Welcome to Happy Hound Daycare

A Tired Hound Is A Happy Hound

Happy Hound Daycare is not your traditional dog daycare. We are a structured, Cage/Kennel FREE, Enrichment & Training base dog daycare. All staff professionally trained & CPR and First Aid Certified.

Meet The Team

Laura Higgins, CDT/Owner

Laura founded Northwest Hills K9 Rescue, Inc. in 2010 after adopting and volunteering with another rescue organization. Driven by her mission to save animals and educate the public, she has cultivated a network of friends who share her passion for animal welfare. In 2012, Laura graduated with an Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy and has since obtained certifications in Dog Training, AKC Evaluator, Dog CPR/First Aid, and Canine Nutrition.

An equestrian for over 40 years and a lifelong dog enthusiast, Laura initially enjoyed her career as a therapist. However, her profound passion for animals led her to establish Happy Hound Daycare, LLC, on March 2, 2020. Remarkably, she managed to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of dedicated friends who volunteered their time.

Laura has resided in Torrington, CT, for more than 35 years and has been married to Michael Higgins since 2008, who has been her greatest supporter throughout her endeavor.

Marisol Rodriguez

Mari is 24 years old and has worked at HHDC since April 2023. She is a mother to a two year old son and two pups (Arlo and Tickle). She has always loved dogs throughout her life. Mari is a U.S. Army veteran, speaks Spanish. Mari enjoys hiking, camping, painting, and tattooing her friends. Dog CPR/First Aid Certified

Bekah Smith, Lead Dog Handler/Trainer

Bekah Smith graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. During her time at UConn, she acquired practical experience and deepened her understanding of animal genetics, physiology, nutrition, health, and behavior.

Bekah has a particular interest in animal behavior and the training of companion animals. Since joining HHDC in June 2022, she has been actively gaining hands-on experience with dog behaviors in a daycare environment. She is also working under Laura, where she is enhancing her skills through the Life Skills Program.

In her leisure time, Bekah enjoys working with her own dog, Willow, a two-year-old Shepherd mix. She is certified in Dog CPR and First Aid.

Cecilia Hill
Dog Handler/Trainer

Cecilia is the proud owner of two delightful dogs: an Australian Shepherd named Scarlet and a black Labrador mix named Savannah. As a passionate animal lover, she also shares her home with a cat named Sushi. Having spent much of her childhood surrounded by animals, Cecilia developed a keen interest in learning about them.

In 2008, she transformed her love for animals into a professional pursuit by starting a pet-sitting business that allowed her to care for pets in their homes. This experience ignited her true passion for dogs.

After several years of working with a variety of animals, Cecilia chose to specialize in canines. She accepted a position at a dog lodging and daycare facility, where she gained valuable insights into pack dynamics and began training dogs.

Cecilia is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and making a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs.