Chisholm Tails: A legacy of love, loyalty, and community

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                                                         

       In the heart of Lockhart, where Texas history runs deep and community ties are strong, a new local gem has emerged for the town’s four-legged friends. Chisholm Tails Dog Daycare and Boarding isn’t just another business, it’s a heartfelt legacy built from love, family, and remembrance.

   Founded by mother-and-daughter team Alysa Grissom and her mother, Valerie, Chisholm Tails was inspired by the life and memory of Jessica Baker, Alysa’s sister and Valerie’s daughter. Baker, known for her radiant joy and boundless love for dogs, left behind a legacy that now lives on in every wagging tail that passes through Chisholm Tails’ doors.

   “Jessica never met a dog she didn’t love,” Alysa says. “Her joyful spirit guides everything we do here, from the purple décor that was her favorite color to the warm, welcoming energy that greets every guest.”

   The name Chisholm Tails pays homage to the legendary Chisholm Trail, a historic cattle route that helped shape Texas identity. Just as the trail once carried travelers and herds through the region, Chisholm Tails now welcomes a new kind of traveler, Lockhart’s beloved pets, with Texas pride and a sense of home.

   The family’s connection to the area runs deep. Their roots stretch back to the early 1900s, when ancestors settled in nearby McMahan. Carrying that legacy forward, Alysa acquired and renovated a charming property in downtown Lockhart, transforming it into a vibrant space where dogs can play, rest, and feel loved.

   Since its grand opening on January 25, 2025, Chisholm Tails has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for both dogs and their owners. With support from the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, a ribbon-cutting marked not just the start of a business, but the continuation of a family’s mission to serve their community.

   The daycare’s bustling calendar features events that bring people and pets together, including Yappy Hour socials, holiday photo sessions, training Sundays, and the crowd-favorite Wet and Wild Water Day. A loyalty program rewards returning clients with generous discounts, and the team plans to host community vet clinics soon.

   Chisholm Tails also gives back, sponsoring fundraisers like the Furr Ball benefiting local shelters and setting up booths at festivals and markets, offering treats and giveaways while building connections across the community.

   Alysa, who is also a student pilot and runs a paralegal service from the front office, brings entrepreneurial drive and creativity to the venture. Her husband, Donald Grissom, a pilot and attorney based in Austin, supports the family’s many endeavors. Together, they also host a high school foreign exchange student, sharing the rich culture and traditions of Texas hospitality.

   Valerie, the heart of daily operations, ensures that every dog receives care as if they were her own. Their dedicated staff, made up of local animal lovers, share the family’s commitment to professionalism, compassion, and community spirit.

   For the Grissom’s, Chisholm Tails is more than just a business, it’s a living tribute and a community cornerstone. As Alysa puts it, “Our goal is simple, to give every dog a safe, happy place to stay, and to give Lockhart something to be proud of.”

   With its blend of hometown roots, heartfelt legacy, and genuine love for animals, Chisholm Tails has already become a treasured part of Lockhart’s story, and a testament to how love and legacy can create something truly special. 

     You can find Chisholm Tails at 605 E. Market Street in Lockhart.