All-inclusive vacation resorts are favorite destinations for the well-heeled set, especially at the new Doggie Dude Ranch and The O’Cat Corral in Watkins. Pampered pets enjoy the personalized service of a five-star resort with amenities such as spacious rooms, interactive play areas and home-baked snacks. Doggie massages are a la carte. Laurie Mattke is a Northwest Airlines flight attendant who has scaled back her schedule to open a nontraditional boarding facility. Before opening her pet resort, she visited facilities in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona during long layovers. Her licensed facility is 15 miles south of DIA. The “resort” is a member of the American Boarding Kennel Association and all of the ranch staff are ABKA certified. More information is available at dogcatranch.com.– Jodi Torpey, Special to The Denver Post
How did you decide to open a pet resort?
The idea for a pet resort started three years ago. I love dogs and live in the country, so I wanted to do something special with the property. I wanted to provide a home away from home for pets so their owners wouldn’t feel guilty about leaving them and so the dogs wouldn’t be in wire cages all day. It’s a stress-free atmosphere with little hotel rooms, Western-style log beds and blankets.
What is your experience working with animals?
Animals have been a passion for me my whole life. I have seven dogs of my own. They all have been adopted from the Dumb Friends League or rescued from abusive situations. I have an Afghan mix rescued during Hurricane Katrina. I also have two pet llamas and goats. A few years ago I received my veterinary technician degree and I’m also a certified canine massage therapist from the Boulder College of Massage.
How do you prevent pets from being homesick?
I’ve seen pets mope, and some might not eat the first day. We alleviate that by keeping them busy. We rotate dogs between an indoor play room with a rubber floor and outdoor play areas with artificial turf. We’re planning on adding agility equipment too. In the summer we have an outdoor pool for swimming. We keep them on a schedule just like at home with supervised playtime, nap time and homemade peanut butter treats in the afternoon. They’re so tired at the end of the day there’s no boredom barking.
What special accommodations do you provide for finicky felines?
We keep cats in a separate room away from the dogs in the O’Cat Corral. Each guest has a private five-level cat condominium complete with its own venting system so no cat breathes another cat’s air to cut down on respiratory diseases. Litter boxes are hidden on the lowest level, separate from the sleeping area. Families of cats can play together in the play room.
Do you have a pet philosophy?
My dogs have always come first in my life. I tell my friends not to visit me unless they like dogs. I feel animals are helpless and they need all the love and care you can give them. They give so much more back to us.
What is your approach to dealing with pet owners?
I find I get along well with pet owners because we have so much in common. They’re happy to find a place like this with beds, blankets, toys and things to do. We have the same goals, unlike airline passengers. There’s quite a difference there.
