Park9 is to dogs what the Four Seasons is to people.
The 14,000-square-foot “canine resort” offers luxury suites and even poolside suites for your four-legged friend.
And that’s just the start. Dog lover Susan Rupert opened this resort in March, due to responses from her clients in the Distillery District, where she owns a “playcare” for dogs.
“I have never had a bad day here,” Rupert says of her job — and neither have the dogs.
I’ve brought along my dog Toby, who, frankly, could use a day (or week) at the spa.
“People who need to travel or just are going away have said that it’s the most guilt-free thing they have ever done with their dog,” says Rupert.
I can see why. The suites have webcams so busy owners can check in on their dogs while at work or out of town.
They even offer television for dogs. And, of course, let’s not forget the heated floors for canines in their golden years.
There are different types of suites available.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the slumber-party accommodation room where an employee can sleep on a double bed, along with dog beds throughout the room.
At Park9 (A play on Park Avenue) nothing is too good for your four-legged friend.
You can also “add on” additional services for your dog’s stay, including private or semi-private splash sessions at the indoor pool, one-on-one play or fetch sessions and cuddle time.
Like any good resort, spa services are also available such as nail trims, brush outs, baths and grooms.
I can’t read my dog’s mind, but I know that he’s never seen anything like this. Why? Because I have never seen anything like it.
“We call it the Park9 hangover when the dogs leave,” Rupert says, laughing.
“Because the dogs are so active here, with the pools, the 8,000 square feet of outdoor space and the indoor playground equipment for them. They are happy, have so much fun and are exhausted when they leave.”
In fact, dogs sometimes put their paws up, not wanting to leave, when their companions pick them up.
“We are three minutes away from Pearson Airport,” says Rupert. “We are open 24/7, so people do come at 3 a.m. to pick up their dogs.”
One dog is staying there while its companion travels for the summer, for 39 nights.
And of course, there is room service and a mini-bar option, with a selection of dog chews, snack-filled Kong toys, special holiday meals, even ice cream and frozen yogurt.
The resort offers 35 suites that range from 24 square feet lofts to 64 square feet luxury suites.
The price point is hard to compare to kennels because this is a canine resort. An executive suite with a private webcam costs $95 a night and the poolside suites are $199 a night.
Post City Magazines’ columnist Rebecca Eckler is the author of Knocked Up, Wiped!, How to Raise a Boyfriend, The Lucky Sperm Club and her latest book, The Mommy Mob.
