Doggie day care grows in popularity
11:44 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006
Dog Day Afternoon is a day care that has literally gone to the dogs.
"It's a place where dogs can come during the day or when their owners are on vacation," said Julie Castaneda, owner of Dog Day Afternoon.
For the past seven years Julie and her family have operated this fun-loving doggie day care. She cares for 65 to 75 dogs a day Monday through Friday.
But not just any dog can join in; there's a screening process.
"We'll visit with you and meet your dog. Introduce your dog to another couple of dogs and see how that goes," she said.
The dogs are fed and get lots of exercise. Their owner's even get a daily report card.
Julie says there's a method behind the madness.
"Separation anxiety is prevalent in dogs," she said. "And it's really not a syndrome. It's normal dog behavior. Dogs are pack animals they don't like to be left alone."
That's one of the reasons Amanda Glaser brings her dog to doggie day care.
"I like how our dog gets to socialize with other dogs and has a chance to play and not just sit in the kennel at home," Amanda said.
Dogs can be unpredictable, but Julie says the benefits out way the risks. So far there's been no serious incidences.
"We've had to expel some dogs before because they just, it becomes to much stimulation," she said.
Julie says her best teachers have been dogs.
"I've been around dogs my entire life. I've shown dogs. I've been a dog handler. I worked in law enforcement and had a K-9," she said.
And most of the crew have veternary background and enjoy what they do.
"Everyday it's something new. You're never gonna see the same group of dogs," said group leader Allison Trembly.
When Julie started her business, there was one thing she didn't prepare for.
Around Town with Dana Davis
If you have a special event happening in your community, or if you want your town featured on Good Morning Kansas. Please e-mail your ideas to dana.davis@49abcnews.com or call Dana at (785) 215-8500."Luke was one of my first dogs to ever come to day care, and he needed day care. Big Lab puppy. He was diagnosed with bone cancer this last summer, and fought a good fight. Came to day care every day to the very end. And spent his last day her," she said.
Through sad and happy times the dogs, the dogs become part of Julie's family, and she says there's nothing she would rather do.
"There's just nothing as rewarding as making a dog happy because they give it right back to you right now," Julie said.
Comments
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Mar. 2, 2006 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)Shiloh (anonymous)
Shiloh is my 3 y.o. Beagle who recently started going to Dog Day Afternoon, doggy day care. He LOVES it out there. Since I can't drive due to a disability, I take advantage of the transportation they offer. Shiloh gets much needed exercise that he wouldn't get otherwise because of my disability. In the morning when I put the leash on Shiloh, he begins to get excited because he knows he's going somewhere. But he now knows Julie's knock on the door so when he hears that - he goes balistic - he KNOWS where he is going. I am so grateful for this opportunity that Dog Day Afternoon is providing for Shiloh. I would encourage anyone with a dog to look into what Dog Day Afternoon offers to our community's dogs.
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