Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenna Auve’.
Hi Makenna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I’ve always been drawn to film, art, and creative ideas, but I had a hard time finding ways to bring that passion into my work life. I’m a people pleaser at heart, and for over 11 years I’ve worked in front desk, customer service, and administrative roles.
Everyone always asks me, “Why would you move away from California?” Well, for one — as many know — it’s beautiful but very expensive. And two, during the pandemic in 2020, I met my husband in California. We decided to make a change and move closer to his family in Arkansas, which also brought us near Memphis, Tennessee.
My first job in Memphis was at a pediatric ophthalmologist’s office, and later at a plastic surgeon’s office. Then I came across The Doghouse School. At first, I just wanted something to brighten up my days — something a little more fun and fulfilling. What started as a weekend job quickly turned into my passion. It replaced my full-time work and became my muse, my heart, and my soul.
I found myself sharing the same goals and vision as the owner, Hayley Horn, and I wanted to help grow and improve the mission behind our business — to keep it meaningful and personal. The Doghouse School isn’t just a dog daycare or a place to drop your dog off while you’re at work. It’s a true second home — a place where dogs come alive, where their personalities shine, and where they’re recognized for who they are. Every day, we capture memories, stories, and moments for families to cherish forever.
Here, dogs make friends they see consistently, feel safe and excited to come each day, and get to play all day long in a big, open, natural backyard — just like home. Families leave with more than happy dogs; they leave with photos, artwork, and written stories — memories that celebrate their pup’s life and personality. Honestly, our school might just be cooler than your kids’ school!
Dogs aren’t just dogs — they’re family. They each have their own big personalities, and we remember them just like you’d remember a child in a classroom. I make it a priority, along with our amazing staff, to build genuine connections with our dogs’ families and create special, personalized moments.
Have a new baby on the way? Just got engaged or married? Going on a honeymoon? I love finding ways to include your pup in those memories — whether through creative paw print art or custom keepsakes that make them part of your special milestones.
I treat everyone — people and pups — like friends and family. That’s what makes a place of service truly comforting. Think about how it feels to walk in somewhere and be greeted by name, to feel known, remembered, and cared about. That’s what we strive for every single day.
I also love creating fun, goofy videos, dressing the dogs up for skits, organizing photoshoots, and coming up with new art ideas using their paw prints in ways you would never imagine! We plan events that make every day feel special and different. This job has pushed my creativity further than I ever thought possible — and it keeps inspiring me to do more and more for our pups and their families.
It doesn’t stop here, and I won’t stop. Because at the end of the day, everything we do — every laugh, every project, every paw print — all comes down to one thing: LOVE.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Adjusting to the many differences between San Diego and Memphis was definitely a struggle for me at first. Not having friends, family, or some of the hobbies that used to fulfill me left me feeling a little lost. Memphis has so many wonderful things to offer, but it also has its challenges. Learning to adapt and understand life from a different perspective has really opened my eyes to a bigger picture — one centered around care, compassion, and selflessness that we all need to experience and share with one another.
This journey has taught me how important it is to unite, to show more understanding, positivity, and love. That realization has fueled my motivation to provide the utmost care and kindness to everyone I’ve served and worked with here in Memphis — even more than I ever have before.
I’ve been fortunate to say that I haven’t faced many struggles overall, because I always find ways to move forward, improve, and stay positive no matter what’s going on in my life. I truly thank God for all the amazing opportunities I’ve been given — especially here in Memphis. I’ve felt valued, appreciated, and I’ve learned so much through this experience. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Working as the front face for many businesses, I’ve developed a passion for creating personalized experiences through client communication. I’ve always been a very creative person and spent years trying to find a way to fulfill that creativity in a career. I was actually close to finishing Cosmetology School in 2020, but when the pandemic and personal life changes hit, my plans shifted. Shortly after, I moved to Arkansas near Memphis, and between adjusting to a new home and working full-time, I decided not to return to cosmetology.
Then I found The Doghouse School, and everything changed. I finally discovered a place where I truly belonged — somewhere I could pour all of my passions into one purpose: art, videography, photography, storytelling, my love for animals, advertising, and connecting with people on a personal level.
I’d say I’m now best known for my approach to personalized experiences. I take pride in finding creative, meaningful ways to make every family and pup feel special.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my creative output, especially in developing different types of paw artwork — pieces you’d never imagine could come from a dog’s paw print! Sometimes I look back at the collection of art ideas I’ve made over the last few years and can’t believe how some of them even came to mind. It’s inspired me to think about creating a “How-To” Paw Art Ideas book (with a better name, of course!) so I can share these fun, creative, and memorable ideas beyond The Doghouse School. It’s such a fulfilling and bonding experience for people and their pups, and I’d love to help others experience that joy.
What sets me apart from others, based on what people have told me, is my ability to genuinely connect with others and make them feel seen, valued, and comfortable. I truly believe that small, thoughtful interactions can make the biggest difference — whether it’s greeting someone by name, remembering their milestones, or recalling a funny story or unique trait about their dog.
I don’t see my work as just a job — I see it as an opportunity to create meaningful experiences for both people and their pets. My consistency, creativity, and heart for service shine through everything I do. I always try to go above and beyond — not to stand out, but to make others feel cared for, because that’s what truly matters to me.
What are your plans for the future?
As of October 2025, I’ve actually moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, to be closer to even more family members who are centralized in this area — and in hopes of starting our own family soon!
Even with the move, I’m still very much involved with The Doghouse School. I recently visited for a week to help on the floor during our busy holiday season, and I plan to continue staying connected by working remotely and traveling to Memphis as needed. This allows me to keep contributing my creativity and specialties while supporting our amazing team.
Right now, I’m helping the owner, Hayley Horn, create this year’s Doghouse School Yearbook (2024–2025) — so stay tuned for a serious cuteness overload! I’m also continuing to plan and develop future events, new art ideas, and creative content, while helping support client communications and oversee day-to-day operations behind the scenes.
Looking ahead, my goal is to keep finding new ways to improve, grow, and make every moment even more special than the last— that’s always been my mission. Big changes I’m looking forward to include hopefully starting a family of my own soon, more social media precense for The Doghouse School, possibly creating a paw artwork ideas book down the line, and maybe even helping to expand The Doghouse School in other states when the time is right!
There are so many exciting ideas and dreams stirring in my mind, and I’m truly just enjoying the ride — staying creative, grateful, and inspired for whatever comes next!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedoghouseschool.com
- Instagram: thedoghouseschool
- Facebook: The Doghouse School
- Other: thedoghouseschool@gmail.com
