Day care for dogs a convenience for pets and owners.

Publication: Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Kennebec Journal

Byline: Mechele Cooper

Mar. 22--BELGRADE -- It was a brisk sunny afternoon when Marcia Salmon arrived to collect "Katie dog" from day care.

Excited to see her owner, the six-year-old English springer spaniel wagged her tail and jumped up and down.

While Marcia Salmon was off shopping in Portland, Katie had been frolicking with her four-legged friends at a Belgrade "doggie day care."

Katie spends every Thursday at the Willow Run Bed, Biscuit & Bath -- which is more like a country inn for canines than the old-fashioned kennel.

Salmon, of North Belgrade, said she felt guilty about leaving Katie home alone. Then she discovered that other people had similar feelings and even paid professionals to watch their dogs -- much like day cares for children -- with activities, naps and time for interaction with each other.

"She won't get out of the car when I take her to the vet or the groomer.

She recognizes those places. But when I go to Willow Run, her little tail is wagging and she can't wait to get out of the car," Salmon said....

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