Someday, cats will be invited too
If you see a little bus covered with dog pictures driving around town, know that aboard are the happiest pets in the world. Doggie Daycare, the pooch paradise at 401 E. Mound St., is adding another dog delight to its services: a car ride. (Buses are just big cars when you’re a dog.) Doggie Daycare owner Amber Tarantine is scouting locations for pick-up/drop-off spots around downtown, German Village and the Short North and expects to have a regular route up and running in February. “I have this picture in my mind of us riding around,” said Tarantine. “I think it will be kind of fun.” Tarantine, who bought 9-year-old business in 2002, first learned about it when her dog trainer recommended she and her husband enroll their 12-week-old puppy. “It’s great for puppies,” she said. “You have this little ball of energy who wants to play and chew and explore, and it can be hard to get home during the day to let your dog out. With daycare, they’re getting their exercise and burning their energy, so we didn’t have to feel guilty if we came home from work and just wanted to relax.” Doggie Daycare’s clients also include older dogs and rescued adolescents who might suffer from separation anxiety or have special needs. The experience also helps to socialize pets to people and other animals. “There are a lot of similarities to daycare for children,” said Tarantine. “We read to the dogs, watch TV, do arts and crafts, listen to music…” Uh, wait a sec. Arts and crafts? “Yes,” she said with a slightly sheepish laugh. “For example, for Christmas we make paw print ornaments for the owners, and we do Valentine’s Day cards.” Doggie Daycare, which also offers full grooming services, is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 221-2251.
