Today we’d like to introduce you to Brook Foster Salvione.
Hi Brook, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never planned to become a business owner. In fact, it wasn’t even on my radar.
In my early 20s, I was working as a substitute teacher at a lockdown high school in Arizona while studying psychology. It was a challenging environment, filled with students who had already been through so much. I thought I might one day go into counseling or social work — not pet care. But sometimes, life nudges you in a direction you never expected.
I grew up around dogs. Animals were always a big part of my life, and from a young age, I felt deeply connected to them. When I was six years old, I told everyone I wanted to be a zookeeper.
One summer day, everything changed.
A large pit bull wandered into the school parking lot. At first glance, he looked intimidating — but it was clear he was also very sick. He was thin, his skin was in rough shape, and his whole body seemed tired. Still, there was something gentle in his eyes that stopped me in my tracks.
The students noticed him right away. These were tough kids, often misunderstood themselves — and they connected with him instantly. They begged me not to call animal control.
I couldn’t let them down.
So I took him home.
They named him Blu, and that one decision changed everything.
When I brought Blu to the vet, the outlook wasn’t good. He was heart-worm positive, he was also diagnosed with discoid lupus, mange and he was severely underweight — but I was committed to giving him a safe place to heal, surrounded by love. What I didn’t expect was how much he would give back to everyone around him.
The students began showing up to school just to ask how Blu was doing. They followed his progress. They cared. In Blu, they saw themselves: resilient, misunderstood, and worthy of a second chance. He became a symbol of hope, not just for me, but for them.
Over time, Blu’s health improved—he was cured of heartworm disease and finally able to enjoy life without that constant strain on his body. Not long after, he was diagnosed with diabetes, which may have been triggered by the steroid injection used during his heart worm treatment—a known risk in some dogs. I worked very closely with veterinarians to manage his diabetes, giving him insulin daily and performing regular blood tests to keep his levels stable. Still, Blu became a happy, beloved part of my life. He stayed with me for eight wonderful years, teaching me about patience, empathy, and the quiet power of showing up every day for someone who depends on you. Even as he got older and faced new challenges, his spirit never changed. He was always full of love.
Losing him was heartbreaking — but it planted the seed for something much bigger.
Throughout Blu’s life, I worked for the Veterans Health Administration. After his passing, I spent a few more years in business administration, marketing, and sales. Those roles gave me the structure and confidence I needed to take a leap: to build something that honored Blu’s legacy and aligned with my passion.
In April 2024 — two and a half years after saying goodbye to Blu — I launched Happy Tails SoFlo, a full-time LGBTQ+ owned, insured, and bonded pet care business based in South Florida.
We are a team of 4, we offer walks, check-ins, overnights, and compassionate, personalized care that gives pet parents peace of mind. I lead a small, dedicated team that shares my values — we treat every animal with the love and respect they deserve, because to us, pets are family.
Happy Tails SoFlo was born out of my journey with Blu — a dog who reminded me that sometimes healing begins with a second chance, and that the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out in powerful ways.
He was my first rescue, my greatest teacher, and the reason I do what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not — and I wouldn’t trade the road I’ve taken for anything. Starting a business isn’t just about building a service, it’s about building yourself at the same time.
One of my biggest challenges was timing. After losing Blu, I knew I wanted to create a business that honored the care I gave him — but I wasn’t emotionally or financially ready yet. I spent over two years working in business administration, marketing, and sales while grieving and quietly dreaming. I had to navigate self-doubt, burnout, and the fear of starting over.
When I finally launched Happy Tails SoFlo in April 2024, I was the marketer, the admin, the pet sitter, the scheduler — everything. There were moments I felt completely overwhelmed. I was also building this business while living in a new city, married, and relying on one income as my wife supported both of us in the early stages. That pressure was real.
Another challenge was finding the right clients. I had to learn to set boundaries, say no to situations that didn’t align with my values, and build a client base that truly appreciated the personalized care we give. I also had to learn to lead — not just care for animals, but guide a team, protect my energy, and grow responsibly without losing the heart of what makes Happy Tails special.
So no, it hasn’t been easy. But every challenge has helped me create a business that’s strong, authentic, and built to last. The most beautiful part? I get to do meaningful work every day — and it all started because of one dog who showed me what love and resilience look like.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Happy Tails SoFlo is a boutique pet care company based in South Florida, offering tailored services with a personal touch. We provide check-ins, dog walking, overnight stays, fundamental puppy training, and care for exotic pets — all with an emphasis on consistency, trust, and connection.
We specialize in personalized care for pets who may need more than just a potty break. That includes senior pets, those with medical needs, rescues with emotional sensitivities, or multi-pet households where routines matter. We’re also proud to offer a wedding attendant service for couples who want their pet included in their big day, without the stress.
What sets us apart is the heart behind our service. We’re LGBTQ+ owned, insured, bonded, and built on 20+ years of hands-on animal care experience — not just the basics, but deep medical and behavioral understanding. Every sitter on our team is handpicked, trained, and aligned with our values of compassion, reliability, and clear communication.
A big part of what drives our care is intuition. We don’t just observe pets — we feel them. Years of experience have taught us how to read the subtle signs that others might miss: a shift in posture, hesitation in movement, the energy behind their eyes. Animals communicate so much without saying a word, and it’s our job to tune in. That intuitive connection allows us to build trust with even the most anxious or misunderstood pets.
We’re known for forming genuine relationships — not only with the pets, but with their humans. We check in, follow up, send thoughtful photo updates, and become a trusted part of each pet’s daily life. It’s not just about completing a task — it’s about making every pet feel safe, loved, and seen.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how authentic Happy Tails SoFlo is. This isn’t a high-volume, impersonal service. It’s intentional, relationship-based care. We grow at our own pace, stay grounded in quality over quantity, and treat every client as part of our extended family.
What I want readers to know is this: if you’re looking for a pet care provider who truly cares, who shows up, who pays attention to the details, and who treats your pet like their own — we’re here. Happy Tails SoFlo isn’t just a service. It’s a standard of care.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start — but you do have to trust yourself.
Building Happy Tails SoFlo has taught me to lead with both intuition and structure. There’s no perfect roadmap when you’re creating something from scratch — especially something rooted in heart, care, and connection. But every time I chose to stay true to my values, even when it meant saying no to a client, resetting boundaries, or growing slowly, it paid off.
I’ve learned that consistency builds trust, not just with clients and pets — but with myself. That quiet, daily discipline to keep showing up, even when it’s hard or uncertain, is what moves the needle.
I’ve also learned that love isn’t soft — it’s strong. The way I care for animals, my clients, my team, and my brand is a reflection of that love. And it’s that care — when paired with boundaries and self-respect — that’s allowed my business to grow in a way that actually feels good.
So the biggest lesson? Trust your gut. Be patient. And build something that feels like home — for you, and for the people (and pets) you serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.happytailssoflo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blu.rescued
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/HappyTailsSoFlo
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/happy-tails-dog-walking-check-ins-fort-lauderdale-fl/
