Another Upper Tyrone Township neighborhood is going to the dogs -- well, dogs and cats.
Longtime resident Karen Johnson and husband, Richard, opened a new pet grooming and boarding facility in March at 142 Airport Road.
Johnson was living in Pittsburgh and working as a computer programmer when she heard the Airport Road property was for sale. Tired of city life, she and her husband opened Pampered Pet Palace.
"I have always loved animals, and I wanted a career working with them," Johnson said. "I seem to connect well with dogs. They just seem to know how you're feeling. I have been around them all of my life."
A graduate of Southmoreland High School, Johnson grew up in Mount Pleasant and Scottdale before she studied computer programming at Westmoreland County Community College and the University of Pittsburgh.
Johnson recently completed courses to become a certified dog groomer and obedience trainer as well.
Pampered Pet Palace will accept any breed and size of dog. However, grooming prices depend on the animal's size and temperament.
"I have had some problems with cats, but I'll groom them if they'll let me," Johnson said. "I don't use tranquilizers or anything like that, but I've been pretty lucky. I just work with them."
For dogs, Pampered Pet Palace also offers 15-minute massages for $20 during evenings and Saturdays.
"There are a lot of benefits to massages," Johnson said. "It's not what people think. It's beneficial to dogs with problems like arthritis and stress. Massage is known to loosen joints."
Pampered Pet Palace also offers dog training. For basic puppy training, Johnson charges $30 for two 30-minute sessions.
"I'll teach owners what they need to know in order to socialize their dog," Johnson said.
Obedience training for older dogs costs $80 for sessions that run 30 to 45 minutes each. During the sessions, dogs will learn basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heal. Johnson will also address problem-solving for issues like loose-lead walking, chewing, digging, nipping, barking and house-breaking.
"Puppies should be at least 8 weeks before basic training, and owners should wait until their dog is at least 16 weeks before obedience training," Johnson said. "Dogs just don't have the attention span until then."
Johnson is sure a dog can learn at any age. "All dogs can learn," she added. "None of them are untrainable."
Pampered Pet Palace also has 19 runs available to board large and small dogs.
"The kennel business is going well," Johnson said. "It is $12 a night per dog, or customers can put two dogs who get along into one run for $21."
The dog runs include both outside and heated inside space. Customers must bring food for the dog, and shots must be up-to-date as a safety precaution. Owners can also bring blankets and toys if they wish, but general bedding and activity supplies are provided.
Johnson lives only a few feet away from the kennel, so she is able to check on the dogs often to walk them and hand out treats. Her three dogs -- Missy, Jacques and Sam -- also keep the guests company.
"I'm always around during the day, and I check on the dogs twice in the evening," Johnson said. "They are very secure at night."
Johnson will also board cats in a similar fashion.
As for pet products, Johnson said she is currently stocking basic items and hopes to offer food in the near future.
"I keep my prices below the big pet stores and try to stay competitive with Wal-Mart," she said. "If I don't have it in stock, I can order anything."
Pampered Pet Palace is open for grooming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The kennel hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Training classes are scheduled at the customer's convenience.
