Pooch play: Doggie day care makes its way to Lebanon

Tim and Jen Bonner at their soon to be open doggie day care in South Lebanon. (Rochester Voice photo)

SOUTH LEBANON, Maine - Lebanon's newest business is going to the dogs, literally.

Jen and Tim Bonner of South Lebanon will open the doors to Paws @ Play Dog Daycare next Saturday with what they hope will be a howlingly good grand opening.

The couple said there was little else other than their affinity for dogs that led them to conjure the idea of opening a doggie day care business.

"We love dogs, we have three, plus a 17-pound cat that outweighs them all," Tim Bonner quipped on Wednesday as they were getting the facility that used to be an auto repair shop ready for canine camaraderie.

Paws @ Play is located on the western side of the building that houses Hometown Mobil at the intersection of Route 202 and Hubbard and West Lebanon roads.

"We're thinking this will be a good location for people going to work to drop off their dogs," Jen Bonner said.

The couple said they believe their business will thrive and pointed out that many families are forced to leave their dogs home in a crate or a room for 10 hours a day while they're at work.

Tim Bonner also pointed out that dogs oftentimes do a lot of damage to houses and furnishings when left behind for hours on end.

The former garage repair area is now outfitted with two large cages where dogs left for the day will be separated by size.

When the weather gets nicer, the former garage doors open to a caged outdoor area so they can get some fresh air.

There is also a separate pen in the office area where they'll determine the sociability status of all incoming pooches.

"We want all the dogs to be safe here," said Tim Bonner, adding that there will always be at least two attendants on duty.

Daily rates start at $25 with discounts for multiday usage. Paws @ Play will be open Monday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A grand opening with games, giveaways and refreshments is set for Saturday from noon-5 p.m.

For more information go to www.pawsatplay.org or visit them on Facebook Paws at Play.