A Pet's View / April 2006
In and About the Doghouse
 Tara Faulkner and Molly Nutter
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By Pat Lawrence
Tara Faulkner loves dogs. Size doesn’t matter to the former groomer, veterinary technician, kennel assistant and receptionist for the Humane Society of Parkersburg–she has four English Mastiffs and two chihuahuas that accompany her to work each day. Fortunately, that’s just fine with her employer. Tara is the owner of The Doghouse, a super market of pet services and specialties.
When her cocker spaniel developed severe allergies to commercial dog treats, Tara began creating her own pet treat recipes. Enthusiastic friends and family were persuasive when they suggested she set up shop to sell her homemade gourmet goodies to the public. In 2001, Tara opened the Doghouse Bakery on Grand Central Avenue. The response was beyond her expectations. Pet owners were delighted with the opportunity to provide their furry friends with fresh, healthy, tasty treats. Few things make a dog lover happier than spoiling their dogs, or in Tara’s case, spoiling other people’s dogs, so in 2003, Tara added doggie daycare and changed the enterprise name to The Doghouse”.
The day care caught on quickly, but, Tara says, “We needed a lot more space!” She moved the business to a new site with 2,500 square feet of indoor space and 1200 square feet of fenced, outdoor play grounds and a private grooming room. A multitude of new services have been added to Doghouse, including cage-free boarding, puppy pre-school and dog grooming by Molly Nutter.
The Canine Cafe, open Tuesday through Friday, from 9-5 and Saturdays from 10-1, is decorated with cozy bistro tables and stylish lamps. Pet owners can bring their animals in to enjoy a meal served on a silver platter. Tara says, “They can order from the ‘barkfast’ menu or take advantage of specials during ‘Yappy Hour’! ‘Barkfast’ is served from 8am to 11am Tuesday through Friday and Saturday from 10am to 12pm. ‘Yappy Hours’ are from 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm Tuesday through Friday and 12pm to 1pm on Saturdays.”
Patrons can also choose from a large selection of signature treats or order a “Barkers Dozen” of a variety of dog deserts. Cinnamon Rollovers combine bananas, whole wheat flower and honey. Tara promises her Bow Wow Bon Bons, made with carob chips, peanut butter, vanilla, and hand rolled in wheat germ and coconut, “satisfy any dog with a sweet tooth!” The Blueberry Bark ‘n Bites are a blend of fresh blueberries with wholewheat flour, milk, honey and sprinkled rolled oats on top, baked into a mini-muffin. “They’re moist, fresh and healthy, too.”
Tara has spent years creating and customizing her recipes and treats. Though some Doghouse Bakery treats are “cookie cutter” stamped, many are hand rolled, twisted and hand cut. “A lot of time and effort goes into every treat that is created here. The Doghouse Bakery use only the finest human grade, veterinarian-approved ingredients-no preservatives, no salt, no chemical colorings, and no artificial flavors. People should feel good about what they feed their dog, and their dog will feel good too!”
One customer favorite is PureBred Peanut Butter Pie; peanut butter, eggs and honey blended together to make a creamy filling for a flaky, whole wheat pie crust sprinkled with carob chips. For birthdays and special events, The Doghouse prepares personalized ‘Cele-Bark-tion cakes, with fluffy frosting. Bone shaped cakes are also an option.
The new indoor park has been a huge hit with local pet owners. Tara says, “Two Saturdays each month, The Doghouse offers indoor dog park playgroups. The Park is open to anyone. The first hour, from 9-10, is for dogs under 30 lbs, dogs under 16 weeks, and older, slower, ‘take it easy’ type dogs. The second hour, from 10-11, is for dogs over 30 lbs and over 16 weeks. The cost is $5 per play session. All dogs must be current on their DHLPP, Bordatella and Rabies vaccinations and be on a flea preventive. And, they must be able to play nicely with others!” Owners stay in the playroom to supervise their dogs, though a staff member is present at all times.
In addition to the Canine Cafe and comfortable canine camaraderie, The Doghouse offers a pet boutique with the hottest pet fashions and home décor, from designer Italian collars and pet aromatherapy candles to decorative treat holder and leash organizers. As Tara says, “It’s all under one woof!”
For more information, visit The Doghouse, 605 61st Street, Vienna, WV, call 304-295-9224 or visit www.dogdaycarewv.com or www.doghousebakery.net
CPR for Pets
Pet First Aid and CPR will be taught by the American Red Cross Saturday afternoon, April 22nd at The Doghouse, 605 61st Street in Vienna. The course offers essential information about emergency care and treatment for dogs and cats and includes a soft cover text to take home. The class will be held from 1-5 pm and the cost is $30 dollars. Call 304-295-9224 to register.
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Femme Fair 2006
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