Staff Writer
OAKFIELD — Being home alone all day is no fun, even for family members of the four-legged variety.
That’s where Bed & Biscuit comes in.
Pioneer Times Photos/Sarah Berthiaume
BED & BISCUIT — Dogs at Bed & Biscuit vie for the attention of owner Lynn Rondeau. Rondeau owns and operates Bed & Biscuit Doggie Daycare and Boarding with her husband Bob.
Offering doggie day care, boarding and more, owners Bob and Lynn Rondeau opened the Thompson Settlement Road business roughly a year ago.
“When we started we were just boarding a few dogs,” explained Bob. “And over the last year, we’ve steadily grown. Our clientele now includes overnights and daycare dogs.”
Doggie daycare has grown in popularity in other parts of the state, and the couple said local feedback convinced them there was a need for the service here, too.
“A lot of people love having dogs, but they work all day and when they get home, their dogs are full of energy or destructive because they’ve been left alone so long,” said Bob.
Bed & Biscuit, which has gained the endorsement of the Houlton Humane Society, says its mission is to “provide a safe, stimulating home environment for your dogs to stay and play with human and canine companionship … and to ease the anxiety of being away from [their owners].”
Pets who are accepted at Bed & Biscuit must visit the facility first, as well as, be spayed or neutered, up-to-date on their shots and interact well with others. Typical daycare hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The daycare, which also includes the option of pick up and drop off, makes a difference with pets.
“We had one customer tell us that they couldn’t believe what a difference it made in their dog after just three days,” said Lynn. “Doggie day care isn’t for everyone, but it is for some. This type of home environment is better for dogs … and people find that their dogs make much better pets when the dogs get time to socialize .”
Owning and operating their own business is also making a difference with the Rondeaus. Lynn, who worked for years in an office setting, says she is enjoying the chance to do a job she really loves full time.
“It sounds crazy, but there’s no stress,” she said. “I’ve always been a firm believer that if you give dogs unconditional love, they’ll love you back. And they do. … And I’m happy to be able to make a living at something that I enjoy doing every day.”
Bob, who has a master’s degree in business administration, helps with the business side of day-to-day operations.
“As far as the business itself goes, it’s different every day,” he said. “[Different projects for the business] give me something to build and Lynn really loves being home.”
Bed & Biscuit, located at 63 Thompson Settlement Road, can be reached by calling 757-8975.
