Doggie Den Treats Your Dog Like Family

A former University of Massachusetts Boston faculty member teaching women's studies and French, and human resources professional at Digital Equipment Corporation, longtime Northborough resident Susan LaDue began to contemplate her retirement more than 10 years ago.

She knew immediately she wanted to spend her time doing something she loved.  And as a lifelong animal lover, the decision was easy; she would work with animals, dogs in particular.

LaDue is now the owner of the , a dog daycare and grooming facility in town.

To prepare for opening a facility dedicated to dog care, she attended dog shows, worked at kennels and shelters, and volunteered countless hours working with dogs to learn as much as possible about the personality traits and temperaments of various dog breeds. LaDue has been certified by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council as a Canine Specialist and she's also been certified by the American Red Cross for Pet First Aid.

She opened the Doggie Den in September 1998 in an antique cottage on Main Street in Northborough. Two years later, the Doggie Den outgrew the cottage and was moved to its current location on Blake Street, a stone's throw away from the cottage. 

Suffering, but surviving, the effects of the economical downturn the past few years, LaDue says that business has picked up in the last 18 or so months.

Equipped with a state of the art grooming shop and 2,400 square feet of romping room, it provides a warm, safe and clean environment for dogs. The Doggie Den has four employees (including LaDue): two dog care assistants and a professional dog groomer. All employees have extensive experience and education pertaining to dog/animal training and care as well as being well studied in the area of dog pack mentality and management.

Most of the Doggie Den's clientele comes from the "Boroughs" and Shrewsbury.

It is abundantly clear upon entering the Doggie Den that the place caters to its customers, both two-legged and four-legged. The Doggie Den offers a variety of services designed to make life easier for the dog owners, and boost the dogs' self esteem (who knew canines suffered from low self esteem?), by teaching them to see humans as resources and develop trust between the dogs and people in general -  not just between the dog and their master.

Whether you are interested in socializing your dog in doggie daycare, taking an obedience class with your dog or having your pet groomed, it's all offered in the form of furniture to climb on, toys to chew and lots of supervised play and attention. If your dog needs any kind of wellness service, the Doggie Den offers chiropractic care, Reiki and massage.

After you drop your furry friend off for a day, they will be treated to hourly "potty breaks," healthy snacks, endless fresh water, pampering and lots of love and attention. Services can be combined over the course of the day to include bathing and grooming as well as some individualized obedience training. 

The day begins when the dogs arrive between 7-9 a.m. Upon arrival, dogs are crated or leashed until 9 a.m., when the morning play group begins and the hourly potty breaks start. All activities are supervised by a dog care assistant. A lunch or a snack (depending upon owner's preference) is served at 1 p.m.  

After lunch, the pups are rounded up and crated or leashed in order to stop play and encourage napping. It's important to keep the dogs well rested so no one gets tired and grouchy.

At 2 p.m., after the boys and girls are rested, the afternoon play group begins and lasts until 4 p.m. During this time, the dogs are treated to a light brushing more hugs, kisses and snuggles.  At 4 p.m. the dogs either go back to their crates or are leashed to wait for afternoon pick up. The dogs' leashes are kept in individual pockets hung on the wall so they are easily accessible to make pick up and drop off as smoothly as possible. 

Birthdays, holidays and any other special day are celebrated with a healthy treat such as Frosty Paws ice cream. Dog of the Month is awarded a bath and nail trim as well has having his or her photo posted on the wall in the entrance where announcements, photos and dog care information is displayed and distributed. 

The Doggie Den is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays.