The catch names in his business are pedigree Rottweiler, British Bulldog, German Shepherd, Pointer, Kogi, Boab, and other varieties of guarding, tracking, recovery and rescue dogs, which he trains to do almost everything a human being can. Githogori says he has always loved dogs, but he ventured into the dog business in 1996.
"I was working in Tanzania in a very well paying job at a local brewery," he tells the Business Daily. "During an off-duty stroll on the streets of a Dar-es-Salaam suburb, I encountered an Asian guy busy training dogs.
I am a dog at heart, always was, and that scene got me seriously fascinated." Immediately, Githogori struck a rapport with the Asian and pleaded for tricks of the business. The Asian, seeing a man who genuinely loved dogs as he did, shared his secrets with Timothy.
"He introduced me to the basics of dog breeding, training and even offered to sell me a couple of dogs to get me started," says Githogori adding that for as long as he lives, he will never forget that Asian, whose name he gives as Shah, for changing his life.
After buying a male and a female German Shepherd puppies for Sh30,000, quite a fortune back in 1996, Githogori resigned from his day job and returned to Kenya to concentrate on his passion. "People talked," he remembers of his big decision.
"They said I was crazy to leave a job so well-paying to venture into a project that had no guarantee for success. Many of my good friends even deserted me but there was no way I was going to look back."
Back home in Naivasha, Timothy fed his two puppies on liver, eggs and milk as advised by the Asian. It cost him about Sh20,000 a month for food and labour. Six months later, his business got a big boost when the German Shepherd bitch delivered nine puppies.
"I sold each puppy for Sh20,000 and as far back as 1997, I had made good money. The second time, I got eleven more puppies and sold them for the same price. After the third delivery, I engaged the services of a full time professional trainer," says Githogori.
By then, he says, his friends who had deserted him started to seek him out when they realised he was making big money.
"By 2000, I was making so much money that I decided to open a second base in Njoro, Nakuru," says Githogori. "I had made enough to buy a Sh7 million complex in Njoro, where besides breeding dogs, I have built a multi-million shilling hotel and retreat centre patronised by corporate and individual clients from all over the country."
The Business Daily paid the entrepreneur a visit at his Njoro complex where we found him feeding his dogs, assisted by his large staff. We asked him how much he makes from the business. "Depending on the breed, a mature dog fetches between Sh150,000 and Sh400,000. But I have also sold dogs at Sh700,000."
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, renowned athlete Paul Tergat, a host of other local dignitaries, security firms, tour companies, ranches and large plantations, among others, have all bought dogs from Githogori.
He also serves a large export market in Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Africa and Europe. His two centres in Naivasha and Njoro hold 300 dogs in their different stages of development. Later this year, Githogori plans to open a dog training academy in Naivasha. With success, however, comes challenges.
"My friends have poached my staff from behind my back and started their own dog breeding businesses," he tells the Business Daily. "My employees are my backbone. I spend a fortune to send them abroad to study dog care and training. When somebody poaches them, it's painful and disruptive."
The competitors, adds Githogori, rarely succeed because dogs require a lot of love and dedication, which they are usually unable to give. "In my heart, I am just but a dog," he says. "I love them so much that I feel them, speak with them and share my whole world with them."
Copycat investors
"For me, money is of secondary importance. When I sell a dog to someone and they are unable to take good care of it, I refund their money and take it back. I also conduct a suitability assessment in which every buyer must satisfy me that they would take good care of my dogs."
Githogori adds that he cries when he loses any of his animals.
"When one of my dogs is sick, I can do anything to save it. When one unfortunately dies, I am inconsolable." He advises prospective dog breeders to be fully committed.
"If you are looking at the money that I make and you feel it is an easy job, you are in for the shock of your life," says Githogori.
"I spend a fortune on feeding, vet care and support staff. This job is for those who have a great love for dogs and are prepared to make big sacrifices. The dog must always come before everything else.
When I come home from a trip, before even seeing my wife and the kids, I catch up with the dogs first," he says.
"People must be brave and follow their passion no matter what others say."
He says he would not be what he is today had he listened to his friends.
"People must dare to think the unthinkable and to try the untried. You must be very unique to excel in a world full of copycats," advises Githogori.
hchege@ke.nationmedia.com
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