The Heavenly Hound Pet Cremation

Susan Danner's passion for animals and desire to provide comfort to others during difficult times led her to establish The Heavenly Hound Pet Cremation. Supported by her partner, Andy, who believed in her vision from the start, they made this dream a reality. The inspiration behind Susan’s venture is their beloved hound dogs: Hazel, Daizy, Bee, Ernie, and Jethro. The bond with these dogs motivated her to create a service to help others cope with losing their cherished pets. Heavenly Hound became a testament to the profound connection between humans and animals. “Our pets are family, and we understand the deep bond shared between people and their animals. We know firsthand the pain of losing a pet, and we're committed to providing the same level of care and respect that we would expect,” Susan shared. Heavenly Hound Pet Cremations provides cremation service for pets weighing up to 300 pounds. They provide private and communal cremation options and also offer personalized urns, custom engraving, and keepsakes like paw and nose print impressions. Susan faced challenges when working on her initial business plan. For two years, financial projections hindered her progress, and securing a business loan appeared contingent on reliable data. She recognized the need for guidance and discovered the free small business services available through the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (East Central Indiana SBDC). With the assistance of Carlas Bogue, her business advisor at East Central Indiana SBDC, she successfully overcame these challenges. “The East Central Indiana SBDC was instrumental in The Heavenly Hound's growth. The mentorship I received has significantly boosted my confidence as a small business owner and provided me with the knowledge to successfully build a business from the ground up,” Susan noted. “With the East Central Indiana SBDC's support, I've been able to focus on building a strong foundation for my business.” Susan transformed her business plan with the help of East Central Indiana SBDC’s business plan subscription and Fin 9.0 financial projection tool. The East Central Indiana SBDC even accompanied her to the bank to present her plan. As a result, she successfully secured funding, established her business, and opened its doors much sooner than she had ever imagined. Susan emphasizes to other small business owners that starting a business can be intimidating, especially when faced with doubt, fear, and uncertainty. However, she believes that setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth. Susan encourages entrepreneurs, “Setbacks are inevitable but also opportunities to learn and grow. Don't be afraid to pivot when necessary – it's a sign of strength, not weakness. Build a strong support network of friends, family, and mentors who believe in you. And most importantly, never give up on your vision.” Learn about The Heavenly Hound at theheavenlyhound.com.