Emma Smith, the Dog of Dog Days Playcare, 1/6-1/10

Emma Smith is the DOTW for 1/6-1/10! Who am I kidding? Emma isn't DOTW; she is The Dog of Dog Days. Emma was my chocolate Lab, who passed away in November 2011 at the ripe old age of 13.5. Emma was the reason there WAS a Dog Days Playcare - I built it for her, so she could come with me to work every day. She was a Lab Rescue, my first real dog as an adult, and my heart dog. She taught me so much - to be selfless, to enjoy life every day, to see beauty in the simple things, to understand the importance of family, whatever family means to you. She knew every dog that stepped foot in Dog Days (she was the first interview dog), and she owned this place, and everyone (dog and human) knew it. She could be demanding, spoiled, incredibly sweet and gave the best hugs EVER. She knew when you needed her, and was always there. She was the best socialized dog I've ever met, and no one was a stranger; she loved everybody. I could go on, but I know everyone who knew her (and probably those who didn't) understand. This place was never the same without her, but, like her, it will live on in my memories, always. I love you Emma, and miss you as much today as I did the day I lost you. I will see you again someday, at the Rainbow Bridge.

Hoping Daddy doesn't notice she's sitting on the Cheetos bag, at the daycare

One of my favorite pictures of her - she loved the snow

Murphy Smith, DOTW for 12/30-1/3!

Murphy Smith is the DOTW for 12/30-1/3! Since Dog Days is closing, I thought it fitting to make each of my dogs a DOTW for the remainder of our time. Murphy is this week's DOTW. Murphy is my 9.5 year-old Lab/Border collie mix, and Murphy's been coming with me to Dog Days since I brought him home from Lab Rescue at the age of about 7 months. Murphy is very very smart, and very sweet, and loves me more than almost anything. He's got a bit of separation anxiety when I'm not around, and resorts to either whining (and garnering hugs from the staff) or, if he's at home, carrying around one of my shoes in his mouth. He thinks he's a person, and regularly sits at the kitchen table with us as we eat lunch - I think he wants to be a part of everything. He loves his sister Leeloo and tolerates his brother Colson (and sometimes even plays with him). But his favorite thing in the world is his mama. Murphy has slowed down a little since he's gotten older, but he still has a bit of spunk, and can still outrun his siblings when he wants to. He's my main man, and certainly deserves his place in the spotlight as this week's DOTW. Congratulations, buddy. I love you! Woo woo!

At the daycare, looking for mama

Enjoying some backyard sunshine

Run, Murphy, run!

Leeloo Smith, DOTW for 12/23-12/27!

Leeloo Smith is the DOTW for 12/23-12/27! Since Dog Days is closing, I thought it fitting to make each of my dogs a DOTW for the remainder of our time. Leeloo is my 5.5 year old Lab, and she's been coming every day to daycare since I brought her home in November 2008. Leeloo, like her brother Colson, is a released Guiding Eyes dog, but unlike Colson, Leeloo is sweet and silly and a bit sensitive. Leeloo has some good friends at the daycare, but her BFF is definitely Kathleen's Alice. She also likes Chloe S., Fenway B. and Avery D. Once she realized she could stand up to her obnoxious little brother Colson, she decided she likes playing with him too. But it took a while. :) She's very attached to her big brother Murphy as well, and occasionally is successful in getting him to play a mean game of tug o' war with her. Leeloo, I love you sweetie, and are happy to make you the DOTW this week.

As a probably 10 week old at the daycare

Playing with her BFF Alice

Colson Smith, DOTW for 12/16-12/20!

Colson Smith is the DOTW for 12/16-12/20! Since Dog Days is closing, I thought it fitting to make Colson the DOTW this week. Colson is my now 7 month old Lab puppy, and he's been coming every day to daycare since I brought him home in late July. Colson is a released Guiding Eyes dog, and was described by Guiding Eyes as a "firecracker." Hmmm. Obviously they thought he wouldn't make a good Guiding Eyes dog. :) Colson LOVES coming to daycare, and has some special friends - Avery, Lake, Sheldon and Waffles are probably his favorites (besides his sister Leeloo and brother Murphy). He is full of puppy energy and still manages to get himself in trouble on occasion, but maintains some cuteness, so he can get away with some things. Colson, my little man, congratulations on being DOTW and please try not to embarrass me.

At 10 weeks in my backyard

Sheldon and Colson are kind of spooning here

With Murphy behind him at home at 6.5 months

Dog Days Playcare is closing

It is with great sadness that I have decided to close Dog Days Playcare. Our last day will be January 15, 2014. We have been taking care of our clients' dogs for almost 10 years, and this decision was not an easy one. Dog Days would never have been the wonderful place it is without our clients. We have become very close to so many of our clients' dogs (and the clients too), and it will be difficult to let them go - so many of the dogs have grown up with us, and we've watched them grow from gangly, shy puppies, to rambunctious teenagers, to settled, dignified adults. We've had to say goodbye along with the owners, when one of our charges passed to the Rainbow Bridge, and each and every one of those was so hard for us.

As I said, this was not an easy decision. I started this business because all I wanted was to spend time with dogs, especially with my own dog, Emma. I really opened Dog Days for Emma. When Emma passed away, my husband thought I might close Dog Days, knowing that I built it for her, and suddenly she wasn't a part of it anymore. By that time, I was already so bonded with our clients, I knew I couldn't close. Now that it is time, I feel particularly sad - I'm closing this chapter of my life, this chapter that Emma wrote with me, so it is a true closure, and not one that is easy. This is the only life I've known for 10 years, and the only life my dogs have known for their entire lives. What will we do with ourselves?

I want to thank again all of our wonderful clients, who've entrusted us with the care of their family members - I know how particular I and all my staff are about our dogs, so we know what it means to have that trust. I will miss each and every one of you, and will always wonder how everyone is doing, and be sad that I'm missing out on some wonderful memories with your dogs.

We are "business as usual" until January 15th, and hope that our clients continue to visit with us until that time. That will give us some time to say our goodbyes appropriately. We love you all.

Joyce Smith, Owner

Ella Linn, DOTW for 12/9-12/13!

Ella Linn is the DOTW for 12/9-12/13! Ella is a 6.5 year old Golden Retriever who's been coming to Dog Days since mid-2008. Ella is one of those little Goldens (she barely comes up to my knees), but has a lot of spunk and energy. She likes to play ball, and typical of many Goldens, always wants to hold the ball or a Kong in her mouth. She'll walk around the play area, making grunting noises, with a toy in her mouth and a wiggle in her butt. She loves her people the best though and will come sit at your feet and stare at you until you give her attention. We always enjoy Ella's visits, and are happy we get to see her fairly often. Congratulations Ella, you deserve it sweetie!

Hangin' with Cece

Bentley Brown, DOTW for 12/2-12/6!

Bentley Brown is the DOTW for 12/2-12/6! Bentley is a 1.5 year old Shih Tzu mix who's been coming to Dog Days with his brother Mason since late 2012. Bentley was a rescue, and a pretty shy boy at first, but has blossomed into a friendly and happy little guy. He has some friends in the small dog area, like Juniper and Chewy, but he also sometimes just hangs out and watches the antics of the other dogs. He loves his brother Mason, and when they're here together, he's always by Mason's side. We always enjoy spending time with Bentley and are happy to make him the DOTW this week! Congratulations Bentley!

Kissing his girlfriend Chewy

Hangin' out in the middle of the pack