Kim Mikus
Posted Friday, December 23, 2005

If you don?t enjoy leaving your pooch home alone all day, there?s a new option in Mundelein.

K-9 PlayTime, a doggy daycare and training facility, recently opened at 403 Washington, Unit 1.

Marla Lunt, a passionate  dog enthusiat, owns the new facility that she says is just like a day care for kids, except her enrollment has four legs and fur.

?I send them home happy and tired,? she said of the dogs. While your pet is at her facility, it benefits from socializing with other dogs, she added.

Customers can drop off their dogs for a half day or full day. The cost for half day is $18 and full day is $29. Packages are available.

The center is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. First-time customers can take advantage of a half free day, Lunt said.

In addition to dog owners who work, many stay-at-home moms bringing in their dog when they are busy with a new baby or have to run errands.

The 5,000 square-foot facility is good for running. A chain link fence can divide the gym-type room. Sometimes the temperament of dogs requires that they have some time alone, Lunt explained.

Training  and obedience classes take place in the evenings.

An open house is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 22. Agility demonstrations as well as rally obedience, which is an obstacle course owners navigate with their dog, will be part of the event. Other highlights include doggy treats and snacks for visitors.

The Libertyville woman and her husband, Howard, have two dogs, a 10-pound miniature schnauzer and a 43-pound Australian Shepherd. Howard is a personal chef and has his own business, Chef @ Home.

Lunt has always loved dogs and worked at vet clinics and another dog day-care before launching her own business.

She is now installing a self-wash where either she or her clients can wash their pets. For more information, call (847) 970-7529.