A swimming pool and spa for your four-legged friend
There is a new business along the Randall Road corridor that promotes overall well-being and fitness for your pet.
The Puddle Pet AquaFitness and Nutrition opened last month in South Elgin.
The business at 1948 Gyorr Ave. offers swim sessions for dogs, pet bodywork massage, a do-it-yourself dog wash, a healthy weight pet program and pet food.
“We wanted to provide a place where we could focus on good nutrition, exercise and overall healthy living that goes toward bringing a long life for pets,” owner Cathy Murphy said.
Murphy’s sister, Dr. Denise Crittenden, is a vet at the South Town Animal Hospital, next door to The Puddle, and encouraged her to start the business for the pets in the community.
Murphy and her associate Beth Taylor are both certified canine swim coaches, who also have worked with dogs for many years in various capacities.
During the swim sessions, they help guide the dogs in the water, which is kept at 86 to 89 degrees.
They do 30- to 60-minute sessions in the 11-foot by 21-foot pool, which is equipped with a salt water system that is gentler on a dog’s skin than chlorine, they said.
They assist them in the pool, even if they are avid swimmers that love to chase toys. They still are directing them along the way.
The swimming is available for any dog, whether they are training, want to have fun or are doing post-surgery rehab, Murphy said.
“We had both collectively seen the benefits of swimming for dogs, and the idea grew from there. We wanted to provide a place where dogs could enjoy the benefits of swimming,” Murphy said.
The Puddle also offers massages for dogs for many different reasons, whether it’s for relaxation, stress, gaining flexibility or rehab.
The massage appointments also run for 30- or 60-minute session, and include a portion where they teach the dog’s caregiver moves they can do at home when they are cuddling or watching TV with their pets.
To continue treating the overall well-being of pets, the Puddle sells pet food which Murphy says has a higher nutritional value than some other foods. They also sell treats and other accessories.
And as they’re working with finding the right food for your pet, and exercise for your pet, they also can help provide a weight management plan for your pet, Murphy said.
Finally, the Puddle also offers a service to help keep your pet looking good on the outside. They have do-it-yourself dog washing.
In the dog washing area, they have two raised washtubs and one floor shower to fit whichever size of dog you might have.
Inside they have hand-held sprayers, shampoo and conditioners, towels and an air dryer.
The wash service is offered for walk-ins, but swimming sessions and massages require appointments.
For information on the Puddle’s costs and for appointments, call (630) 883-0700. Visit the website at thepuddleaquafitness.com/.
Amy Williams’ column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.