By Diane Kortus
Staff writer
LAND O’ LAKES — Happy Tails Pet Lodge has added a water lagoon designed especially for dogs to romp in.
“The lagoon sloops in like a beach so dogs can enter and exit at their own comfort level,” said owner Leigh Anderson.” There’s even a real rock water fall for them to play in!”
At its deepest, the doggy lagoon is 2.5 feet. The large lagoon narrows to become a another lagoon designed just for smaller dogs. Waterspouts leap up from the ground and an old-fashion pump pours water into the smaller lagoon.
“The spouts and water pump generate streams of water that dogs try to catch and love to play in,” said Lorraine Ceglia, a pet counselor at Happy Tails.
Happy Tails groups together dogs of similar size, energy level and demeanor. These segregated groups of pets then play, exercise and relax within the Lodge’s three fenced acres that encompass large oak trees in a rural setting.
“My dog plays outside for hours and comes home just as tired as we are after a full day at work,” said Denise Drudy, who brings her dogs Mona and Crystal to Happy Tails for doggy daycare.
Pam Hardy of Lutz also brings her yellow lab, Bella, to daycare. Bella spends most of her day trying to catch the spray and rolling around in the shallow waters. Lisa and Jim Patterson of Land O’ Lakes bring their boxer, Chelsea, who often is found relaxing under a 25-foot oak tree watching other dogs play.
Customers tell Anderson that when they pull into Happy Tails Pet Lodge, their dogs become excited and run to the Lodge’s front door in anticipation of a fun day. “That makes me feel good because I wanted to create a place where dogs get the play time and exercise they need and miss out on when left alone at home all day,” said Anderson.
Happy Tails Pet Lodge offers pet boarding, doggie daycare, grooming and long-term care. Large boarding suites are available for big dogs and multi-dog families who want to house their pets together.
The lodge has a relaxing, home-style feel, perhaps because Anderson lives in a small house connected to the facility.
“Clients tell me that having me on site gives them comfort, knowing their furry family members are not left alone at night,” she said.
The Lodge also welcomes cats. Felines are housed inside, apart from dogs, in an open 10-by-10 foot suite with individual housing. A cat-sized, three-level tree fort takes up much of the feline house and offers cats lots of things to play with and perches to watch over.
Happy Tails Pet Lodge is located north of Land O’ Lakes on Ehren Cutoff, about a mile south of SR 52. Overnight dog boarding fees begin at $18. Daycare fees are between $7 and $18, depending on the number of hours a pet stays.
For additional information, call (813) 995-221 or visit HappyTailsPetLodge.net
