A passion for pets

BROOKLYN - A little more than a week after opening its door for business, Smoochie Poochie Doggie Daycare & Boarding Services has lots of canines running around, enjoying the sunshine.
“My passion for dogs,” said Anne Langille about what made her want to open the dog daycare on Shore Road in Brooklyn.
“My purpose in life – I finally found it.”
From inside one of the daycare’s two buildings, Langille said she’s a dog lover and the dogs will be “spoiled rotten.”
The idea for the business popped into her mind about a year ago. After that, Langille had to go through the lengthy process of getting permission to open the business. Part of the process involved rezoning her property, which involved having to place two ads in the paper.
It was Nov. 17 when Langille got the word she could go ahead with things.
In addition to the two buildings for the business, Langille also had to install fencing - and lots of it - so the dogs could run free.
The daycare is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Langille also offers weekends and boarding services upon request. If people would like to take their dogs to Smoochie Poochie, they have to call and book a spot ahead of time - Langille doesn’t take drop offs.
Dog owners have to fill out an application, and Langille plans to assess dogs she has not yet met.
“I don’t want any aggressive dogs at all. I’m going to be picky and choosy of whose dogs I do take,” she said.
So far, Langille has 20 dogs registered at her new daycare.
Although Langille is doing her dream job, the experience hasn’t been challenge free. At first, she thought getting up early in the morning might be difficult, but that hasn’t been a problem. She says she constantly watches the dogs to make sure they don’t get in fights.
“And I’ve been doing so much research, reading up on dog behaviour,” added Langille.
Then, of course, there’s tea.
“I haven’t had tea all week,” she said, as one gets delivered to her. “My biggest challenge is not getting to Tim Hortons.”
Down the road, some of Langille’s plans involve getting the other building ready for dogs and expanding the fenced area so there’s more outdoor space.  
“People are going to have no worries bringing their dogs here,” said Langille as she heads outside with a container of treats.
Soon, Langille will also be certified in pet first aid and CPR. A course is scheduled to happen at the Legion in Liverpool from 12-4 p.m. Jan. 27. Anyone interested in taking the course can register through Langille by calling 902-354-3245. There will be a maximum number of 15 participants.