Released on = May 28, 2007, 5:09 am

Press Release Author = David Law/The Findley Group

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Dogtopia\'s Partnership with Findley Group Gives Franchise
Industry Something to Bark about the Full-Service Dog Day Care Concept Dubbed the
`Next Big Thing' in $38 Billion Pet Care Industry

Press Release Body = Tysons Corner, VA - With consumers spending more than $38
billion to pamper their pets each year, a prominent franchise consulting and
development company has "spotted" Dogtopia, a full-service dog day care, spa and
boarding facility, as a standout and potential "leader of the pack" of pet-care
related franchise concepts.

In an announcement that speaks volumes to Dogtopia's market potential, the Findley
Group, led by the former president and franchise-builder of Curves International,
Gary Findley, has chosen to invest in Dogtopia and provide sales and marketing
support to help take the company to the next level in franchising. The addition of
Dogtopia brings to eight the number of innovative and exciting franchise concepts
that the Findley Group has chosen to work with. Under Findley's direction as
president, Curves International experienced growth in franchises from 50 locations
in 1996 to more than 8,000 in 2006.

"With more than 43 percent of U.S. households owning a dog, the demand for quality,
upscale day care and boarding facilities is on the rise," said Gary Findley.
"Because of its strong management, quality systems and its niche in pet-care, we
believe Dogtopia has tremendous potential to become the leader in the dog day care
franchise category. We plan to build on the strong foundation that the founder has
laid to take Dogtopia to the next level."
Findley was referring to Amy Nichols, who established the concept and opened the
first location in June 2002. Under Nichols leadership, vision and drive, Dogtopia
has experienced overwhelming success and growth that led to the initial franchise
offering of the concept in April 2005. The franchise company, Happy to Be Here,
Inc., backed by the Findley Group, anticipates that 25 Dogtopia franchises will be
in operation or in development by 2008.
"\"What makes us so different is our ability to provide dogs with a fun and positive
experience,\" Nichols said. "We see dogs as true members of our customers' families,
and we operate our locations in much the same way that child care centers operate.
Our customers love their dogs, and want to know they are in a safe, happy place
while they're at work or away, as opposed to leaving their dogs at home alone or in
a secluded kennel environment. We give the dogs as much love, care and attention as
they get at home with their families."

To create even more peace of mind for its customers, Dogtopia employs web cam
technology that allows the dogs' owners to check on their pets at any time. Their
Dogtopia Web Cam logs more than 50,000 hits each month.

Barking up the right tree
Currently, three Dogtopia franchises operate in Houston, TX, Bethesda, Maryland and
Tysons Corner, Virginia, and three more are set to open soon in Chicago, IL,
Alexandria, VA and Orange County, CA. The typical location cares for up to 100 dogs
per day with a ratio of one caregiver per 10-15 dogs. Locations range in size from
6,000-8,000 square feet and include a gymnasium, lounge and toy box area.

All Dogtopia locations feature bright yellow, green, and blue walls and are designed
with the feel of an upbeat, upscale spa atmosphere. At $33 per day for dog day care
service, hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Saturday and 11am - 2pm on Sundays. Owners may opt to bring their own food or
Dogtopia will provide during the twice daily feedings. All dogs undergo evaluations
that include a health assessment, vaccination verification, and a temperament test
to insure that the dog is social and comfortable in large groups.

"For us, the strongest testament to our quality of service is a happy dog," Nichols
said. "When the customers walk up to Dogtopia, these dogs are literally pulling
their owners in the door. That's the kind of thing that gives our customers the
peace of mind they need. They're not worried that their dogs are at home alone
depressed or acting out. They're at Dogtopia, having a blast! "
Dogtopia offers an affordable franchise opportunity ideal for dog enthusiasts with
business or marketing experience, particularly former corporate executives who
understand the careful balance between being your own boss and following a proven
business model. The franchise fee is $35,000 and the investment range to open a
Dogtopia is between $140,000 to $240,000. Dogtopia supports franchisees with initial
step-by-step training on-site and at corporate headquarters that includes site
selection, facility layout and other guidance to help them run a successful
business.
With a passionate culture committed to giving back, Nichols has created a permanent
non-profit arm of the company, known as K-9 Support, Inc., to support working dogs,
such as military dogs, rescue dogs and Seeing Eye dogs. Annual K-9 Support Dog Wash
events raise funds to send care packages to K-9 Handlers and their working dogs in
Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2006, Dogtopia has sent more than two tons of packages to
units in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.

"We try to make a difference in the lives of dogs all over the world, whether they
are working dogs, dogs in shelters, or dogs in our care. Nichols said. "We're not
out to become the biggest dog day care franchise. We want to be the highest quality
pet care provider, and that takes slow, strategic growth. We are in it for the long
haul and are committed to helping our franchisees open high quality locations across
the country."

About DogtopiaT
DogtopiaT, founded in 2002, began offering franchises in 2005. Dogtopia prides
itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and¬ 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.
DogtopiaT staff willingly nurtures each pet with attention and love. Each location
offers a variety of fun activities, sociable training and comfortable boarding for
dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities and temperaments. For franchise
information, visit http://www.bizymoms.com/fran_opp/dog_lovers.php.

About The Findley Group
Founded in 2004, the Findley Group is a franchise consulting and development company
led by the former president and franchise-builder of Curves International, Gary
Findley. Under Findley's direction as president, Curves International experienced
growth in franchises from 50 locations in 1996 to more than 8,000 in 2006.
Currently, the Findley Group is working with eight innovative and exciting companies
who have unique offerings for today's marketplace. The Findley Group specializes in
bringing new business concepts to the market and developing them into complete
franchise offerings. For more information, please visit www.FindleyGroup.com

Web Site = http://www.findleygroup.com

Contact Details = 1404 South New Road
Waco,Texas 76711, USA
Phone:(254) 757-1445
Email:davidl@findleygroup.com