Last Friday marked the start of opening weekend for Savana Reherman and Buddy Barn.

Savana, 10, who will be entering fifth grade at Kingfisher Middle School in the fall, has been working on plans to open Buddy Barn, a dog boarding service in Kingfisher, since last summer.

“It was actually a joking matter,” said Savana, the daughter of L.J. and Darcy Reherman. “I was taking care of our dogs and my dad joked that I should take care of other people’s dogs too.”

The family of five (including little sister and brother, Kynady (K.J.), 6, and Leyton, 2) began to take the idea seriously and Buddy Barn was born.

“A dog is a man’s best friend, or buddy,” said Savana. “I thought what better name than Buddy Barn.”

“Savana is not quite old enough to babysit, but she is definitely old enough to dog sit,” said Darcy.

The Rehermans began building the barn in October and it is now ready to house dogs in seven separate kennels.

Dog owners can choose to put two of their dogs in one kennel if they prefer, explained Savana.

Owners can leave their dog at Buddy Barn and Savana promises to “try and treat the dogs like they are at their own home.”

“All you have to do is bring their food and forms,” she added.

Prior to opening Buddy Barn, Savana completed CPR training for dogs.

During her training, she practiced CPR on dummies and learned how to handle emergencies such as snake bites or heat strokes.

Savana is prepared to handle any issues that may arise while she is taking care of dogs.

“Yes. Yes. Yes. I feel ready,” she said.

Savana hopes to offer dog training and grooming services by next summer.

For now, she is most excited about interacting with the dogs during their stay.

“I am excited about having all of these dogs here, having fun, and having responsibilities,” she said.

Savana is using the money she earns from Buddy Barn to save up for a car.

“I will have Buddy Barn until I am 16, then my little sister will have it until she is 16 and then it will be my little brother’s,” Savana said.

However, not all of the profits will go to a car fund.

A portion of Savana’s profits from credit card transactions will go directly to the Tim Tebow Foundation to benefit “Night to Shine,” a prom night for special needs kids.

“If you know Savana at all, you know she has a big heart,” said Darcy before adding she is excited that Buddy Barn will teach her kids responsibility and keep them busy.

Savana and her family are not the only ones who will be working at Buddy Barn.

“We will have help from five or six girls who are in high school and college,” Darcy explained.

With only one kennel left unfilled on opening weekend, Savana said she is excited to see what Buddy Barn has in store for her and her siblings.