Meet Daryana Quintana Cowie | Dog Boarding Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daryana Quintana Cowie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daryana, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been a dog owner before I started my dog boarding business, and when I was looking for quality care for my dogs, I noticed where boarding facilities are cutting corners. I realized that some of these businesses are leaving dogs unattended overnight, employing people with little or no training, and they are charging an arm and leg for additional services, like administering medication or extra play time. I had a tough time finding a quality dog boarding company for my dogs, so I began entertaining the idea of starting my own business. And here we are, just 9 years later, I own and operate the kind of dog boarding facility that challenges these issues and provides a top-notch service that my clients need and love. I have return clients because they understand the difference we are providing at Daryana’s Backyard.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business has recently expanded, and we are now in a spacious ranch near Parker, Colorado. While this makes me and my husband (who is my partner in running the business) very happy, it also poses its own unique challenges. We have clients in Highlands Ranch, where our office is located, and in order to keep serving these clients, we had to be creative. So, we now offer luxury transportation service to DIA for dog owners (and Bark & Ride for both dog and owner), and we also pick up and drop off in several areas. This way, our clients can keep their schedule and we go out of our way to accommodate their dogs and their travel needs. I have to say, that it really is a popular service.

Another fact that I am proud of is that we don’t nickel and dime on all the small add-ons, like administering medicine, playtime, and snacks are included in my base price. We also don’t charge extra for holiday weekends and peak times, but we do fill up well in advance, and people need to plan for these times.

What I would like people to know about Daryana’s Backyard is that we are offering dog boarding and dog daycare solutions that include so many more amenities than your average dog boarding facility, at a scenic and spacious ranch, with lots of personal attention. Your dog will be well taken care of while you’re on vacation or at work. If you give us a chance, you won’t be disappointed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Well, I hope they decide to come visit in the month of September! Not only is my birthday month, but the weather is also great at that time of year, festivals and concerts are in full swing, leaves are changing.

Would definitely take a drive up to Estes Park and stop at the Stanley Hotel for a haunted experience. It’s a destination on its own and the perfect place to relax after a hike. The rooms have an historic charm and if you sign up for The Shining Tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the owners, the history of the hotel, the making of the movie.
From there, would make my way to Fort Collins and make sure I hit a few local breweries – you can’t come to Colorado without hitting some of them! New Belgium will offer an amazing tour, while Odell would offer a patio with stunning views.
Would then come to downtown Denver for all nightlife needs, or finish up with a comedy show at Landmark.
Would recommend a drive up I-70 towards Breckenridge and beyond, with stops at Hanging Lake (at least), taking a mine tour in Georgetown and enjoying music and art festivals along the way. If time is on our side, would introduce my best friend to the Glenwood Springs as well. Maybe making it a trip to Durango, if possible, spend the night in a simple KOA just to be up early for a beautiful train ride with stunning views.
Seems like a week is not enough to explore Colorado, and I didn’t even touch on a concert at The Red Rocks, or visiting Manitou Springs….

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My husband Graeme, who has been extremely supportive of my vision, regardless of challenges.
Our clients, that trusted me with care and decision making, that proved themselves flexible and understanding.
We have 2 solid playgroups on Tuesdays and Thursdays, established quite a few years back and these packs are very close to my heart. Also, a big thank you to our longest client, Ciela, who joined us since the beginning.
Other great minds with entrepreneurial vision and a heart of gold would be:
*Nicole Ryan, for helping us securing this property and guided us through the entire process start to finish
*Ben Magee with Green Can Cleaner, who helped us secure the perimeter around, taking time off from his work to do so
*Monika Anderson with Kameleon Digital Marketing, for keeping me focused and on schedule even when things didn’t lined up perfectly
*Dayan Guillen with New Image of Denver, for showing up in bad weather and truly giving this place a new image and improving life quality with repairs, painting, appliances installation.

Website: https://www.daryanasbackyard.com

Instagram: @daryanasbackyard

Linkedin: Daryana Quintana Cowie

Twitter: @daryanasbackyard

Facebook: @daryanasbackyard

Image Credits
Jolie Rodriguez Photography