The Pampered Pet Daycare in Phoenix Caters to the Busy Person
The Pampered Pet plays with your dog while you're at work, at play, at your home office. Owner Terryn Barker (yes, her real name) chose this as her second career in part because of her own dog.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) September 28, 2005
Kerri Beffa is a busy professional woman with a dog.
For some folks, this can be a problem. What does one do with their precious pooch pal when theyÂ’re working hard at their careers - often ten to 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday?
Beffa, an event planner for Cowboy Cia, Sea Saw and ScottsdaleÂ’s Kazimierz world wine bar (cq), figured it out, but only after her five-year-old Beagle, Bailey, evinced his desires by biting his way through a few favorite pairs of KerriÂ’s shoes.
She takes him to AhwatukeeÂ’s The Pampered Pooch Doggie Daycare and Boarding.
“He loves Pampered Pooch because he can run and play and not be cooped up inside while I’m at work,” says Beffa who admits she’s “spoiled Bailey rotten” since acquiring him as a nine-week-old puppy. “It really gives me peace of mind knowing that Terryn is there taking care of him.”
Terryn Barker is the new owner of The Pampered Pooch - the Ahwatukee business she found and researched on the Internet, then flew out and bought last May.
She finds her moniker is a handy marketing tool in itself and uses it at local Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce functions, and when meeting new people.
“Yes, my name is Barker and I own a doggie business,“ the former Boston health care professional says with a wink. “Sometimes I tell people I bought the business for my dog, Peanut, so he’d have someone to play with.”
Barker speaks in jest, but there is an underlying seriousness to her statement.
While working as a massage therapist, she often had to leave Peanut, a miniature dachshund, alone at home. It bothered her, as it does many owners.
“He was always lonely. When I started looking for a business to buy, the doggie daycare business was most appealing as I knew what it was like to have to leave your pet at home. For some of us, having a pet is almost like having a kid,” she said.
Barker is not alone in that sentiment. A survey by the the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association say that at least 3/4 of all dog owners say they consider their pet to be like a child or family member.)
The Pampered Pooch owner said, ironically, she grew up in a home without pets - a situation she found untenable.
“As soon as I got to college, I got a dog,” she said. “They’re so loving and affectionate. Dogs are really good for you in so many ways,” she said.
Her college dog eventually went to live with BarkerÂ’s mother who found she did, after all, enjoy a petÂ’s company. Nine years ago, Barker bought Peanut - the dog who would not only presage her career change, but inspire her to move cross country to pursue it.
“I’ve only been here since May and I’ve been made to feel so welcome, not only by my clients, but by the community at large. Everybody’s so friendly; I’ve been able to make friends in a short period of time.”
The Pampered Pooch offers daycare and boarding services. For professionals like Beffa, daycare does the trick. For others, like the owners of Chino, a Terrier mix, find boarding works well while they tour Hong Kong.
“Chino is an internationally-flying dog - he’s already been to Hong Kong. Sometimes owners find it easier to let their dog stay home and not deal with hassles of flying and traveling. He’s happy here,” said Barker, stroking his wiry head. “He has lots of friends to play with.”
According to studies conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, 43.4 million households in the U. S. own at least one dog - up from 33.9 million in 1994.
The APPMA also predicts an estimated $35.9 billion (yes, billion) will be spent in 2005 on pet care while a New York Times report states the pet care industry is expanding at nearly 5% annually.
And, as more households are empty during the day as couples head off to work, a growing portion of that is being spent on doggie daycare.
“It’s natural that these people who love their dogs want to have them well cared for while they’re at work,” said Barker. “I did the research and I know personally what their dogs mean to them. And that’s why I bought and run this business.”
Barker says the trend for home-based businesses has also expanded her business and owners want their dogs to socialize instead of stay at home every day.
Her service is also used during realtor Open Houses and when repairmen are scheduled.
Her “k-9 to 5” service is available by half-day, full day or with a 7-day package special. Hourly visits are also available.
As to separation anxiety, Barker says the owners are the ones who suffer the most.
“Dogs can make their owners feel so guilty. They jump up and whine and put on a really good show, but as soon as the owner leaves, the dog goes and sniffs the other dogs and forgets all about the owner. The poor owner is all worried but their dog is having a really great time!”
For more information on the doggie daycare service or long term boarding at The Pampered Pooch, phone Terryn at 480 -460-9126. All dogs are subject to a temperament test and must have proof of current vaccinations including Bordetella.
You may also visit their website: www. thepamperedpoochboarding. com.
Editor: You may contact Terryn (with five brothers, her father figured she’d be “tearin’” around) directly at the number listed above. Bailey-the-Beagle’s owner can be contacted at kerribeffa@msn. com if you need any more info from her. Naturally, we won‘t use it in print. My number is 480-460-9476.
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