Dog Days Owners Retire After 15 Years, Pass Business to Manager

Birmingham's popular doggie daycare relocates to new space near Cahaba Brewery

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a dog bowl or toy repeated in a grid pattern, using bright neon hues and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday item into a modern pop art piece.The vibrant colors and playful repetition of a beloved pet accessory capture the energy and community spirit of Birmingham's Dog Days as it transitions to new ownership.Today in Birmingham

After 15 years of operating Dog Days of Birmingham, a downtown doggie daycare and boarding facility, co-founders Jimmy and Sue Johnson are retiring and passing ownership to the current manager, Crystal Forrester. The business will also move to a new, larger location next to Cahaba Brewery, with renovations underway to open in May.

Why it matters

Dog Days has become a beloved community fixture in Birmingham, providing a trusted place for pet owners to care for their dogs. The transition to new ownership and a new location signals the next chapter for this long-running small business, which has weathered changes in the city and the pet care industry over the past 15 years.

The details

Jimmy and Sue Johnson opened Dog Days in 2012 after deciding to follow their dream of working with dogs. The business has offered daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and supplies over the years. Current manager Crystal Forrester will be taking over ownership and continuing to operate Dog Days in its new, expanded space near Cahaba Brewery, which will provide more indoor and outdoor space for the dogs.

  • Dog Days opened in 2012.
  • The Johnsons announced the ownership transition on April 3, 2026.
  • The new Dog Days location is expected to open in May 2026.

The players

Jimmy and Sue Johnson

The co-founders and owners of Dog Days of Birmingham, who are retiring after 15 years of operating the business.

Crystal Forrester

The current manager of Dog Days, who will be taking over ownership of the business and relocating it to a new space.

Dog Days of Birmingham

A doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, and supply business that has been a fixture in downtown Birmingham for 15 years.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations on your retirement! You have earned it. Thank you for providing a place that kept my boys happy and safe for so many years. You are special people who have built a very special business. I couldn't be happier about the transition. Chrystal is amazing, and I look forward to many more years of trusting my beloved pets to Dog Days.”

— Amy Templeton

“I truly can't put into words how much Jimmy, Sue, and the entire Dog Days staff have meant to me over the years. My sweet Henry was a regular there from August 2015 until cancer took him from me in January 2025. As soon as I got Woody in May 2025, he started at Dog Days. Woody and I are so excited for Crystal and look forward to seeing all our friends at the new Dog Days in May. Enjoy your retirement Jimmy-you earned it!”

— Sandy Parker

What’s next

The new Dog Days location near Cahaba Brewery is expected to open in May 2026 after renovations are completed.

The takeaway

After 15 years of building Dog Days into a beloved community institution, the Johnsons are passing the torch to a trusted manager who will continue the business's mission of providing high-quality pet care in a new, expanded space. This transition signals the next chapter for this small business that has weathered changes in Birmingham and the pet industry.