LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Pampered Pets: A Guide to Pet Services at the Beach |
by Francesca Cantarini |
Everyone has had to find someone to take care of their precious little Spot at one time or another. You can always ask the next door neighbor, but that can sometimes prove to be a mistake. Take, for example my mothers recent vacation to Rehoboth which landed my grandmother, the "pet-sitter" a black eye from moms miniature dachshund, Bella. Listed below are five professional and local pet services that will do anything from clip your pets toenails to visit them while you are on vacation. TPMC Pet Service At first glance, one wouldnt understand the significance of this name. TPMC is a pet service named after four pet dogs, Tash, Pepi, Matty and Crach. This personalized touch is what Solomon Kernosh, owner TPMC, has built his business on. "After a lifetime of dealing with animals, Ive come to realize that pets are really people, too. Thats what I try to do, treat the animals as well as I would a person," says Kernosh. Solomons service is unique in the fact that he travels to the customers home to care for the pet. During a long work day or vacation, many people opt to have Solomon come take care of their animals. Kernosh will visit the animal as many times as the owner requests. He does do a little more. "I dont do housework, but if the customer is on vacation, Ill water the plants or bring in the mail. Its a little extra security for the house as well." TPMC is insured and bonded. For more information call Solomon Kernosh at 302-226-2735, or 302-745-7343. Animal and House Sitting Service Gwen Foeher offers a specialized service for all animals. Her Animal and House Sitting Service entails visiting the four-legged or finned friend in their natural home. "I have taken care of horses, rabbits, dogs, cats, fish...you name it, I have probably already taken care of it at least once," says Foeher, founder and owner. The Service specializes in mid-day walks and visits, but Gwen will visit the animal as dictated by the customer. During her visits she also cares for any plants that may need tending. The house checks are good for peace of mind as well as pet company. "The Animal and House Sitting Service provides an alternative to traditional pet services because I go to the pets home. That way theyre more comfortable." Foehers business is available year round. For more information call 302-947-1544. Home Away From Home Pet Boarding If youre looking for a more conventional pet care facility, try Home Away From Home Pet Boarding. This service boards and grooms your pet while you are away. Denise Irwin has owned and operated the kennel for fifteen years. Irwin states, "We specialize in what I call Gentle grooming. That means just what it says. We are especially gentle with the animals, which relaxes them. The homey atmosphere also makes the pets feel like theyre at their own home." Thus the name. The kennel is spacious, but has room for a smaller number of animals than most kennels. This gives the attendents fewer animals to each care for, which allows for more personalized attention."Weve cared for birds, cats, pot-bellied pigs, even Guinea pigs. We take them all!" Call Denise Irwin at 302-684-8576 for more information. about Home Away From Home Pet Boarding. Never Never Land Kennel and Cattery In 1975, Dottie Quillen opened the Never Never Land Kennel and Cattery. The success of this business is due to the "extra special attention we give the little campers," says Carol Van Steel, an employee of Never Never Land. "There are many helpers here who absolutely adore animals. We love to make them happy." The kennel/cattery has indoor and outdoor areas for the animals to play in. The pets are never locked up, but are free to run in the enclosed temperature regulated areas. Animals are walked individually and are not socialized. Cats, dogs, pigs and hamsters are just some of the boarding regulars. Call 302-645-6140 for more information on Never Never Land Kennel and Cattery. Animal House Full Service Grooming While you are lounging on the beach or racing through the outlets, why not take the opportunity to treat your precious one to a shampoo and cut at Animal House at 803 Rehoboth Avenue Extended (where Rehoboth Avenue meets Highway One.) Owners Mitch Sames and Greg Kellas take great care in making sure your pets look their best. A full pet grooming service, they also offer day boarding for dogs and cats. And they carry a full line of pet products as well. Grooming and boarding are by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday. Call 302-227-1971 to schedule an appointment for your pet. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 7, June 19, 1998. |