The thing about loss is that it leaves this void in our hearts that no matter how courageously we fight or how many days go by, it never seems possible to fill it in quite the same way again.
And in truth, you can’t… but you can reshape it if you try.
It wasn’t until 5 years after the loss of my teenage son Evan that I finally began to embrace the possibility of turning his tragic loss into a positive. It wasn’t an overnight realization but more of an understanding that something- anything- had to come from his passing. And in truth, it took losing another part of him- his chihuahua Mickey- to finally connect the dots on just how I was going to honor my son’s memory.
And in that moment Evan’s Hound Heaven Doggie Daycare Boutique was born.
Evan, 3 years old 💙
It’s no coincidence that Evan loved all animals. After years of growing up surrounded by five dogs, two pigmy goats, 12 birds, hamsters, fish and lizards, the love for pets stuck with all of our children. Our son Tim worked with service dogs in the military and our daughter Niki has her own mini farm at her home in Costa Rica: 3 dogs, 2 chickens, and 1 bunny just to get started.
Still, I always knew it was Evan that had a special connection with animals- dogs most of all. From his earliest days in diapers our photo albums are filled with pictures of him befriending every dog he crossed paths no matter where we went. From birthday parties to family vacations, it was Evan who never met a dog that didn’t capture his heart. As he got older- and our relationship grew stronger- our daily conversations were about life, people, and of course our favorite four-legged friends.
But if Hound Heaven was going to celebrate our shared passion for pups, it wasn’t just about to be another run-of-the-mill dog kennel with cold, metal cages and the sad, puppy eyes of dogs that wanted to play. Instead, I envisioned a true heaven on earth, with 12 spacious, temperature-controlled glass suites with “shared” common spaces and ample green grass for all the dogs to roam free on.
Our space gives dog owners the often-missing peace of mind for families that are forced to leave their furry friends behind while traveling for either business or pleasure. And nickel and diming every add-on or service wasn’t about to be a part of our oasis. I am proud to embrace all of the every day activities of life with a pet- bathroom breaks, exercise, meal times, treats, and even the dispensing of medicines- without additional fees.
Exactly as Evan would have wanted it.
Now more than two years since we’ve opened, I find myself surrounded daily by the true meaning of turning something tragic into something beautiful. My heart will always hold that special space made just for Evan as any parent would expect after losing their child. And while it’s not a journey I ever expected to take, every wagging tail I see or happy dog I meet, helps me to feel a little piece of Evan with me- at our own little slice of heaven on earth.
Charlene M. Heiser
Owner, Evan's Hound Heaven
