INSIDE

There is always dog-loving staff with the dogs in the huge playrooms, or the large grassy outdoor play space, and dogs are separated by size and temperament and other factors.  There is even a treadmill in one of the rooms. 

“Some owners want this extra activity for their dogs, in addition to outdoor play.”

Like Canine Kindergarten and other higher-end boarding locations, Paws and Play does a careful evaluation and integration with other dogs. 

“It’s a slow process here, and we never take our eyes off the dogs, no matter what.  Sometimes aggression doesn’t show up immediately.”

And if dog is aggressive and can’t be with others?

“We’ll take him anyway and provide individual play sessions and attention.”

Sellecchia elaborates on his philosophy.

 “Here, we get to know each dog, call each dog by name.   We’re like a big family.  This is very important to us.  And when I see how the dogs love it here so much that they don’t want to leave—well, that is so gratifying.”

Million-dollar baby

Sellecchia, who grew up in Bronxville and currently commutes from the city, has an enthusiasm for dogs and their care which led him to quit his former occupation as an equity trader. 

“Actually, the recession pushed me out of the job I had, so I started thinking of what I really wanted to do. Then I went to the Harvard of dog training institutes – Anthony Jerone’s School of Dog Training in Whitestone. After that, I put together a business plan, raised funds.” 

And so began a new life, which included getting married — a lot of big changes in a short time.

The million-dollar investment paid off: Paws and Play has been a success from the moment the doors opened. 

 “We can keep up to 84 dogs for boarding. And I’m still putting in lux touches.  We already have video surveillance, and webcams are coming really soon.” 

Keeping safety in mind, there are also multiple fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and back-up generators.

I’m shown one of the luxury “suites,” as the deluxe accommodations are called.  The walls are painted very brightly, one a beach scene with surfboards and palm trees.  Considering that dogs’ color acuity is far below that of humans, I know that the lavish use of glossy paints is for our entertainment, not theirs.  It works: I’m completely charmed and delighted.  I can also think of a few children who would probably enjoy playing here.  In fact, I don’t believe I have ever seen a preschool as nicely equipped or as clean as this humongous facility.