Going to the dogs is good for this business

Date: 7/21/2009

By Cory Garwicki

Staff Intern



CHICOPEE -- One city business has proved that, in spite of the economic difficulties facing the business sector today, they have what it takes to be successful.

The co-owner of The Good Dog Spot, Elizabeth Powers said, "The main reason behind the move to our new facility is simple. We outgrew the space because of an increase in the amount of owners who were bringing their dogs to us."

The Good Dog Spot, a pet grooming and daycare center, has moved to larger quarters at 35C N. Chicopee St. The expansion is being celebrated with a "Yappy Hour" open house from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 25.

Powers said the open house will showcase their new and improved facility.

"All dogs and people are welcome, provided that the dogs remain on a leash while visiting," Powers said, adding that "the event will give those who come by the chance to walk around and tour the grounds while enjoying some hors d'oeuvres for people food, and other special treats made especially for the dogs that visit us that night."

Cafe Lebanon of Springfield and East Longmeadow will be catering to the people food and serving wine at the event, while Chicopee-based Taxi's Dog Bakery will provide the canine customers with their own set of specially-prepared treats, including a new creation called "Happy Tail Ale," a non-alcoholic refreshment that will be served exclusively for visitors of the four-legged variety.

When asked if the current unstable conditions of the economy have impacted the business, Powers stated, "It actually has not been too big of a problem, because most of the dogs that come to our daycare facility are well known to us and so I think they [and their owners] come back here not only for the care we provide, but also as a source of stimulation, exercise and out of the need for socialization."

"If anything has changed with respect to the clients our services to them it's that the dogs are coming, say one or two days a week, whereas in previous times we might have these dogs for three or four days a week. We also have seen a drop in the frequency of extra services that some of our dogs would normally indulge in," Powers continued.

For more information on The Good Dog Spot, call 534-1333 or visit www.gooddogspot.net.