Deebo
Like most college seniors, Noah Parsons didn’t have a lot of money.
Still, he scraped together enough to do something a little impulsive—he bought a dog.
“I got Deebo with all the money I had,” Parsons said. “French bulldogs are known for having extreme separation anxiety, so from that point forward, he was attached to my hip. He goes everywhere with me.”
These days, “everywhere” is Triple P Fitness, a Harrisburg-based business where Parsons is the owner and lead personal trainer. In addition to offerings that include an intense focus on physical health, the gym provides what many clients feel is a boost to their mental health: dog time.
Through the years, Triple P has earned a reputation for its de facto mascots—three French bulldogs. Besides Deebo, there’s Dream and Dre.
Dream, owned by personal trainer and nutrition coach Lauren Patterson, is what Parsons described as the “nightmare” of the trio—loud, always crazy, always slobbering.
“She is a lot more hyper and charismatic than the other two,” Patterson said. “She keeps the energy up and keeps the other two on their toes. She is a little more aggressive than the other two, but she is also very sweet and protective.”
Dre, meanwhile, is the Parsons-proclaimed, “best dog in the world.”
“He’ll lick your face off,” Parsons said of Dre. “He’s the most upbeat. He just wants to be pet and run around with you.”
The story of Dre’s inclusion is one of Triple P lore.
Tyler Freeman, Parsons’ best friend since eighth grade and a health and physical education professional, was the odd person out when it came to dogs at the gym. In response, Parsons gifted Freeman with Dre as a surprise for his birthday last year.
“I was completely caught off guard because I wasn’t expecting anything at all,” Freeman explained. “They all asked me what my favorite type of cake was. So, when Dre was delivered to me on a Thursday morning in October, he was in a cake box. Once the shock wore off, I was excited because I’ve always enjoyed having dogs around. To be gifted one was one of the best things of my life.”
Different Energy
The presence of the dogs has shaped Triple P’s brand in ways that Parsons never knew were possible. In fact, the dogs’ influence has taken such a hold on the business that its promotional graphics now feature French bulldogs lifting weights.
Knowing that the gym is a place where dogs are not only welcomed but celebrated has done wonders for its popularity.
“Our dogs are a huge part of our brand,” Patterson said. “A lot of our different sale names are named after our dogs. Our equipment is named after them as well.”
Even their new recovery room is French bulldog themed.
“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Patterson said. “Our clients love our dogs so much, and we feel that makes Triple P Fitness a very welcoming place.”
While the space welcomes clients who bring their own dogs, Parsons acknowledged that it can be difficult for some pups to mesh in a way that makes everybody comfortable. Even so, a fenced-in area where dogs can hang out has become a calling card of the establishment.
“People know us as the gym with the dogs,” Parsons said. “As soon as you walk in, all the dogs greet you. It’s part of the experience.”
The marriage of canines and fitness has proven to be an invaluable element to the Triple P practice, in no small part because of what the dogs bring to the equation.
“All the dogs add a different energy to the gym,” Freeman said. “Training can be challenging and demanding, and having dogs around helps create a welcoming and relaxed environment.”
He believes they make the studio feel more like a community rather than just a place to work out.
“No matter what kind of day someone is having, it’s hard not to smile when a dog comes over to say hello,” he said. “They help break the ice, reduce stress, and make the studio feel more inviting.”
Parsons agreed.
“When we opened, I just thought I’d bring in Deebo with me every day,” he said. “He turned out to be so great and look where we are now. There’s never a dull moment.”
Triple P Fitness is located at 2609 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.triplepfitness.com.
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