Hurricane Katrina represented a pivotal moment in Nicole Pennell's life. She was living in the Washington, D.C. area, working in the public relations field when the hurricane occurred. When it became clear just how hard the area had been hit, Nicole packed up and went to Louisiana to assist displaced animals. The experience proved to be a major motivating factor in her decision to open her own business; a business that would allow her to work with animals on a daily basis. Her own Akita, coincidentally named Katrina, had been attending daycare at a Dogtopia in Tysons Corner, VA for some time. She'd enjoyed the atmosphere and consummate service she received there and felt it would be a natural fit.

Nicole chose Charlotte, NC to open her new location with the support of family and friends already living in the area. She is thrilled to bring this new luxury service to the town and looks forward to meeting and greeting all its dog savvy residents.

Nicole currently lives in East Charlotte with her three dogs, Katrina, Penny and Jack. Katrina is a 9 year-old Akita that she's had since she was 12 weeks old. They've moved all over the world with each other, from Pensacola, FL where Katrina was born to Atsugi, Japan where Nicole was stationed for 3 years in the Navy. She is a sweet girl that loves people and especially loves giving them kisses on the face. Penny is a very precocious 3 year-old Golden Retriever. She started with Nicole as a foster dog for friends that were moving from the area. When they were unable to take her back, it was only natural for Nicole to keep her as she has already become an irreplaceable part of the family. Penny loves wrestling with Katrina and Jack, and being chased in the yard or at the dog park. Jack is a 2 year-old mutt. Nicole thinks he has Pointer, Rottweiller and maybe Boxer in him. He literally knocked on Nicole's door one Sunday afternoon back in early 2008. After putting up flyers, Nicole was able to find his original owners, but they were unable to keep him at the time. Jack got along so great with Penny and Katrina, he just had to become part of the pack. Jack is extremely sweet and loves to cuddle. He loves wrestling with his older sisters and playing chase in the backyard. He can sometimes be shy and fearful when meeting new people, but he loves meeting new dogs at the dog park and at day care. The entire Pennell pack absolutely love going to Dogtopia to play with their doggie friends and can't wait to meet new friends at Nicole's Charlotte location!

When not at Dogtopia, Nicole spends most of her free time volunteering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control or the Humane Society of Charlotte.