Happy Tails Dog Spa™ Signs First Maryland Franchisee

Dog Day Care to Open Franchise in Metro DC

(Thursday, July 14, 2005) - Happy to be Here, Inc., the franchise company of Happy Tails Dog Spa™, today signed its first franchise agreement in Maryland with a couple who plans to open their own dog daycare center this fall in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

Robert and Adoracion Punio of Accokeek, MD have eagerly been exploring opportunities to open their own business. When Happy Tails completed its Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) to become a franchising company, the couple was one of the first in line to invest.

"It's been my dream to own a business franchise related to my skills and knowledge," said Robert Punio, a veterinarian. "My wife and I have been planning for this day for many years. We are excited to have the rest of our lives to enjoy the dogs and this business."

The couple, of Prince Georges¹ County, expect their franchise to be an overwhelming success, as veterinarians and others in the Washington D.C. area have indicated the distinct need for a dog daycare in the region.

"Robert and Adoracion share a true love for dogs and a passion to own their own business," said Amy Nichols, CEO and president, Happy to Be Here, Inc. "This is a perfect match for Happy Tails and further indication of the growing pet care market in the region."

Nichols, a native of Maryland, said it is a pleasure to have signed a franchise in her home state, noting she is especially pleased the Punio couple want to eventually open multiple franchises.

The next step in the process is to find the right location in Maryland for the dog spa. Officials with Happy to be Here, Inc. will work with the couple to find a spot and to negotiate a lease. It is expected the dog daycare center will open in November.

Adoracion emigrated from Manila, in the Philippines, in 1983 and Robert followed in 1990. Robert was a veterinarian in the Philippines and has been a veterinary technician here in the United States for the past 15 years. He is currently the Head of Veterinary Technology at Kenwood Animal Hospital in Bethesda, MD. Adoracion is a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C. They have a 17-year-old son, Joseph.

Happy Tails is a place where pets are valued as family - where dogs enjoy endless playtime and spa treatments in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their beloved pets in the hands of trained professionals. The Happy Tails staff willingly nurtures each pet with attention and love.

Happy Tails offers a variety of fun activities, sociable training and comfortable boarding for dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities and temperaments.

"What makes Happy Tails Dog Spa™ so different is our ability to provide dogs with a fun and positive experience," Nichols said. "Owners no longer have to feel guilty when they have to travel for work or when they go on vacation, because they know their dog loves it here!"

Nichols offers franchisees a solid business support system, with step-by-step guidelines to operate a successful Happy Tails. Company officials will guide franchisees through every phase of opening a Happy Tails, from site selection, to the layout of the facility to an unparalleled training program, both on-site and at corporate headquarters in Vienna.

Nichols said it is now a golden era for the pet care industry, noting the number of dog owners in the United States has swelled to nearly 50 million.

"Pet spending has dramatically increased over the last decade, and there is no end in site," she said. "Last year, total pet expenditure reached an astronomical $34.3 billion. More and more dog owners are providing their family pets with the kind of care they would give their own children." For more information, please log onto www.dogfranchise.com.

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