As dog owners ourselves, we truly do know how important it is to provide your furry friend with physical and mental stimulation. Doggos need playtime and socialization, but some may need to find a safe space to do those activities. Their humans may live in condos, apartments, or the doghouse doesn’t have a fenced yard. What do you do and where do you go to get that off-leash exercise? There are only so many times snuffle mats, Kongs, or puzzles can be used before you must brave the outdoors.
As Minnesotans, we can attest to the harsh winters, the seemingly endless days of spring rain, or the sometimes off the chart summer humidity and yet, our doggos still need a walk, run, or stroll. When it’s raining like cats are pelting from the sky, we adorn our best rainproof wear and trudge out into the elements. When it’s triple digits and feels like your face will melt off, Bella still needs that walk, so you grab your flashlight and check your watch. Yes, it does indeed say: 2 a.m. Finally, when twenty inches of snow falls, Elsie must get exercise. So, bundling like the artic yeti, we go for our walk; I mean, penguin waddle. Does this all sound familiar? We understand because we have two huskies who fall into this last category. Not everyone can afford boarding and daycare. Not everyone wants to go to an outdoor doggie park because maybe they’ve had a bad experience. Being a paid membership community will draw a certain clientele and be a little more elite. Better dog owners will come to our facility since it’s not free. Most restaurant patios allow dogs but must be on-leash. Some breweries and wineries allow Fido, but again must be on a leash. What if there was a large climate-controlled indoor park facility on the south side of the river? Could it be open when I wanted to go? Maybe I could squeeze a quick playtime before I go to work? Would the off-leash facility be open at midnight when work ends?
These are the questions we asked ourselves and came up with the Anytime Puppy Playground concept.