A typical workday can feel like forever, especially when you walk on four legs. Whether its bathroom breaks, finding appropriate things to chew on or simply needing some midday cuddles, Aunt Sherry’s Doggie Daycare is available to solve any hairy situations your beloved dog may create while home alone.
Stan Bunting and Sherry Dougherty-Bunting are local dog lovers who have found a way to fill a pet care niche in a unique way. Unlike most dog daycares, Aunt Sherry’s serves its clients from their home. With a shaded, fenced-in backyard and approximately 800 sq. ft. of indoor space to roam, the Buntings have made it their priority to make your fur baby feel at home.
“From the moment you drop your dog off for the day, we will be passionate about the care we provide for your pet,” Stan said.
Having two dogs – a Labrador named Pepper and a Yorkie named Jazzi – the Buntings are serious about the quality of their business.
“We toured local doggie daycare facilities to get an idea of what we needed to provide outstanding care,” Stan said. “While we could expand to a facility eventually, we believe that the dogs will be happier with the comforts of a home.”
Stan even joked that he will turn on your pup’s favorite soap opera if that’s what it takes to make him happy. Sherry said they would like Animal Planet better.
Sometimes, making a dog happy makes all the difference. Even if your pup doesn’t have to potty on a regular basis throughout the day, a number of dogs have separation anxiety that can make returning home after a long day of work unbearable for many dog owners. Returning to a chewed up shoe, or worse, a couch, can make it tough to enjoy having a dog. And, if you’re one of those people who hate seeing your dog crated for 9 to 10 hours a day, daycare might be the answer.
Sherry and Stan are both retired from Sam’s Club on Emerson Avenue. Stan served as the general manager for many years and decided to leave the retail business for a job that really made him feel good about getting up each morning. Having grown up on a cattle farm in southern Illinois, he has always been comfortable around animals. Sherry has also had dogs all of her life. When she retired from Sam’s Club in 2002, she spent time caring for her mother, and then later, her father, so that they didn’t have to go into assisted living care.
Aunt Sherry’s Doggie Daycare provides care Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with flexibility on the hours. “We know some people may need to be at work earlier, and that traffic may cause problems getting home,” Stan said.
Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and friendly around other dogs. Overall, the Buntings can serve around 10 dogs per day and expect to have additional staff on hand if the count reaches six or more to ensure the safety and security of the animals. While most dogs eat morning and night, the daycare will serve food at the recommendation of the pet owner as long as it is provided. Medication may also be administered at the request of the owner. Cost to attend is $15 a day. Interested pet owners are encouraged to schedule a tour of the home.
