by Lou Larsen

'Pampered' takes on new meaning for pooches

Wilmington, Del. - Some say All dogs go to heaven. Helen Jones might tell you they go to Dogtopia, the new upscale dog daycare center coming to Wilmington, providing both day and overnight care.

Jones, who owns the new establishment with her husband Don Jones, always dreamed of working with animals.

"As each one of my kids left for college I got a dog. My husband is still scratching his head wondering why we have four dogs when I only have three kids," she said.

After her last child went off to college, Jones knew it was time to start her own business, and she left her job as a physical therapy technician earlier this year to pursue her dream. The toughest part was deciding between starting from scratch or going with an established franchise. The more she looked into it, the more she realized that her team-oriented style worked better with a franchise and Dogtopia was an easy choice, said Jones.

The finishing touches are just being put into place in the facility, every inch designed for the comfort and care of man's best friend. When its done, and dogs begin arriving at the Concord Pike Dogtopia, they will be greeted in the evaluation room, where specialists handle each dog to assess temperament, sociability, size and other specifications in order to place them in the correct room.

Dogs must be social, play nice with others and be up to date with vaccines and spade or neutered. Their leashes and collars from home will be removed and stored in a cubby, and they will be given a new collar, so their home collars stay clean.

"It's for the safety of all the dogs," said Jones.

After evaluation, dogs will go to one of three brightly colored, playroom-themed rooms, separated by size and activeness. One room will be reserved for "senior citizen" and special needs dogs, and puppies.

The rooms will be lined with soft rubber like you'd find at a playground, with one attendant per 10 to 15 dogs, and each room is equipped with a webcam. Now instead of spending company time visiting Web sites at work, customers will be able to watch their dogs play. The webcams will also broadcast to the reception area where guests can see what's happening in each room.

Rooms will get a thorough clean up three times a day and a naptime. During naptime dogs will be fed, given a treat and any medicine they might need. Owners can bring their own food or have it provided.

"Oh they'll love on you on the couch when they get home," said Helen Jones. "They'll be tired out."

A one-day visit is $28, with discounts on bulk passes available. Overnight care is an extra $20.

Dogtopia's Grand Opening is September 6 with a ribbon cutting ceremony September 4. Food and entertainment will be provided 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information call 622-8388 or visit www.dogdaycare.com/wilmington.

© The Community Newspapers 2008