Team

Bubble Puppy Swim & Playhouse

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Sarah

Hi, I am Sarah, the owner of Bubble Puppy Swim and Playhouse. I purchased the building in February of 2024 from the previous owner Colleen. I currently work a cooperate medical device sales job, and I am at Bubble Puppy as much as possible in my off hours. I can’t wait for the day that I retire and can be at Bubble Puppy as my retirement dream job. After the purchase of the building, I decided to keep the same business Colleen had minus the grooming because I felt the services it offered for the community, and the dogs was needed, and would be missed if it was eliminated. I was honored to take over where Colleen was leaving off and continue this unique and special business in the Downriver area. My oldest daughter Ella and I had always talked about owning a business that had to do with dogs, and this was a dream coming true for us in real time. We were going to run the business together and were so excited to get to work with dogs all day. We feel dogs are angels on earth and make your day better when you get to be around them. They are a little serotonin boost when you need it.



Ella struggled with her mental health, and this was such a good fit for her. Sadly, Ella lost her battle with mental health just a few short months after we opened our doors. Ella left her mark at Bubble Puppy and will forever be with us watching over us. The months to follow were hard and I was so worried that I would not be able to keep the business open. I want to give credit to the wonderful girls that were working for me at that time. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to keep the doors open, and some of them are still working there now. Their love for the business, the dogs, and my family is what helped them through those months, and I will forever be grateful to each one of them for their help when I was in the deepest part of my grief.


You might ask why I am sharing all of this and it’s because there is a stigma around mental health and suicide. I will forever fight to break that stigma and share our story, Ella’s story because she should still be here. Because this is real life, this is happening in more families than it’s not, with other business owners, the person standing next to you in the grocery store, and the person faking a smile acting like their life is perfect. There are millions of people struggling with some aspect of their mental health and we can all learn to be a little more compassionate, understanding, and loving to one another. We strive to create a fun, open, and enjoyable working environment, and support the mental health of each one of the staff members.


We want our dogs, dog parents, and the staff to have the best time, and day possible when they are in our care or using our facility. We know it will not always be perfect or possible to make everyone happy but know that is our goal and what we are always trying to do. Thank you for your support and helping us keep Bubble Puppy Swim and Playhouse a part of the Downriver area. We hope to be here serving you for many more years to come. 

Woman kissing a dog with tan and brown fur inside a room with blue walls.
Woman in pool with golden retriever dog. Other dogs watch nearby at a
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Ava

My name is Ava, and I’m the manager at Bubble Puppy. I work at Bubble Puppy because I have a passion for animals and a special love for dogs! I like working at Bubble Puppy for many reasons, but my favorite is the dogs and all of their personalities. I love being active, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. 

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Woman kissing a golden retriever dog; both close-up, indoors. Dog has dark nose and mouth. Woman wears glasses.

Hailey

Hi, I’m Hailey, I work at Bubble Puppy because I love animals and being able to create a bond with every pup. Paw Art Fridays and Puppy Cuddles are two of my favorite things about working here. I like art, photography, and shopping.

Person in a hooded jacket and a dog pose for a selfie in the snow.
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Karly

My name is Karly and I love working with the dogs at Bubble Puppy because it’s never a boring day. Working and meeting all the dogs and getting to know every personality of the dogs come to life is always rewarding. I have four dogs of my own at home! Working at Bubble Puppy is full of fun, joy, and unique personalities. 

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McKenna

My name is McKenna. I am 18 years old. I work at Bubble Puppy because I can spend time with many amazing dogs, as well as save for college. I like working at Bubble Puppy because of the positive environment and the ability to interact with the different personalities and breeds of dogs. Outside of Bubble Puppy, I have two dogs of my own, as well as a horse, and a potbelly pig.

Woman in black hoodie kissing a large, cream-colored dog on the cheek outdoors, dog panting.
Woman with a brown and white dog resting its head on her head; both looking at the camera.
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Kate

My name is Kate, I'm 34, Michigan girl born and raised. Dogs are the most important thing to me in life next to my family! I've known I wanted to work with dogs since I was little and that has came true. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to work with my awesome coworkers, boss, and the doggos at Bubble Puppy. My next goal in life is to rescue and raise a Great Pyrenees pup.

Alle
Alle
Alle

Alle

Hi, my name is Alle, and I am currently a junior at Allen Park High School. I work at Bubble Puppy because the dogs always know how to put a smile on my face. Our staff relationships are the best. I love to write, do nails, hang out with friends, and play volleyball.

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Sonnie

Hi, my name is Sonnie and I love all animals, the joy of working with animals, and being part of a positive working environment is one of the best feelings. I love the dogs at Bubble Puppy building relationships with them.

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Ashley

Hi, my name is Ashley. I like working at Bubble Puppy because I get to see all the different personalities of the dogs. I have a love/hate relationship with the color orange; I just don’t understand it. I’m a Capricorn, I prefer to be around my dogs at home, than going out. I’m a private person, but have a huge heart. I like to paint and secretly sing when nobody is around.

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Ella Robin Bailey
Ella Robin Bailey

Ella Robin Bailey

 This is Ella Robin Bailey. She is the daughter of Sarah Bailey, the owner, and the sister of Allle Bailey, who also works at Bubble Puppy. Ella started this venture with her mom, Sarah, because of her love of animals. Ella struggled with her mental health, and working at Bubble Puppy was like a serotonin boost each time she entered the building.


Ella lost her battle to mental illness on 6/22/2024, just three months after starting the business with her mom, Sarah. Ella was pure love in human form. There was not a single person who didn’t like her; she would do anything for anyone, even if it hurt herself, and you were a better person just knowing her.


She was beyond talented in all aspects of life and excelled in school, volleyball, plays, and was an incredible performer on stage. She was a member of two bands -- The Detroit School of Rock and The Detroit Retro Society. They performed in events around Michigan. Ella could sing anything from country to rock and roll, pop, and alternative -- you name it, she could make it happen and make it her own. She was also an amazing self-taught guitarist.


Ella loved to travel, photography, her Shiba Inu’s Budo, and Rory Finn, and most of all, she loved to love fully and give her love to anyone she met. She is now our Bubble Puppy angel watching over us each day. We love and miss her deeply, but will continue to live for her, share her story, and fight for the changes that are desperately needed in the mental health space.