EVERETT, DEC. 30: Dog owners know all too well the struggles of taking a pup for a walk on a cold winter day. The ordeal becomes more difficult when you don’t have easy access to a dog park.
That is why Rachael Buselmeier and her partner wanted to create a space in Everett where they could offer multiple resources from dog training, boarding, an indoor park and more.
“One, it’s for dogs to have a safe space to come and get exercise… even as much as I love my dog it is hard when you work full time to actually take them out. And walking them is hard enough when it is dark and rainy, and you worked all day. And two, finding a place for them to socialize and three, the idea of a third space,” Buselmeier said.
Pawsome Park & Lodge opened in mid-December at 2820 Rucker Ave, with doggy daycare and boarding. As they continue to build out the facility, it will include a 6,000 sq ft indoor dog park, self-wash area, and cafe.
Buselmeier and her partner came up with the idea after noticing a lack of “third spaces” for dogs and their humans.
“That’s the other cool part that I see for this is dogs are a great excuse to make light chit chat with people. You don’t have to tell them your whole story, but you can have a social interaction and be in a comfortable space with dogs,” Buselmeier said.
The three-story building spans across half a block and is a dog playground in itself, with lots of areas to explore. Upstairs is where boarding and doggy daycare is held. Dogs will have access to an upstairs play park, socializing activities, and care from trained staff.
The indoor dog park will have new concrete with a drainage system, air gap and special dog turf, allowing dogs to freely use the restroom without having to worry about any smells or messes.
The mural on the walls of the park is created by local artist Sam Trout. The art is meant to make you feel like you are outside and within nature, despite being inside.
Membership to the park will work similarly to a gym, with monthly payments. Currently, Pawsome is pre-selling membership slots, starting at $29 a month. Dogs do have to be vaccinated to participate and will have to pass a behavioral test.
“We want the owners to be relaxed knowing their dog can run around, play and be safe,” Buselmeier said.
Not sure your dog will pass? Don’t fret. The lodge plans to provide training courses. Buselmeier also plans to offer Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing.
The indoor park and other amenities such as the cafe are expected to open in the spring. Next to open will be the self-wash station, which includes large tubs, drying stations and tables.
For the small dogs who love to have fun but don’t want to get trampled, will get their own play area with other similarly sized dogs.
“So, if you have a Chiweenie, they probably don’t need 6,000 square feet, but they also might get stepped on if there is a really excited Great Dane,” Buselmeier said.
The future cafe will offer beer, wine and snacks and be located at the entrance of the lodge.
Pawsome currently offers daycare from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and overnight boarding with a drop off of 6 p.m., and pick up by 11 a.m. the next day.
Pet parents have the opportunity to check on their fur babies virtually, through cameras in the kennels or they can receive regular updates from staff. The building is also temperature controlled to ensure that the dogs don’t get too cold or too hot.
For Buselmeier, having a space that offers multiple amenities, lessens the stress on dogs since they can get familiar with the workers and the space.
“If you can have your dog come here to the park and play regularly and to get to know the staff, then when you go to board them or leave them for daycare, they already know the place and they know the staff. Or if they need a little more training before they can run off leash at the park, they could take training classes… I really like that it is all in one building,” Buselmeier said.
Buselmeier said that Pawsome fills a need that downtown Everett was missing, between the indoor dog park and all the resources that they offer.
“I think you know when you start something new, you can get a bit nervous, ‘Is this going to work or not?’ but just hearing from the community, how excited they are as made me excited and motivated,” Buselmeier said.
For updates, you can follow Pawsome Park & Lodge on Facebook or Instagram.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
