The Grateful Dog Marin: Bobby Weir’s Former Doggy Daycare is Fighting to Stay Afloat After the King Tide Floods
For years, The Grateful Dog Marin has been more than just a doggy daycare — it has been a gathering place, a safe haven for pets, and a deeply rooted part of the Marin community.
Like many small businesses, our journey has not been easy. We opened our doors in the shadow of the pandemic, navigating shutdowns, uncertainty, and the enormous financial strain that so many local businesses faced. Yet through it all, we stayed committed to one simple mission: caring for the dogs — and the people — who make our community so special. That commitment was never clearer than during the pandemic itself.
While many businesses were forced to close, The Grateful Dog remained open to support essential workers and first responders. We provided around-the-clock care so their dogs would never be left alone — offering 24/7 supervision, safety, and a place where they could play, socialize, and feel secure while their owners served our community on the front lines. For many first responders, knowing their pets were safe allowed them to focus on protecting all of us during an incredibly difficult time.
Last month, our resilience was tested once again.
During the recent Marin King Tide floods, our facility sustained significant damage (upwards of $100,000).
Floodwaters impacted the structure of our property creating unexpected repair costs and ongoing financial strain. Luckily our main doggy PlayCare areas suffered minimal damage (those have already been repaired) so we can remain open!
For a small, family-run business still recovering from the long-term economic effects of the pandemic, rising inflation, government shutdown uncertainties, and economic support programs have made it even harder for small businesses to access relief or plan for the future. These compounding pressures have created a perfect storm, making recovery from unexpected disasters like the recent King Tide floods especially difficult for a small, family-run business like The Grateful Dog.
Yet The Grateful Dog has always been built on community, connection, and a little bit of Marin magic.
Our story is uniquely tied to the cultural fabric of this region. Before we even officially opened, members of the Grateful Dead — including Marin’s own late Bobby Weir — spotted our large sign from a distance. They hadn’t met us yet, but they immediately felt a connection. As the story goes, Bobby saw the name “The Grateful Dog” and said, “Well, fuckin’ A, man!” It was one of those unforgettable moments — spontaneous, heartfelt, and rooted in shared love for music, community, and dogs. We will continue to honor him.
Like so many great business ideas, Karla Rivera-Cervantes and her husband Ernie conceived the concept behind their The Grateful Dog doggie daycare facility out of personal need.