Owners of Dog Days stepping down after 15 years + leaving business to manager

The husband-wife duo who owns Dog Days of Birmingham, a doggie day care located downtown, is passing on the 15-year-old business to its current manager. Dog Days will also move from its home in the former Hunter Furniture Store on 18th Street to a new space near Cahaba Brewery.

The owners, Jimmy and Sue Johnson, made the announcement Friday, April 3 on Facebook, sharing their gratitude with the community.

“In 2012 we decided to follow a dream of working with dogs and opening a daycare and boarding facility. We felt the timing was right as our daughters were grown with families of their own. So, we decided to sell our home in the suburbs and move downtown…

“We have experienced some of the best times of our lives living downtown. To our customers, we can’t tell you how appreciated and loved you are. You trust us with your pups and we take that seriously.”

Jimmy and Sue Johnson via Facebook

The upcoming owner, Crystal Forrester, is the current manager of Dog Days, and the Johnsons said she will “keep the trust spirit and high quality of Dog Days alive and well.”

The new space next to Cahaba Brewery has both more indoor and outdoor space for the dogs. Renovations are underway at the new location, which is expected to open in May.

In addition to daycare, Dog Days of Birmingham also offers:

• Boarding
• Grooming
• Training
• Supplies

The business has become a fixture to the community, made evident by the outpouring of support that came after the announcement.

“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

“Mabel, Huck, and I have wonderful memories of Dog Days! We think about you guys often and have never found anywhere close to DDOB. We retired and moved back to the DFW area in late 2023. Congratulations to Jimmy, Sue, and Chrystal on the next chapter in your lives. Mabel is 12.5 years old and Huck will be 10 years old in May. Thank you for helping me raise them.”

Kimberlea Williams Wilson

For news, events and more happening around Birmingham, sign up for our FREE newsletter.