Downtown Goes To The Dogs
Downtown residents and workers will soon have a doggy daycare nearby. Rosanne and Bob Higgins, owners of The Puppy Playpen, are busy working on their second location in the city. The original location, currently conducting business at the corner of Delaware and Dakota, continued to grow, which meant that the couple needed to search out an additional location. They chose two empty storefronts on Ellicott Street just down a ways from The Washington Market. The former flower shop was in dire need of a tenant after sitting empty for an extended period of time. Now the Ellicott block can add a 2000 sq.' doggy daycare to its ever-growing list of business attractions.
The daycare opening will take place in two stages. One side of the building will open in early July as a romping area for small dogs... or 'toys'. Then the couple will begin work on the large breed half of the operation. "We know that many of our clients already work downtown," Bob told me. "And they're looking for a place close to work to drop off their dogs. We wanted to find a location that was easy to get to... a location that was close to other businesses. We have already received a phone call from a gentleman who is moving to Buffalo from Chicago. He's coming to work at the Medical Campus and he's looking for a place to drop off his dog when he's at work. He was so happy to know that we would be opening near the campus. We're fixing up the interior and exterior and turning the backyard into an outdoor play area with trees that offer the dogs plenty of shade."
Chalk up another business on Ellicott to compliment The Washington Market, Maureen's Flowers, Ellicott Commons, SeaBar, and Fix Salon. There is also an animal hospital and a vet just down the street.
The Puppy Playpen will soon be located at 431 Ellicott. 716.447.9699
or
2293 Delaware Ave (Corner of Dakota)
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Comment Options
AvaRouge
Yah- another piece to the downtown neighborhood puzzle! Woof!
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sbrof
Great news! It is fantastic to see businesses following the people. This should go as proof or at least support that government should do everything possible to bring in more residential developments into the core of our city. Let the businesses follow. Support people and let the market run its course.
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carl
the ultimate symbol of gentrification is always services for loft yuppie dogs.
when you work 70 hours a week, to pay for the 'loft' you can't afford, you need some one to take care of the dog you 'thought' you wanted.
so depending on your perspective this is a good thing for the area.
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stephenjames716
this is a good thing for the area, no matter how you look at it carl.
congrats on a 2nd store!
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Matthewjohnp
Maybe a doggie day care/wine bar would be best here.
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Yardly
I wish the new owners the best, however, I gave their North Buffalo location a shot three times, and each time, I had to literally drag my dog inside. This really spoke volumes to me !!
I did not find their staff especially friendly either. When asked if I could send my dog for daycare with his breakfast, I was told "no", they would not feed him while he was at their facility. I had been used to Dog Days of Buffalo which had a staff that would stand on their heads to do the beast for the dogs and the dog parents, Unfortunately, Puppy Playpen pale in comparison.
I have been sending my pups to Pawprints on Allen Street near Nietzsches since last October, and cannot say enough positive things about it and its owner, Penny. My dogs are EXTREMELY well cared for by Penny and her staff, and just as important.....they are loved there too !! My pups LOVE it there and cannot wait to go. I'm grateful to Penny that when Mom is working, her babies are so wonderfully looked after.
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clyde57
I’m very excited for the new location as I work downtown and it will be convenient for me…as to a previous blogger’s experience I must say that I have been bringing my dogs to Rosanne’s place since they first opened on Hertel about 5 years ago and I can’t say enough good things about them…my dogs start to bark when I turn down the block and jump out of the car and drag me in….her staff has always been professional and courteous, offering training tips and nutritional advice…they have on occasion trimmed my dog(s) nails for me and bathed them when they’ve rolled in something smelly, all at no additional charge. I haven’t really heard from anybody about Pawprints until this blog, but I’ve met and chatted with several of Dog Days former clients at the Puppy Playpen and they appear to be very satisfied with the way their dogs have been treated. Best of luck, and we’ll see you downtown!!
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annesee
My "girls" have been cared for by the "pen" since they were pups and I cannot even mention the name of the place without them jumping into the car. They absolutely love to go there and I have to say that the staff and owners truly love my dogs. I am so pleased that Puppy Playpen employees provide just the right blend of affection and authority. On a personal level, I am so impressed with these people--when I had heart surgery in 2003, the Puppy Playpen provided much needed exercise for my two shepards...they were so kind to me and helpful...I could go on and on. I don't know what I would have done without them. Their service, kindness and generosity is the thing this city is made of and one the reasons I continue to call Buffalo home. Bob and Roseanne.....I wish you all the wagging tails, wet noses, and sloppy kisses you can handle.
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