— Dogs have a new place to play and stay. The Dog-Run Barn, located at 16335 County Highway 5, Lake Park, is open for day care and boarding services Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Owner Sam Dahlgren added she lives on the property, and therefore offers flexibility with drop off and pick up times for both day care and boarding clients.
For a dog to enjoy the amenities at the Dog-Run Barn, shots need to be up-to-date.
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Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune
“I don’t charge extra if they aren’t spayed or neutered,” she said, adding a dog that is not altered will be kept separate from the opposite sex at all times. “I don’t want any mishap puppies on my watch.”
For both day care and boarded dogs, Dahlgren aims to wear them out with ample outside time.
“I’m out with them as much as possible,” she said. “Unless it is raining or super hot, I pretty much have them outside running around and playing.”
During rainy days, the Dog-Run Barn has a large indoor play space, which is temperature-controlled.
Dogs who are not social with other dogs will also receive a warm welcome at the Dog-Run Barn. Dahlgren said she became astute at identifying a dog’s temperament after working at a day care/boarding facility in Fargo, North Dakota. Whether an owner identifies the dog as non-social or she picks up on the cues, the pup won’t be forced to deal with social butterflies.
“They still get to go out and do all the fun stuff with me,” she said.
The facility offers three outside fenced-in play areas. Frequent visitors may be allowed additional privileges with specialized e-collars if Dahlgren and the pup’s parents approve.
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The Dog-Run Barn officially opened in March and already added three kennels to bring the total to 12.
“The response was better than I expected,” she said, adding she is contemplating hiring another staff member if the day care numbers continue to grow. “It would be nice to be able to take a day off.”
Four of the kennels are larger in size to accommodate the large breeds. Some kennels can be adjoined, should a family have multiple dogs that they want to board together. The pets are treated with windows letting in natural light and a temperature-controlled kennel area. The dogs are provided raised beds, food, water bowls and blankets, but people can also bring their own creature comforts for their pooch.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune
If a dog requires medicine, Dahlgren said she will happily administer it at no extra charge.
“It’s not a problem; it’s necessary and part of the job,” she said.
The daughter of Brian and Sue Dahlgren grew up on a farm and animals were always part of life. The 2017 Lake Park-Audubon High School graduate began working toward a degree as a vet technician but changed her career goals after working at a day care and boarding facility in Fargo. After learning and working in the field, Dahlgren was presented with an opportunity on her grandmother’s farm.
“The farm started in 1887,” she said. “So I am the sixth generation. My fiance (Treyton Anderson) and I moved in with my grandma, and started this business.”
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When the idea for the business was hatched, the barn was set up for dairy cattle.
“It had been empty for many years,” she said, adding the building was remodeled and repurposed thanks to hard-working and generous friends and family.
Dahlgren encouraged people to give the Dog-Run Barn a try. For information, or to set up an appointment, call 218-849-7736, email
or visit their Facebook page, The Dog-Run Barn.
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