Dog owners looking to mix up social circles have a new prospect in the sPAW City Social Club Indoor Dog Park.
The park recently opened at 101 Ford St. in Ballston Spa andoffers a 2,750-square-foot off-leash, climate controlled play area for pooches adjacent to a 2,000-square-foot social space with coffee bar and WiFi.
This new venue held a grand opening on Friday, April 27, from 5to 9 p.m. The post-work hour proved a perfect time for the event, and close to 70 dogs and their owners turned out to check on the new digs. Profits from theopening were estimated at $400 and will benefit the Saratoga Animal Shelter.
Club owners Amy and Keith Augustine have been operating Lazy DogCookie Company for 11 years. Branching out to open the club was convenient, as they had use of the second floor for the new business.
The Augustines have often partnered with the county animal shelter and other nonprofit animal related organizations to help them raisefunds.
“We help them out as much as we can, ” said Keith.
Lazy Dog Cookie Company is a wholesale operation that sells dog treats made with organic grains that are soy and wheat free. Customers of the company include Hannaford, Price Chopper, Fresh Market and many pet stores throughout the area.
The social club occupies the space that was once just an open area where the Augustines let customers bring their dogs to run around while they talked shop.
“We didn’t think it would be something we’d be able to accomplish, but around six months ago we figured out what it would take to getit going,” said Augustine.
Having an indoor alternative is welcome among dog owners inthe area, though some precautions should be taken before exploring the park.
Dr. Joy Lucas, veterinarian and owner of Upstate Medical Animal Center in Saratoga said, “In our part of the country where weather can sometimes be less than ideal, having a venue for dogs to socialize (indoors) is a definite bonus. … It’s a great idea and long overdue.”
Knowing how your dog will behave around other dogs and making sure your dog is healthy before having them socialize is important, Lucas said.
“Go in with an understanding of your dog and be respectful of other owners and their dogs,” she said.
For many dog owners, Friday’s opening was a greatly appreciated change of pace.
“They love running around like this. We bring them to the dog park in Saratoga, but some days it’s really cold,” said Victoria, of Saratoga Springs, who was there with her black Labrador Bella and Yorkie Zoe.
Jaime, also of Saratoga Springs, arrived with her two Weimaraners, Parker and Winston.
“This is so much easier (than an outdoor park) and I feel more comfortable and safer here,” she said.
Heather Bohm-Tallman of HBT Photo was on hand to greet the canines and capture their antics while in the park, or when they were able to strike a pose at a doggy booth. She has four dogs and said the secret to getting the dogs on camera is all about being patient. She was also welcoming of the indoor park concept.
“There are many people out there, myself included who do not feel comfortable having their dogs off-leash in an open area dog park,” she said.
Pam, Mark and Emma of Saratoga Springs enjoyed the park with their Golden retriever Daisy.
“We haven’t ever been to anything indoors like this,” said Pam who thought Daisy would likely be coming back.
“It’s good for her socialization. She’ll play with another dogin the back yard, but that’s about it,” said Mark.
Twelve-year-old Emma thought the park was a great experience and “really good” for Daisy. Emma had a large part in her dog’s training and was happy to see her run around having fun with the other dogs.
The social club will be adding 1,200 square feet for anoff-leash play area that will also be available to rent for private parties,trainers, pet focused events and more.
For more information about Lazy Dog Cookie Company, visit lazydogcookies.com. For more information on the sPAW City Social Club, including park rules, search for the group on Facebookor email Keith at [email protected]
