CityBeat - Te Waha Nui Online

by Eloise Gibson

Is Grey Lynn really the new Ponsonby?

If rising house prices haven’t convinced you, maybe a new doggie daycare will do the trick.

Grey Lynn’s first canine daycare centre opened its doors in June.

Dog owners can now drop off their pooches each morning, safe in the knowledge someone will take care of their every need.

Barkley Manor, off Great North Road, cares for up to 24 dogs a day.

Owner Krista Johnson says the centre is a safe environment for dogs whose owners are working or away. Dogs in need of a tidy-up may be sent for grooming during the day.

Manners are also important – trainers, or “pack leaders”, teach the dogs polite habits.

For owners, there’s freedom from guilt for leaving the dog at home. The website promises dogs “the ultimate in luxury, attentive personal service and the pleasures of an incomparable environment.”

Dog owner Anna Lundon says her beagle gets bored while home alone during the day.

She says Max, 1, looks forward to spending time with other dogs.

“He’s so social,” she says.

“When we drove up for his second visit, his eyes just lit up.” While she works, Max enjoys exercise, pampering and classic dog movies.

That’s right - movies. Ms Johnson says the storylines are lost on the dogs, but they recognise the shapes on the screen. “Even without the sound on, if a dog or cat comes on they get really excited.”