The Date is January 22nd, 2005
I got the date wrong sorry, it is
January 22 2005 unless there is already a booking that day. Now I did go today and check out the facility at Delightful Dogs here is the situation, there appeas to be no conflicts with other bookings, the facilities suit having a potluck or dinner/lunch buffet style meal and a separate area for the dogs. The only issue is that the dog area is carpeted, HOWEVER it is steam cleaned DAILY so it is quite clean in there, there is also a door leading to a small area outdoors to do potty, or else we could leash them and take them through the reception area and out front of the building and go that route. I liked that facility better than the one in Guelph for size and being able to have food away from the dogs. The area for the dogs is 1800 square feet and there are tie offs on the walls and crates to allow for time outs (not that they will be needed)
the reception area is 900 square feet which is ample for food and a few tables for us to set up for munchies and some chairs, there should be supervision of the dogs at all times by atleast 2 people so we could easily rotate.
The facility in Guelph was great except that it is only about 900 square feet which I think is too small. It is a single door entry which I think is too easy for an excited unleashed dog to get out of. I did like that it has rubber mats for the safety of the dogs however I think for 13-14 dogs it is too small a space to include almost 20 people. It would be well suited for 5 or 6 dogs and a few owners, so for everyone locally it could be an option to rent it occasionally to have mini boxer gatherings. It does not have a fenced in elimination area either which I didn't like.
So my opinion is (as well has my boyfriend) that although Delightful dogs is carpeted, at least it isnt concrete and slippery, but it has lots of space to let the dogs play. Suitable time out areas (Crates & Pens, I would not want to use the tie downs as the dogs that are free have access to them which isnt a good idea in my opinion), it has a good area to set up a buffet area and a few tables and chairs, that and the dogs are in the back of the facility which means that they have to go through a door into the reception room then out that door to get out of the building, which I think is much more secure. I need to enquire about what her cost is which I will probably do tomorrow. There is enough parking for 8-10 cars possibly a few more, and it is off of Highway 7 towards Guelph so it is easy to get to.
It seems to me that to minimize costs that this place will probably be best if everyone is going to be present, HOWEVER if only a few are able to go, we may want to opt to rent the Guelph facility as it is only $75 for 4 hours. I assume that everyone still wants to come though.
PLEASE NOTE:
I would like EVERYONE who is planning to attend to PM me with email addresses, your name and phone number (if you are comfortable, that way if something occurs I can get a hold of you i.e. if we need to cancel last minute), number of adults and number of dogs and MORE IMPORTANTLY if you have
ANY food allergies
I would like to start to compile a list of things we will need for the event and if it is okay with everyone I can either post that list here or email it to everyone and we can do a 'sign up' to see who brings each item. I personally own a few small appliances like crock pots (have 2 and access to 1 other one) as well as an electric grill and possibly a hot plate if required and if allowed in the facility. We can however determine all that once we figure out what we want to eat
Sorry this is so long, but it takes some organizing and I don't feel comfortable pushing for the 11th of December at the small facility in guelph, I think it is too crowded for that many people and dogs.
Just for everyone's info I will be pushing for the use of Wag'n'Train for a spring bash or seeing if perhaps we could all meet at the dog park here in kitchener (it is 4-5 acres, so a good size) in anycase please let me know soon so I can continue to plan things out. Thanks a bunch and sorry for any disruption this may have caused. I do think it is best to let everyone get past Christmas and the stress and rush that can be associated with Christmas Holidays
Thanks again,
Colly
