From Stressed Employee to Doggie Daycare Mogul: One Woman’s Journey with a Bus Full of Paws
Hope Mehlberg, a former federal government employee residing in the quaint Wisconsin town of Oconto, never envisioned herself as the head of a bustling doggie daycare, complete with a repurposed school bus filled with happy, barking canines. What began as a simple post-work routine of walking her own dogs to alleviate stress has blossomed into K9 Konvoy, a full-time venture providing much-needed socialization and playtime for dozens of local dogs.
The journey began after Mehlberg, accustomed to early morning shifts, found herself with afternoons free. Seeking an outlet, she started walking her two dogs, Dodge, a yellow lab, and Teddy, a beloved companion. These initial walks were a sanctuary, a way to decompress and connect with nature. Soon, her in-laws’ dogs joined the pack, transforming a solitary walk into a lively canine parade. Mehlberg would pile the four dogs into her personal vehicle and embark on their daily adventures. For her, it was a simple act of escaping the confines of the house and finding solace in the company of animals.
However, the turning point arrived unexpectedly. One afternoon, a piercing squeal shattered the tranquility of Mehlberg’s lunch. Upon investigation, she discovered a German Shepherd named Zeppelin who had been struck by a truck. Zeppelin’s family, new to town and lacking a suitable vehicle, were in desperate need of help. Without hesitation, Mehlberg offered her assistance, driving Zeppelin and his owner to an animal hospital an hour away, as the local vet lacked the necessary equipment for the emergency surgery. Zeppelin’s injuries were severe, including a collapsed lung and other internal complications, requiring extensive treatment and a lengthy recovery.
Once Zeppelin recovered, his owner, recognizing Mehlberg’s kindness and the joy Zeppelin experienced on the walks, inquired if he could join the daily canine excursions. This request resonated with Mehlberg, who understood the challenges faced by working pet parents. With the closest doggie daycare located a considerable distance away, she realized there was a growing need for accessible and convenient dog care services in her community.
After discussing the possibilities with her husband, Mehlberg decided to venture into the world of part-time dog walking. Her personal vehicle, however, proved insufficient to accommodate the expanding pack. Undeterred, she invested in a Ford utility van, removing the seats to create a comfortable and spacious environment for her furry clientele.
Word of Mehlberg’s unique service spread quickly throughout the community. Soon, pet owners were clamoring to enroll their dogs in her daily walks. For two years, Mehlberg juggled her full-time job with her burgeoning pet-walking service, rushing after work to provide the dogs with exercise, socialization, and much-needed outdoor time.
The demand continued to surge, prompting Mehlberg to make a pivotal decision. In May 2023, she took a leap of faith, resigning from her federal government position to dedicate herself fully to K9 Konvoy. The first major upgrade was acquiring the bus, a yellow school bus that had been converted to comfortably hold many dogs. This allowed her to transport them safely and efficiently, replacing the utility van. "It’s kind of just been a wild ride. I’m overwhelmed with all of the support," Mehlberg says.
Today, K9 Konvoy transports between 22 and 26 dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages each day. Mehlberg picks them up from their homes and transports them to a three-acre park owned by her family. The park has been transformed into a canine paradise, complete with fencing, toys, tire swings, and winding trails.
Mehlberg’s day begins at 8 a.m., when she starts the bus and loads up her own dogs before embarking on her route to collect the rest of the pack. The collection process takes approximately an hour, after which she heads to the park, where the dogs are free to roam, play, and socialize.
Mehlberg believes in allowing dogs to simply be dogs. She encourages them to embrace the outdoors, even if it means getting muddy. "The biggest thing with me is I let dogs be dogs," Mehlberg says. "If there are mud puddles out there, I let them roll. At the end of the day, if they are dirty or I have to bathe them, then I did my job."
After a day filled with exercise and camaraderie, the dogs enjoy snack time before being cleaned up and boarded back onto the bus for their return trip home. The family park for K9 Convoy is "constantly evolving, and she plans to add a lot more activities once the weather improves.
Currently, Mehlberg manages all aspects of the business, from driving the bus and caring for the dogs to managing K9 Konvoy’s social media presence. Her husband assists with maintenance tasks. Despite the demanding workload, Mehlberg is passionate about her work. "I get to spend the day with dogs," she says. "I can’t complain about that. Some days are a little faster than others, but overall, it is most the best job I’ve ever had, and I think I will ever have."
The success of K9 Konvoy is a testament to Mehlberg’s entrepreneurial spirit, her love for animals, and her dedication to providing a valuable service to her community. What began as a simple walk in the park has evolved into a thriving business that brings joy to both dogs and their owners. Mehlberg’s story is an inspiring reminder that even the most unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.
