A Satisfying Stay
Midnight Sun Pet Resort Provides Boarding, Grooming and Day-Stay Services
Writer / Angela Cornell
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
When Eric and Janet Barlow began planning their wedding, they had no idea that it would be such a challenge to find a good boarding facility for their dogs while they were on their honeymoon.
We had an experience with a boarding facility, Janet Barlow says. When we came back they didnt even know what dog we were coming to pick up. That set in my mind for a while. First and foremost it was a personalized need for the community.
A year later in August of 1996, they opened up Midnight Sun Pet Resort. Since then the business has grown into a 46-suite getaway that can accommodate cats as well as dogs. All the suites were designed with comfort in mind. The dog suites are 5x20, and have heated floors, air conditioning and a roof over the outdoor portion of the suite.
Three cat condos are in the reception area, and are just as luxurious as the facilities available to dogs.
They are away from the dogs, Barlow says. They have a big picture window to be able to watch the birds at the bird feeder, and cats can watch people come and go. Its a calm area, but one where theyre going to have a lot of stimulation.
Whether a pet needs to be boarded for a week or just needs a safe place to go for the day, the Barlows can put them up and take care of their needs, even if that includes complicated care like providing medicine or a special toy from home.
Pet parents and animals alike know they will get good treatment at Midnight Sun Pet Resort.
Its kind of funny, Barlow says. Sometimes when pet parents come to get their dog, well bring out the dog and it will be happy for a second, then will try repeatedly to go back to the kennel. That happens quite a bit.
Each suite has an extra-large indoor and outdoor area available. The business can accommodate pet families by opening up a single suite to double the space, so dog siblings dont have to be separated. For the dog who needs some extra-special TLC, the facility offers a penthouse deal. This area has furniture, rugs and a flat-screen TV for pampered pooches.
The resort has thousands of clients from Marshall and surrounding counties, as far away as Chicago, Wisconsin and Indianapolis. Many veterinarians in the surrounding area refer pets to the resort.
We have a good relationship with the vets, Barlow says.
Unlike many pet boarding facilities, Midnight Sun Pet Resort offers only private accommodations.
We do not mingle the dogs in group play, Barlow says. People look for that because they dont want their dog to necessarily be put in a group of dogs. For whatever reason their dog is timid, or theyre afraid their dog will be hurt by another dog. What makes us different is that we can have that private care here.
The Barlows also have a reputation for communicating with pet parents.
As long as we have permission to be in contact with them, we do communicate regularly if we have any concerns or questions, Barlow says. People like knowing that they can trust us.
Not only does the resort staff offer pets nice lodging, but they also have a range of grooming services available, from bathing and oatmeal treatments to nail buffing and hot oil treatments. All the services are available to help pets relax and feel at home, and are available whether a pet is spending the night or just coming in to be groomed.
Barlow always wanted to work with animals, and owning Midnight Sun Pet Resort is a dream come true.
Im kind of like a grandma, she says. I get to take care of, love on, spoil and really enjoy the different breeds. Customers are a second favorite – just all the different people and being able to help them and their pet family.
Midnight Sun Pet Resort is located at 11403 State Road 10 in Argos. For questions or to schedule an appointment to check out the resort, call or text Barlow at 574-498-2424, or email info@midnightsundogresort.com. Visit them online at midnightsunpetresort.com.
