One peninsula business is expanding to ensure every dog has its day.
Since 2008, the Blue Moose Bed and Biscuit on Hallelujah Drive in Soldotna has been housing dogs in a safe and friendly environment while their owners are away. To meet growing demand for dog day care, a second branch opened last month at the old roller rink in Soldotna.
The two locations are designed to serve slightly different purposes. At the original Blue Moose, dogs can be left overnight and for longer durations, whereas the new site only allows for day-long stays.
The new branch gives pet owners a facility where dogs can learn, play and be loved. People can drop off their dog as early as 6:30 a.m. and pick them up in the evening.
Ellen Adlam, who owns the business with her husband Mike, said the Blue Moose is an ideal place where dogs can learn to interact with other dogs.
“Our tagline is that we really believe that anytime you put dogs together it’s an opportunity for them to learn,” said Adlam. “The Blue Moose is a place for dogs to learn everyday.”
The facility was thoughtfully designed in order to provide a controlled environment for animals. Dogs are separated by age, size and temperament, Adlam said. An indoor running track and large outdoor pen are also available.
To provide stimulation, the dogs are rotated through different inside and outside pens over the course of a day.
“It’s like a giant Jenga puzzle — getting everybody where they’re supposed to be and need to go,” she said.
Adlam said that if the different groups of dogs get along with each other, the pens can be easily adjusted to allow for more freedom to play.
While the new day care opened only a month ago, business has already taken off. Adlam said Blue Moose had over 45 dogs a day over spring break.
“This space is probably 10,000 square feet of busy, busy stuff,” she said.
Combined, both facilities employ nearly a dozen trained staff members who walk, train and play with the dogs.
“That’s the key to making this all work — our staff is really well trained,” Adlam said.
While the staff constantly supervises the animals, Adlam encourages people to come in and walk their dogs around the track. She said watching people interact with their pet is rewarding.
“For me, the best part is watching someone who is extremely frustrated with their dog and can’t get them to whatever it is they need to do — helping them realize yes, they can,” Adlam said.
In the future, Adlam said she hopes to convert the old roller rink snack bar into the Woof City Cafe. There, she said people will be able to enjoy lunch while teaching their dogs how to behave in social settings.
“It’s fun for me knowing I’m making a difference in people’s lives and animals’ lives,” she said.
Reach Ian Foley at ian.foley@peninsulaclarion.com.
Photo By Ian Foley/Peninsula Clarion Ellen Adlam takes several dogs out to play at Blue Moose Bed and Biscuit on Monday, March 16 in Soldotna.
