Dogs Get Their Day, Sometimes More Than One a Week

Oct. 23, 2015

For many people, their dogs are part of their family, but doggie daycare takes that sentiment to a whole new level. For some, it’s a way to make sure their dog is taken care of while they’re working, but others take their dog just so Rover can have some fun with pals.

Sue Hooper takes her dogs to Bowsers by the Bay twice a week.

“I’ve got two Newfoundlands. My dogs love it there,” said Hooper. “It’s great for dogs to socialize. The big boys learn how to behave.”

Hooper makes the drive to Elk Rapids from her home in Traverse City and her dogs Ozzy and Bear can hardly wait to get there.

“My Suburban rocks back and forth because they know where they’re going,” she laughed.

Bowsers owner Kim Nelson said Hooper is one of many who bring their dogs to her regularly.

“We have 20 to 30 dogs per day,” she said.

“Some want to be social, some need to be here to get enough exercise.”

The dogs are free to roam, socialize, play and get exercise.

“It’s cage-free. We have over 10,000 square feet of play space. That’s really important. If there’s too little space, the pack communication perspective doesn’t work well,” said Nelson.

While Bowsers was among the first — Nelson said it was only the second cage-free facility in northern Michigan — today there are many businesses offering similar services. Places like Bay Area Pet Resort in Petoskey, Bokhara Pet Resort in Elk Rapids, Paws and Claws in Harbor Springs and others take in furry friends, not only for boarding, but for a day of romping, socializing and having fun. Mixing and matching breeds, sizes and temperaments may sound challenging, but those who do it for a living are nothing but enthusiastic.

“We had helped the previous owner and bought it in February,” said Phyllis Moravec of Crystal Ridge Kennels and Farm, located adjacent to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. “We bought everything: house, kennel, everything.”

Becky MacGregor said she always wanted a lot of dogs. Now she owns three dogs and a cat, but as the owner of Paws and Claws she has more than she ever imagined. The facility averages 20 dogs per day for daycare.

“Some days it’s 10. Forty is the maximum. I never expected it to be so busy,” she said.

Neither did her father, who built the facility — grudgingly, according to Mac- Gregor. He was skeptical about such a crazy idea ever working.

How things change. “Dad was the first to say we needed to add on,” said MacGregor. Paws and Claws has now expanded three times.

Longtime musician Sam Jones had been an animal enthusiast all his life and he began training dogs while still living in New Jersey. After moving to Empire in 2000, he continued working with them, noticing that many did better after exercise.

He decided doggie daycare was a logical business step and put down his drumsticks to concentrate on the new business.

“Some of my musician friends didn’t understand it,” he laughed.

Jones opened Happy Tails Doggie Daycare in Traverse City in 2005. Jones limits his pack to 25 dogs per day and is open Tuesday through Friday.

“We’re not a kennel; we don’t do overnights,” he said. He needs the space for his dog training classes in the evenings.

Dog Dreams Inn offers a unique twist on the concept. Located on the grounds of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, it welcomes both local animals and the pets and dogs whose families are staying at the Resort.

“About 20 percent of our business comes from guests staying at the resort,” said owner Liz Ascione. The remainder comes from local customers and even staff from the Resort.

“We do have several Resort employees that use our services, and their dogs have become regulars with us.”

Dog Dreams Inn is also a cage-free facility that provides a social environment. It’s open 24 hours a day and guests are welcome to visit their dogs at any hour. Plus, guests can take their dogs out for day trips and return them to the facility in the evening.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa does not allow dogs in guest rooms (with the exception of service and assistance dogs).

“Dog Dreams Inn is a great solution for our guests who travel with dogs,” said Resort spokesperson J. Mike DeAgostino.

The cost typically runs $15–$20 per dog per day, though weekends and holidays may be more.

What all these operations have in common is a regular clientele of people who want the best for their animals, including a chance for them to play in a controlled environment.

“Tuesday and Thursday are camp day,” said Hooper, referring to her dogs’ adventures at Bowsers. “From the time they get in the gate, it’s game on.”