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Based upon feedback that we have received over time, we created this informational
page in an attempt to summarize what we are and what we do. It is our hope that
you know what to expect prior to visiting our inn so that you are not met with
any surprises upon your arrival.
First and foremost, we are a Bed and Breakfast. Our inn is a historic farmhouse
in majestic Vermont. Each morning we serve a delicious, healthy, two course,
full country breakfast (for humans). Our rooms are immaculate and comfortable,
each has its own private bath. Our beds are first quality, our decor is tasteful,
but because of our clientele (i.e. the kind that often chews things, destroys
things, lifts their legs on things), we resist the temptation to decorate with
fancy stuff. Besides who needs all those knick-knacks around anyway? We are fastidious
about the cleanliness of your beautiful room and when it comes to your room, we
consider cleanliness and comfort as most important.
Please make no "bones" about it, while we do provide many dog services, we are
not a doggie day care. On our property we have Mario's Playhouse which is a state
of the art building where you can safely keep your dogs while you are out and
about. We created this concept because we have three great dogs who we love to
travel with. But even though they are perfect dogs who have never destroyed anything,
and who rarely bark, we would never leave them locked up, ALONE in a strange room, where
they can cause damage, stress themselves out, and disrupt other guests. Some
people might call the Playhouse a kennel, but we don't. To us a kennel is a cold
place where dogs are abandoned for hours, days, or weeks at a time. To most of our
guests, the Playhouse is an ideal place to keep the dogs where they will be comfortable
until you return from your adventures in Vermont. We would never put our dogs
in a kennel, and the same can be said of 99% of our guests. But be assured that
our dogs and many of our guests dogs have been most comfortable spending time
in our Playhouse. Use of our Playyhouse is included in the room rate.
For many reasons, we cannot allow any dog to be left alone in a private guest
room without their humans. We know that some people have a hard time with this.
After all, we CATER to dog owers and their dogs right?
But after years of experience, we have repaired many rooms after dogs ("not MY
dog") have destroyed them. Additionally, and more importantly, WITH ALMOST NO
EXCEPTION, every time a dog is left alone in a strange, closed room, the dog becomes HIGHLY
STRESSED. This is likely because there are so many dogs around and your dog feels
LOCKED UP IN A STRANGE PLACE, ALONE. You may be comfortable locked up in a beautiful
room. But it's been our experience, in almost every instance, that your dog won't
be comfortable. This is why we created the Playhouse as a safe, clean, comfortable
alternative. If you feel that you must leave your dog in your private guest room,
ALONE, while you are out, then we ask you not to visit us.
Most importantly, we have taken every possible measure to ensure the health and
safety of every dog who visits us. This includes the cleanliness of the Playhouse
so disease is not spread, as it has been the sad case in so many dog cares. Because
of this, we have completely eliminated fabrics and any other potential source
for spreading germs. Each family has their own private, large run, separate from
the other dogs. The Playhouse is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer.
It is cleaned daily, most often 2 or 3 times per day. We have made it as "pretty"
as possible and have even added The Animal Planet on a TV for the dogs to watch.
We ask you to bring your own dog bed to further ensure that germs are not spread.
We have a small staff and a full time, expert dog trainer
who provide various "dog services." By request, we will walk
your dogs, play with your dogs, feed your dogs, and give your
dogs alot of love and attention. Our staff does not "dog-sit,"
but they do their best to ensure that your dogs are comfortable
while you are out without them. We offer our "dog services"
from 10am-4pm. All other hours, the Playhouse is available
as a self serve facility. It is safe, clean, and comfortable.
We have many wonderful activities that we provide such as agility, obedience
training, hiking, and more. But we are NOT a day camp for dogs. We make no promises
that other dogs will be social with your dogs. But most often, guests will socialize
with one another and the dogs have a great time together.
Prior to visiting us you are required to complete a "dog profile form" which
tells us what we need to know about your dog while he/she is in the Playhouse.
This profile is very helpful because it enables us to learn the nuances of your
dog's "personality."
We take great pride in the wonderful connection that we have with so many of
our guests and look forward to serving you. Please do not hesitate to contact
us with any questions. We are here to provide you with the highest possible level
of service that we can.
Paws truly,
Mitch and Jen
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