We LOVE our DOGS...

In New York, over 27% of households own dogs. With a population of about 19 million people that equals 4.75 million dogs! But this is no surprise because studies have shown that dog ownership brings with it many benefits:

1. Cuddling a dog is therapeutic and ownership correlates with reduced blood pressure.
2. Dog owners engage in more physical activity and exercise than the average person.
3. Companion and therapy dogs help with depression and anxiety management and anecdotal evidence shows that dogs reduce feelings of loneliness and increase socialization with other humans.

This is why, during the COVID-19 pandemic Americans added dogs to their family more than ever before! 

So, as a new pup parent, the moment I brought my girl Roxie home, I was in love...

As a first time dog owner, I needed to learn the in's and out's of raising a puppy and I wanted to build relationships with other dog owners. But I found it so difficult to do so. The COVID Pandemic shut down most training clubs and as the change in weather came, it was more difficult to get her out to our local dog parks. It was also difficult for me to enjoy the dog parks, because they cater to the needs of the dogs and not the owners.  But I was determined to keep her socialized. So I searched, and searched online for any businesses that could provide me with indoor spaces and services that would allow me to learn, play and hang with Roxie and others. But to no avail, the only option was a doggie daycare.  I quickly realized that they are run in a way that wouldn't allow me the space to build my relationship with Roxie or with other dog lovers.

So, I thought, “What if there was a dog-friendly café and training facility that would be comfortable and fun for dogs and their owners and that would help grow the bond between human and his/her best friend?”

Welcome to: For the Love of Dogs NY LLC… 

"For the Love of Dogs" will be the first Dog-Friendly Café, Indoor Training & Social Club in Westchester County, New York.  As COVID-19 restrictions are lifting and people head back to work, there will be a greater need for services that can help owners and their dogs as they transition through this change. Recent statistics have shown that the number of dogs being surrendered back to shelters has gone up 12%.  It is my belief that "For the Love of Dogs" can make a positive impact on this number. If dog owners and dog lovers have a place that can provide some K9 education, space for them and their dogs to stay active year-long,  and financial flexibility for daily care, they would have a community of support and be less likely to surrender the family pet. 

At our K9 Café, Training & Social Club, we will offer you the opportunity to learn and practice training techniques, stay for some food and refreshments to socialize with other dog lovers, all while watching your pups safely play under the supervision of our trained handlers. If after all that play, you'd like your pup to return home clean? Well, we'll have you covered with our self-washing stations and grooming appointments. Don't have or can't have a dog but LOVE dogs? You're welcome here as well! Come to mix, mingle and play with the pooches.

Our vision is to not just build a business but to build a community that will support non-profit animal shelters and/or rescues. In fact, we are currently supporting Pet Rescue in Harrison NY with a plan to host an adoption fair for them as our very first K9 Club Event!

Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization founded in 1982, whose mission is to save homeless, abandoned, or neglected dogs and cats and find them caring, responsible homes. Since it’s beginning, the group has rescued more than 20,000 animals. 

Our one-of-kind Play Area

The crown jewel of our business will be the spacious indoor play area, "Roxie's Ruffhouse", which will be equipped with amenities for "man's best friend." This area will be divided into two sections. Our plan is to purchase a flexible gating system that will allow us to divide the play areas by dog size, temperament or even between the dogs who stay for daycare and those who are there with their owners.  

Included are:

agility ramps

doggy water fountains 

crawl tunnels

other physically and mentally stimulating pieces of equipment for all dogs to enjoy

Our first-of-kind Dog Friendly Café

While the pups train & play, pet owners will be able to refuel at Cali's Café.  There we will offer coffee and tea as well as pastries, bagels, salads, wraps and other quick bites for purchase.  Eventually our goal is to provide a full service menu that will include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Of course, no self-respecting café would be complete without free WIFI. Here, dog lovers are free to utilize the space to mix and mingle with others or spend time working remotely on their devices. This area will be separate from the play area and dogs here will be on leash, however the design of the space will allow for everyone in the seating areas to see the dogs. 

Thanks to "The Pack" Indoor Dog Park in Michigan, you can see the vision for our K9 Training & Social Club.

 "The PACK" 3D Simulation

Worried about the health and safety of your dogs?

Throughout the play park, we will install a Polylast Microbial Floor that will provide a softer surface for the dog’s joints and is non-porous. 

The Microban Antimicrobial Technology will help to fight off any bacteria that is tracked by the playing pups. We will add an indoor turf filtration system, a set of K9 Kennel Potty Stations, to provide an area in which we will encourage the dogs “to go”. These stations come made with a raised artificial turf so that the liquids are drained out below and can be sanitized and dried each night. We will also provide water fountains, benches and side tables for people and pets to use and enjoy. 

To ensure the safety of all our furry visitors, dog handlers (trained and supervised by our Certified Dog Trainer) will conduct temperament tests and vaccination record checks for each dog entering "Roxie's Ruffhouse" or staying for "Kika's Kuts" & "Brody's Bubble Baths" grooming sessions or "Lucky's Lessons" dog training. 

Services we plan to provide...

                                       with your help of course!

• Lucky's Lessons - Private, Group, Day Care & At-home Training Sessions and Monthly Training Memberships
• Bodhi's Bubble Baths - Self Service Washing Stations
• Kika's Kuts - Grooming Service
• Puppy Pawty's - room rental for birthday party's
• K9 Club Events - Adoption Fairs & Fundraisers, K9 Twinning Contests, Pup & Parent Painting Party,  Fun & Fitness with Fido & Many More!

Shipping

Shipping cost will be calculated after the campaign ends. We cap our shipping cost at $10 for the USA; $25 for European countries; $19 for Italy. We will quote other destinations individually.

The Next Step

Right now, we need your help raising the funds to secure our location and begin the buildout of our Dog-Friendly Café/Indoor Play Park, K9 Training & Social Club.  The funds raised in this campaign will be used to:

• secure our LARGE, FABULOUSLY LOCATED space
• buildout the café & play park spaces
• purchase equipment needed to support our admission and K9 screening process
• additional funds (if applicable) will be used to support the working capital needed when our doors open later this year

Our Team

Founders Rosalinda & Roxie Garcia

Business Manager Barbara Finiguerra

​​Thank you for Your Support

We can't wait until we can say we are the FIRST Dog-Friendly Café
, K9 Training & Social club open for business. So please support us as we get this fun and exciting project on it's "Dog-on-it" Way!