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The couple who created the viral Dog Bus sensation met in the cafeteria at Muskegon High School in 2005.
Muskegon, Michigan — In Skagway, Alaska, you can find a magical school bus that takes your students on the trip of their dreams every day.
That said, it’s not your typical class of students.
Behind it is the heartfelt couple, Lee and Moe Thompson. The couple picks up a dog in the neighborhood and takes it to her spot of hiking where she can release energy with her best friend.
“I’m like a weird dog lady. It’s kind of my weird quirk,” Moe said.
For her, it all started with a passion for dogs. When she was in high school, she offered a dog sit for free. Well, almost free.
“I just wanted some snacks in the cupboard,” she laughed.
When she moved to Alaska with her husband in 2014, she started walking the dog of a friend who works long hours. As time went on, more paying clients piled up.
Working as a semi-professional at a nearby school, Lee jumped ship to help after his schedule was cut to part-time.
The business was growing, and Mo knew that riding his bike while walking his dog wasn’t going to work for him in the long run.
“Buses have always been a dream of mine because everyone can have their own space,” Mo said.
Each dog is trained to hop on board and find their assigned seat. They sit back and prepare for adventure.
There’s even a faction that looks like a real school bus, with a small, calm dog in the front and a more enthusiastic dog in the back. .
“I was posting online for owners to come home and see my Facebook and Instagram stories. I could see what they were doing.”
But they weren’t their only viewers. Mountain Mutts has 1.6 million followers on Tik Tok and hundreds of millions of video views.
“I think some dogs have fan clubs,” Lee said.
Best place? The couple behind their booming business hail from here in Western Michigan.
“I loved growing up in Muskegon, which means I live in Alaska now, but sometimes I miss the beaches of Lake Michigan in the summer.”
Years later, the pride of Pure Michigan is still alive and well.
“We dug up my old Reeth’s-Puffer sweatshirt for you,” Lee said in an interview with 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
They met in the Reeth’s-Puffer cafeteria in 2005 and married last year after dating for 15 years. Now they’re bringing her 8-month-old son, Vern, to the family business.
They are inspired daily to stay in business because they can be their own bosses.
“Normally, you’d get a job working for someone’s dream,” Lee said.
Of course, it’s all about dogs too.
“Owners say it’s changed your life, they don’t have to put the dog back in the house, neighbors say ‘thank you, I bark less.’ It makes an impact on the community,” Mo said. said.
Many people say they have their dream job. They didn’t hesitate to agree.
“I mean, how many other jobs are there that have a husband, a son, a pet of their own, get outside for some fresh air, and make a difference in their communities?” Mo said.
Meaningful work with furry companions made the leap worthwhile.
“No regrets,” Lee laughed.
Check out the latest content from Mo Mountain Mutts Facebook here. You can also follow me on Tik Tok using my username @Mo_Mountain_Mutts.
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