4 Paws Playhouse Puts the Wag in Pooches' Tails

Dog owners often feel guilty about leaving their pet home alone while they work—one look at those sad puppy dog eyes, and they're done for.

If you fit the mold, grab a leash and your pooch and head to 4 Paws Playhouse Doggy Day Care & Hotel.

Most envision kennels or cages at boarding facilities. 4 Paws has neither.  All the dogs are in the same play area.  It's like kinder care, for dogs.

Most days, there are 20 to 30 dogs yapping and playing all day long, at 15711 S. Cicero Ave. The play is supervised by owner Kathy Baker and her staff. The full-timers are Ashley Bernatowicz and Dylen Diaz. During the summer months, Kim Skieriewicz and Jessie Kielar lend a hand.

4 Paws celebrated its third anniversay in May, and they already signed on for at least two more.

"It was my dream when I was younger," said Baker.  "When I worked in Colorado in the 1980s, a woman opened a daycare and had a lot of success. The idea had been in my mind ever since."

After spending 30 years in the corporate world as a risk manager, she decided it was time for her dream to come to fruition.

"I lived in Oak Forest, so I went to the city and asked about available buildings in town," she said.  "We decided this location was perfect.  We have a vet next door, a train station across the steet, and we're on Cicero."

More than 400 dogs have passed through their doors in the first three years, and most have not had trouble assimilating to the environment.

"We've probably turned away no more than 15 dogs," she said.  "Dogs are pack animals, and as long as they accept us as the pack leaders, we don't have any problems."

• Baker's requirements are pretty straight-forward.
• All the dogs must be neutered or spayed.
• They must be at least six months old.
• And they have to pass that friend test.

"Owners have to leave their dogs for at least two hours," she said.  "We can tell within that period if this is going to work out for them."

In addition to day care, they also offer one of the most unique boarding programs you'll ever see.

"We stay with the dogs 24-7," said Baker. "One of us spends the night every night."

Where do the caretakers sleep? In a bedroom. And who sleeps in the bedroom with them? The dogs, in their own beds. Just like at home.

With one exception.

"If there are only a few overnight boarders," said Baker, "I just take them home with me."

4 Paws Playhouse Doggy Day Care & Hotel is located at 15711 S. Cicero Ave, in Oak Forest.  Their phone number is (708)535-6340.