Today we’d like to introduce you to Liam and Jenn Murphy.
Liam and Jenn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When we were 22 and 21 (2001), we made a decision; that we were going to live doing what we loved, and make a career out of it. We wanted to be unlike any other dog company. Instead, we wanted take them all outside into the forest and hike them. An activity we delighted in with our own pups, for years. Dogs were all bred to work and all dogs love nature. So, we designed a one of a kind system that would allow us to safely work the dogs for a full day outside; year-round. Nobody understood our plan. Some, said we were crazy. And of course, others told us it would never work; essentially stop trying. We never listened to the naysayers. We’ve proved them wrong and in doing so, have become one of the top Dog Companies on the South Shore. For years, we worked literally all day and night. There were no vacations; no time off. There were (and still are!) nights of no sleep, as the wheels that turn, kept us up. It was work, work, and work.
We stayed focused on our goals and kept our eyes on the prize. We had ups and downs. When we had downs, it included broken bones, torn ligaments, and broken down vehicles but, we got up no matter how hard it was. No matter how scary it felt, we got back up and kept moving. It’s blind loyalty, to a belief we would make it. We NEVER doubted ourselves. We never quit, we just kept going. The key was that we loved what we did. No matter the weather or how little we slept, we never hit that snooze button. We saw/see our business as a journey. For some it’s an easier path: one with financial help, support and resources form others. For others like us, there is none of those things. No maps, no directions, no guidance, there’s no help. It truly made it all the better. A journey should be an adventure. Having to find your way, with true dedication, belief in yourself (the most trying of all); hard work; making it, IS the greatest feeling one can have. We have achieved more than we could’ve imagined. We have made it to “the top”, so to speak. What we’ve learned, is there is no top. We continue to evolve and grow. There is no end. That’s what makes being an entrepreneur so great. You have to keep climbing. Climb.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s always struggles/obstacles and staying true to what we set out to do, has always brought us back onto the right path.
Our biggest struggle is balance. Balancing family and business. There’s no definitive line for the most part. This company supports our household and of course, itself. We’ve made it without loans and have had to stay within our means, without taking from either aspect. Charging or borrowing several thousands of dollars today, to make operations easier or more functional, means meticulously budgeting and cutting finances somewhere else. There’s a lot of pressure to make the right decision because it impacts our life on the whole. It’s always a debate and balancing pros/cons, etc. Trying to be good parents to both home and business.
Relationships are also a struggle. Having friends and family understand, that it’s not a choice, we HAVE TO WORK. Your Sunday party/BBQ sounds perfect but, not going to work can set us back 5 steps in business. We have to stay focused.
Another obstacle is having each owner place their trust in us. We face every ounce of New England weather, with their pup. Their BABY. Their family member. Their dogs are working. They’re doing hard hikes. There’s other options that feel safer. Like indoor facilities, out of the rain and cold, etc. It’s meeting each of them individually, letting them ask any and all questions, making them feel comfortable and getting them excited to be a part of it!
We’re not only partners in business but, partners in life. It requires an immense amount of respect for each other. Respecting each other’s thoughts and decisions. Trusting in each other without question. Supporting each other when mistakes are made and remaining a team. Always united.
Liam Murphy’s Canine Fitness – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are an active doggy daycare. We pack hike on private nature trails. We are known for our dog adventures and our action shots, on social media. We did a web series, called “Wicked Pissa Dog Show” that gained interest from a network. We are unique and people are in awe of the physical undertaking that we perform every day.
We specialize in large pack structured exercise and socialization. We set off on a five to ten-mile adventure hike. Dogs come back tired and content.
We’re proud of designing our system. It took years to develop, with trial and error but, we figured out a way we could safely hike 50/60 dogs and are the only ones to do so, in a Doggy Daycare. However, what we’re most proud of as a company, is doing what it was we set out to do. Every day, we lace our boots and focus on improving dogs lives and in turn, the household’s harmony. Giving to each of them, what we’d want for our own. I think that within itself, sets us apart from every other dog company. But, what truly sets us apart, is our dedication and drive to run safely and effectively. We get up every day and are ready to focus on THE DAY. The physical operation, is more important than phone calls or social media. We’re in it, 100%.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The day we had our first client…. We were so pumped to have her. This client has referred us for over a decade and is more like a friend than a client. She’ll always be special to us, always.
Pricing:
- Daycare: $25 a day
Contact Info:
- Address: 74 Camelot Dr. (bldg 7)
Plymouth, Ma 0236017 Rafaelle Rd. (bldg 1)
Plymouth, Ma 02360
(3 doors down) - Website: liamscaninefitness.com
- Phone: (508) 759-2199
- Email: caninefitness@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamcaninefitness/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=204834222887681&tsid=0.5993177784104082&source=result
Image Credit:
Nick Cash
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Janet Palladino
August 7, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Liam takes my 8 pound Maltese, twice a week for 7 mile hikes. Most of the other dogs are bigger than him and pretty active. Levi is a rescue who was badly abused as a pup and had aggressive/reactive issues. Never a problem for Liam. Levi my monster Maltese has fit right in with the 50-100 pound dogs without a hitch!! He has increased his stamina and has calmed down incredibly. He loves his walks and comes home happy and ready for a nap!
Liam is the dog whisperer of Plymouth. His wife Jenn is his partner in every way. I hope they don’t get too famous (lol) because we will hope that Levi can continue with them for a long time! I wish them the best as they continue to grow their business. Thanks, Liam and Jenn!!
Jenn Murphy
August 12, 2017 at 11:42 am
Thank you so much, Janet!! Levi’s a good boy. There’ll always be a spot for him on the line ❤️
Jim
September 8, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Our 80-lb Giant Schnauzer Xander has been part of Jenn and Liam’s pack for the last year. In that time, Xander’s gotten into great shape, been socialized to deal with different people and dogs, and, over all, grown into a terrific companion who’s a pleasure to be around. If, as the saying goes, a tired Giant is a good Giant, we have Jenn and Liam to thank for our good dog. We’re lucky to have found Canine Fitness and are grateful for all that Jenn, Liam, and the rest of team do to keep Xander happy and healthy.