To: bovik@cs.cmu.edu
Reply-to: amy+@cs.cmu.edu
Subject: dog kennel
Date: Tue, 02 Apr 96 15:58:50 EST
Message-ID: <5583.828478730@VARICOSE.VENARI.CS.CMU.EDU>
From: Amy_Moormann_Zaremski@VARICOSE.VENARI.CS.CMU.EDU

Harry,

I've found a really great place to board my dogs
when I have to travel without them. It's called
Cozy Inn (phone 593-6133), located in Stahlstown
(about an hour drive from here -- just off the 
Donegal exit of the PA Turnpike).  They treat your
dogs like they're pampered pets on vacation, rather
than animals that only need to be fed and watered.
There's something like 2 acres of fenced-in play 
areas, and if your dog's there more than a couple 
days, they organize "play groups" for your dog to
socialize with other dogs (assuming your dog likes
to play with other dogs, which mine most definitely
do).  They separate the smaller, more timid dogs from
the "rowdies". They also have several "lounge" areas 
where the dogs can hang out with people, snooze on 
the couch, and watch movies. And in the summer, they 
have a swimming pool (shaped like a bone, no less).  
Some of it is a bit over-the-top (they want to know 
your dog's favorite beverage and musical tastes).  
But the dogs get a lot of personal contact and play 
time.

My dogs have stayed there twice now, for a week 
each time. Both times, they've been happy to see me 
but showed no interest in leaving the building -- 
they wanted to stay and play some more! As with most 
kennels, you have to show proof of rabies and other
vaccinations, and they tend to be booked early for the
holidays.  

The husband of the owner is a vet, and his office is
right across the driveway, so if your dog needs medical
attention, there's someone right there. If you have 
two dogs, they can stay together in a "family suite". 
Prices are slightly higher than a typical kennel, but not
by much (around $10/day for a 50 lb dog). And you can only
drop off or pick up during certain hours (something like
9am-12 and 4-6:30 pm). I believe they will soon be adding
a pick-up service, as well, although I don't know the 
details.  

There is also a cat "kennel" (cattery?) in an adjacent
building, but I don't have any details on that. 

- Amy Moormann Zaremski
amy@cs.cmu.edu