I'm going to Dallas in a few weeks for some focus groups with dog and cat owners that are interested in pet health insurance. We're going to ask them to help us understand what is most important to them so we can offer the best product on the market. I'll be doing something else in Dallas, too. I'll be visiting what I think is the first of a kind
indoor dog park.
A friend sent me a link to their site and I've been looking through it. I must admit at first I was a little skeptical. Do we really need an indoor dog park. Wouldn't if be better for people to get out in the fresh air?
And then I remembered; it's Dallas. If you go to Dallas in the summertime you probably don't want to be outside. In fact, you could say that for most of Texas. By the way I'm a native Texan, so I have carte blanche to criticize. If Texas is so great how come there are so many Texans driving around up here in the mountains of New Mexico?
The more I read though, the more it seemed like an amusement park for dogs and their owners. In addition to the play area, this 50,000 square foot facility has a pet shop, cafe with wifi and a plush
boarding facility. You can have a
birthday party for your dog, consult with the staff behaviorist, arrange for help with training and avail yourself of a host of other doggy related services like grooming.
I like the idea of dog parks in general. It's a great way to meet people that love dogs. We met some new people at our local dog park when we were baby sitting
Miles, my daughter's Lab. Miles liked it, too, and he got to chase tennis balls and play with lots of other dogs.
Dog parks can have a downside, too. They are pretty much on an honor system in most places. You don't know the health status of the other dogs and it's possible to pick up a virus, internal parasite or even a flea from your new best friend. Fights are also a possibility. At this place you have to prove your dog is vaccinated and flealess before you can play. On your first visit your dog's sociability will be observed, too.
That's not a bad idea at all. You can feel pretty safe sitting in the cafe with a cup of Jo and your laptop while fido is romping around with his buddies. Kind of like a play date for the kids.
It looks like this place is getting off to a good start. If it's successful in Dallas, I'd imagine you'll see them popping up in Northern climes. Taking the dog for a walk in Montana in February can be a short and painful experience.