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Dogs Have Their Day At Camp Bow Wow

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Staff members celebrate the opening of Camp Bow Wow, a doggie day care and overnight boarding facility at 11218 Balm-Riverview Road in Riverview. From left are Kayla Cole, Jessica Edmondson, Jessica Leigh, Eugenia Paszek, owners Doris and Terry Darga, Shelana Morgan, manager Pat Hoelscher and Moe Matalon.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: November 5, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Is your dog climbing the walls by the time you get home from work? Alone and bored, has he torn the newspaper to smithereens or chewed up your slippers?

The owners of Camp Bow Wow may have the answer.

"We have an all-day, open play environment," said Terry Darga, who co-owns the new doggie day care and boarding facility with his wife, Doris. "By the time our dogs go home, they're tired and ready to relax."

The almost 9,000-square-foot building opened Oct. 25, and area residents are already sending their dogs to "camp."

"The first day, we had 12 day campers," Darga said.

"This place is wonderful," said Carolyne Roberts, as she picked her puppy Georgia. "We're trying her out today to see if she will get along with other dogs.

"She successfully passed her canine camper interview, so we'll be back."

Since pet safety is foremost at Camp Bow Wow, all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies, bordetella and distemper. Camp counselors, certified through the company's standards of excellence program, are trained in dog behavior, pet first aid and CPR. The building is backed up by a generator and monitored for security and fire around the clock.

"We also have 14 camper cams so we can constantly monitor what's going on," Darga said. "And through the company's Web site, owners may access the Internet at any time to check on their pets.

"We take very seriously our responsibility of taking care of someone's pet."

The facility features:

•Climate-controlled, indoor play areas.

•Fully fenced outdoor runs covered by screens to keep out bugs and critters.

•A pool and play equipment.

•Sleeping quarters for at least 62 dogs.

•An old-dog, little-dog lounge for pets that prefer or need some quiet space.

•And a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area.

In addition to vaccinations, dogs must be at least 4 months old, spayed and neutered if more than 6 months old and be sociable, in good health and free of fleas and ticks. To be accepted as campers, owners must complete a behavior questionnaire and introduce their pet to two other campers. If the meeting goes well, the pet is invited to stay for at least three hours at no cost for further observation.

FOR THE DOGS

WHAT: Camp Bow Wow

WHERE: 12218 Balm-Riverview Road, Riverview

HOURS: 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; Saturday, 7-10 a.m., 4-7 p.m. Sunday and holidays,

COST: Day camp, $28 per dog, per day; day camp with overnight stay, $38

OWNERS: Doris and Terry Darga

INFORMATION: (813) 672-2267 or visit www.campbowwow .com

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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