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Conversations with Laine Ayre and Tabitha McNeil

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laine Ayre and Tabitha McNeil.

Hi Laine and  Tabitha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We’re lifelong dog lovers who bonded over a shared love of adventure, the outdoors, and, of course, dogs. While working full-time jobs, we’ve always made room for hiking, camping, dog sitting, and spending as much time as possible with our own pups. After the heartbreaking decision to remove our beloved rescue Traeger from our home, we felt even more committed to giving dogs the care they deserve. So when Archie’s Dog Co. came up for sale in 2025, we jumped at the chance to continue Archie’s mission of care and quality.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Great question! Taking over an existing business where the previous owner was the face of the company, we knew our challenges may be unique. We spent the first four months absorbing as much information as we could. We definitely learned some things the hard way! Once settled, we felt comfortable leaning on our community for some help in areas we weren’t comfortable in. Northern Michigan is home to creators and small business owners who work together to build one another up. We are so fortunate to be a part of our community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With a long career in teaching, coaching and managing in the hospitality sector, I am most drawn to small businesses who are looking for guidance. I help organize, implement systems and create cohesive working relationships for owners. Believing that multiple income streams help the mind and body stay healthy, helping others is what I am known for. Joining forces with Tabitha, in life and in business, comes this next step of ownership. We are having the best time!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We believe in the motto, “healthy dogs, happy life”. As adventurous people, we want to educate people in dog safety, dog health and how to live life fully!

Contact Info:

Dog standing outdoors with water on its legs, trees in background, person holding a pink object nearby, sunny day

Person in blue jacket feeding two dogs near a body of water on a dirt ground.

A row of six colorful buckets on a sandy shore near water, with trees and grass in the background.

Person with brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a dark jacket and light-colored shirt, interacts with a large, black and gray dog outdoors.

Image Credits
@caseychamberlain_photo
Casey Chamberlain Photography

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