Bark-N-Park owner finds enjoyment caring for furry friends

Lynn Tagliaferro has cared for people and she's cared for pets. She decided it's more fun taking care of animals.

Tagliaferro worked as a dog groomer and a certified vet trainer after obtaining a degree in animal science from Purdue University. She then worked in a doctor's office for several years drawing blood.

She missed the furry creatures and recently started a business catering to boarding and caring for animals.

The Wadsworth resident launched Bark-N-Park in Green Oaks at 14100 Lambs Lane off Bradley Road.

The boarding facility also offers day care for dogs, training and agility training.

One aspect that differentiates her facility is that the dogs are never crated. Instead, they stay in 4-by-6-foot kennels. There are now 16 kennels available.

"We want to build slowly," she said. She plans to grow the facility to 41 kennels.

There is 5,000 square feet of outdoor play space and another 6,000 square feet of indoor space for the dogs to play. The indoor portion features shock absorbent flooring that's designed for zoos. "The special rubber floors are easy to clean and are safe and durable," Tagliaferro said.

Deana Noonan offers obedience training classes at the facility. Tagliaferro, who at one time trained horses, offers agility classes for dogs and their owners.

Tagliaferro is attempting to create a comfortable, stress-free atmosphere for the pets.

The hope is that after the dogs use day-care facility, they will be more comfortable with boarding, Tagliaferro said. The boarding, which costs $45 a night, also includes day care services where staff spends time with the pets and teaches them appropriate behavior. "They're just like children," the business owner said.

She said the staff is trained in how to act with the animals. "It's all positive reinforcement. We use treats, praise and timeouts," Tagliaferro said.

Her daughter, Laura, assists in the business as well as her husband, John.

The cost for a full day of day care is $35 while a half day is $28.

For more information, call (847) 367-0364.

New site: Axiom Accelerated Clinical Patient Recruitment, a unit of Axiom Marketing, renovated its Web site, www.axmarketing.com/patientrecruitment. It is designed to move a study from start-up to first response in as little as three weeks.

Axiom began working in the health-care field in 1995 when it conducted its first major patient recruitment campaign.

Home show: Exhibit space is still available for an upcoming home improvement show at Libertyville High School.

The Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding the show from March 28-30.

The booth cost is $650 for members and $850 for others.