not surprising that the owner of Mahurangi’s newest daycare for dogs has both – Kirstie Wilson is a trained dog handler and dog photographer, and she adores dogs.
OtiBoaty Doggy Dreamland is situated on a rural lifestyle block, just south of Warkworth.
Initially, it is catering for small to medium sized dogs with a maximum daily intake of 10, but Kirstie has big plans to one day provide daycare for larger dogs, a pick up and drop off service and, eventually, to open boarding and kennelling options.
“I want the dogs in my care to receive the same sort of love and attention they would get in their own homes, so I’m going to take it one step at a time,” Kirstie says. “The most important thing for me is that the dogs have fun in a safe and loving environment.”
Kirstie started her working life in administration and customer service, but her love of dogs, particularly pugs, inspired her to think of opening her own business, making and marketing bespoke dog apparel.
“When I started the boutique I wrote a wish list of people I would like to collaborate with.”
At the top of that list was Italian influencer Marzia Kjellberg, who has more than 8.8 million followers worldwide and also happens to love pugs.
“Marzia was inviting collaborations so I applied, never thinking for a minute that a little business in NZ would even get a reply. I could not believe it when she chose the boutique and me to work with, and now her pugs wear some of my handmade apparel.”
Kirstie says she can’t wait to meet more dogs from around the district and provide them with a luxury daycare experience.
