Living Life Among the Dogs, and Loving it

Ketzel Levine, NPR

Robin Baizel and Greg Gibbs' dog CD started the couple on the path that took them to Nevada, and a new life as small-business owners.

Robin Baizel and Greg Gibbs know something about making big decisions. The couple gave up the security of steady incomes at the Consortium Library at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, for the uncertainty of owning their own business in Nevada, and the chance at doing what they loved.

About 10 years ago, Robin and Greg rescued a dog who would, inadvertently, change their lives. CD, short for Compact Dog, was a Pit Bull/Akita mix, an immense and powerful animal in need of some responsible training. A concern for his well-being led to a passion for obedience training; 10 years later, Robin Baizel had found her calling: working with dogs.

Convincing her husband, Greg Gibbs, to make the leap and try his hand at running a small business, the couple serendipitiously found a dog-training and dog-care facility for sale in Sparks, Nev. They are now the owners of The Canine Club, located in an industrial park outside Reno.

The trade-offs have been considerable. Their income is unpredictable, they are without insurance or benefits, and they are currently living cheek-by-jowl with four dogs and three cats in a very small RV.

"But if we can just stick it out, I know this is going to turn out to be everything we want it to be," Robin said.