Who We Are

Eddys K9 Retreat is a place where you can find all the best gear, treats, and essentials for your furry adventurer. We’re based in Clarksville, TN, and we’re dedicated to helping the community and their dogs. We offer drop-in and walking services that are designed to make sure your dog is comfortable and happy.

I’m Malaki Smart, and I’m the owner of Eddys K9 Retreat. I’m a recently transitioned veteran who served in the U.S. Army. I’ve been through a lot since my friend Joseph Grady John Robert Edwards passed away on September 12th, 2021. I’ve struggled with mental health issues, including suicide and alcohol abuse. I’m open about my struggles because I believe that relationships are built on honesty and transparency. I think there’s a huge problem with suicide and untreated mental health in society and the veteran community, and I want to do my part to help.

After almost four years of just posting about him and saying a few words on the anniversary of his passing, I realized that I could and would be a part of something bigger than myself in honor of him. That’s why I started Eddys K9 Retreat. In which i hope to leave my mark in the community for years to come.

In December of 2023, after going through a tough time in my life centered around a career ending surgery and losing my sense of self in my military career, my wife, Savannah, surprised me with a dog from the Christian County Animal Shelter. We named her Paris after my life-changing European road trip in 2022 with some of my closest friends. From the moment we met, we were instantly drawn to each other. Dogs showed me a side of themselves I never knew existed, and now we’re inseparable.

Recently, I visited the Christian County Animal Shelter and was blown away by the amazing staff and all the animals without homes. This experience inspired me to start the Eddy’s K9 Retreat and the Veteran K9 Program. Our goal is to connect struggling veterans with shelter dogs who are looking for a loving home. I believe that animals can be incredible sources of comfort and healing for people who are going through tough times, and I’m excited to make this company something bigger and better for myself and for the local community.

Veterans saving dogs. Dogs saving veterans.

This is what Eddy’s K9 Retreat is all about.

Help us launch something powerful—For the dogs. For the veterans. And always—For Eddy.