Located in Fenton Township at the corner of Fenton and Thompson Rds., Ruffy Ranch Retreat is a new doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facility that provides plentiful pampering for your precious “canine kids.” The state-of-the-art business opened in July and, according to owner Allore Sharp, is already at 60 percent capacity. “We have had wonderful community response!” she exclaims.
Sharp, who previously worked in the medical field for 20 years, has always had a passion for animals and during the pandemic, she decided to follow her dream of making a career out of her passion by creating a business that would provide a loving and safe environment for dogs. “I did a lot of research,” she reports, taking classes in doggie day care and obtaining certification in canine massage therapy. “I wanted it to be a place where I would want to bring my own dogs.”
RRR provides doggy daycare on a daily basis and dog boarding, with or without a private suite. The day suites, kennels, spa and spacious office area are located on the bottom floor and the dog boarding suites are located upstairs. There is also a beautiful walking trail behind the facility, the Flowers & Fur Nature Path.
According to the owner, RRR maintains a controlled environment and there is one handler for every ten canines. The handlers work first, second and weekend shifts. “They have to have an absolute love for dogs,” Sharp says. Her love of dogs is evident as she has four of her own: Hannah and Hank (French Bulldogs), Capone (Rottweiler) and Suede (Newfoundland).
A typical day
at Ruffy Ranch Retreat
Ruffy Ranch guests enjoy private trail walks on the Flowers & Fur Nature Path behind the facility.
5-7am
RRR is open 7am-7pm Monday-Friday and 8am-4pm on the weekend. Early arrivals can be scheduled from 5-7am. The staff comes in at 7am to begin checking the day’s doggy guests into their kennels or suites, with their belongings stored in individual bins.
8-11am
The canines enjoy indoor fun and outdoor play including agility, fetching, climbing and tunnel runs. The dogs get a lot of time outside and are arranged in rotational groups with size- and temperament-compatible playmates. “The dogs get a lot of activity during a typical day,” the owner reports.
11am-1:30pm
It’s lunchtime at RRR. Owner-supplied food and water are distributed to the dogs, along with medication, if needed. Then, it’s off to naptime in separate areas with soft music and low lighting for rest and relaxation.
1:30-7pm
The dogs go outside for afternoon activities from 1:30-4pm. From 4-5pm, the canines receive individual attention from the handlers. Playtime and pick-up takes place from 5-7pm.
The Spa
The RRR staff includes two groomers who provide services including a special Spa Day (bath, cut, blow-out and aromatherapy), facials, “Pawdicure” and massage. Red-Light therapy is also offered, which is helpful for treating inflammation, arthritis and sore muscles, Sharp explains. Other services include teeth-brushing, nail-trimming, ear-cleaning, nail paint and fur coloring. RRR uses holistic/organic grooming products and pet-friendly cleaning products.
RRR has the capacity for 50 dogs, but Sharp says she can’t envision the facility being any larger. “I want the care we give to be special and personal.” While the process has been lengthy and she has been putting in long days, she says she still has a lot of hard work to do. “I have had a love and passion for dogs my whole life. This isn’t just a job for me. This is my passion and my career – all in one.”