A County Durham business owner who quit hairdressing to open an indoor dog play centre has announced its heartbreaking closure just months after the first customers arrived.
Ashley Bennett opened Zoomies Dog Play Area at Dabble Duck Industrial Estate in Shildon in July after spending six months turning an empty unit into an indoor dog play centre.
The business offered private 50-minute sessions where dogs could exercise, socialise and play in separate areas, with staggered bookings to limit contact between animals.
Ashley Bennett with her two dogs Lily and Pickle, Ashley has just opened up Zoomies Dog Play in Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
But less than three months after opening, Ashley revealed that Zoomies would close, calling it “one of the hardest” decisions she had ever made.
In an emotional social media post, she said she had invested “absolutely everything” in the business, financially and emotionally.
She wrote: "Walking away from something I've worked so hard to build is heartbreaking.
"Zoomies has been such a huge part of my life, and seeing how much people and their dogs have enjoyed it has made every bit of hard work worthwhile.
"From the little pups coming in for their first experiences, to the birthday parties, socialisation sessions and all the lovely people I've met along the way, it's been an absolute privilege to offer something a little bit different for our four-legged friends."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Ashley said strong support and bookings could not overcome rising costs and unexpected bills, which made the business financially unsustainable.
"The reality of running a small business, particularly in the current climate, is incredibly challenging," she said.
"As successful as Zoomies has been in terms of bookings, support and the amazing feedback I've received, success doesn't always mean a business is financially sustainable."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The closure ends a dream Ashley pursued after leaving hairdressing, where she had worked since she was 15.
When the centre opened, she called it “the beginning of a completely new chapter” and the fulfilment of her ambition to create an indoor play space for dogs and their owners.
Despite the disappointment, Ashley urged people to support independent businesses and thanked customers who booked sessions, held birthday parties and recommended Zoomies.
She also praised fellow dog-play business Waggles & Wiggles for offering former Zoomies customers a 20 per cent discount after the closure.
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Ashley said: "Behind every small business is a real person, a family, a dream and so much hard work.
"Every booking, purchase, recommendation and share really does make a difference."
Reflecting on the business, she added: "I started Zoomies with so much excitement, passion and belief in what it could become, and although this chapter hasn't ended the way I ever imagined, I will never regret giving it a go."