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Brian Fitzpatrick and his wife Suzanne just hated boarding Casey their black Labrador retriever.
The accommodations usually didn't rise to their standards.
 "Leaving our dog in a caged kennel really just absolutely killed us and we found a Dogtopia in Tysons Corner and just absolutely loved the concept," said Brian Fitzpatrick
So the couple decided to to open a Dogtopia franchise of their own.
They figured the county could support the business where dogs are allowed open play openly with other dogs and are never caged.
The grand opening for the 7,800-square-foot facility at 10352 Balls Ford Road is Saturday.
Brian and Suzanne Fitzpatrick had been thinking about going into business for a while.
Brian Fitzpatrick worked in private security for the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Suzanne is a corporate accountant.
It was a job that kept him away from home for six months out of the year.
But the stars recently aligned for the Bristow couple.
"We were always thinking about going into business, so when my contract expired, it was perfect timing," the 34-year-old Brian Fitzpatrick said. "You want to try and be your own boss."
Brian Fitzpatrick said the Dogtopia will include play areas for dogs of all sizes and dispositions.
"We have three different play groups according to their size and temperament," Brian Fitzpatrick said.
People who board their dogs overnight for about $50, or send their dogs to day care for about $30 a day ‹ depending on the package they choose ‹ can monitor their pooches online, Brian Fitzpatrick said.
"All the rooms are wired for Webcam, so if you're at work you can just log on for free and see your dog," Brian Fitzpatrick said.
People can also be assured that their dogs are in a safe environment.
Each dog will be evaluated before admission, and all animals must be spayed or neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations, Brian Fitzpatrick said.
The new Dogtopia will have an on-site trainer as well as a groomer, Brian Fitzpatrick said.
"We can clean the dogs ourselves or you're more than welcome to come in and on your own and use the tubs. We have all the shampoos and conditioners brushes - anything you need," he said.
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