Longtime Durham Bulls Performer and Dog Trainer Hit Hard by Economic Shift
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - ncarol.com -- Chapel Hill, NC — Gene Lonsway, a well-known dog trainer who has served Triangle families for over 40 years, has launched a GoFundMe campaign after experiencing a dramatic drop in business over the past several months. Known for his work through New Hope Dog Training Center and for performing with his dogs during Durham Bulls baseball games for 15 seasons, Lonsway says the recent downturn is unlike anything he's seen before — including the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In March, our training sales were down 71% compared to the same month last year," Lonsway says. "April was no better. This isn't a slow season — it's something deeper, and I think a lot of small service businesses are about to feel it too."

Dog training is often viewed as a discretionary service, especially programs like Lonsway's inboard training option, which allows clients to board their dogs for several weeks of hands-on obedience work. As families scale back travel plans and discretionary spending, services like his are often the first to be cut — making his business an early indicator of broader consumer hesitation.

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Lonsway has launched a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of covering immediate shortfalls and helping subsidize core expenses over the next few months, while he launches a new online dog training program that just about anyone can afford. "This is something I believe in," he says. "It's a way to help more families, keep the business moving forward, and adapt to these uncertain financial times."

He emphasizes that his need is urgent but temporary. The fundraiser's $11,750 goal is designed to "buy time," he says, allowing him to bridge the gap between the slowdown in his current business and the launch of a more sustainable, expanded offering.

"If you've trained with me, watched my dogs perform at the DBAP, or just believe in helping local businesses make it through tough transitions — I hope you'll consider sharing or supporting this campaign," Lonsway adds.

The campaign can be found here:
https://gofund.me/2d7f739c

For media inquiries or interviews, contact:
Gene Lonsway
919-922-5333
Office@newhopefordogs.com