By Marilyn Forbes – Connellsville Daily-Courier – Ruffin' It, a new dog and cat day-care and training facility in Uniontown, has the answer to the dilemma of leaving your best friends at home alone while at work.
"Many pets left to their devices for long periods suffer from depression or destructive separation anxiety," says Lori Coffman, owner/operator of Ruffin' It. "The facility offers responsible pet owners a fun and rewarding alternative to dealing with the problems."
Coffman saw the idea for the day-care when she was traveling down south. She thought she would try something similar in this area.
"I saw a commercial for one and I thought, what a great idea," Coffman said.
She returned home to start plans for her own business. It has been deemed a success already.
"There are people who work long hours and want their dogs socialized," Coffman said. "I'm very surprised at the response that I have had already. I usually have from five to six dogs a day."
Coffman brings experience to her day-care and training facility.
Earning her degree in biology, Coffman worked at the Pittsburgh Zoo. She also worked with the training of killer whales and dolphins at Sea World in Ohio.
"I always work with dogs the same way that I worked at Sea World," Coffman said. "I train the dogs using positive reinforcement."
Working for a time at a local veterinarian hospital with dogs and cats helped to round out Coffman's experience.
The large, open, clean basement area of her home serves as the day-care facility.
Dogs are caged individually, each having a floor to ceiling open cage enclosure complete with food and water, toys and a special dog-sized cot to relax.
Her country home offers a large, fenced-in area outside, where all dogs are taken on a regular basis to run and romp.
Cats are welcome at the facility, too, and are kept separate from their canine counterparts.
For those who need a little help with training, Coffman offers group and individual guidance.
"I have puppy classes and adult obedience classes," Coffman said. "I schedule the classes to pretty much fit the owners' schedules."
Although Coffman will train the dogs herself, she prefers owner participation in the process.
"I really do like for them (owners) to participate," Coffman said. "Not only do I train dogs, but I train the owners to train the dogs. I work with them as well, showing them what they should be doing."
Coffman says she enjoys her work. "I love to train, and every dog is different."
She added that when not training, she and her canine buddies have fun-filled time as well.
"A typical day for us is going on two or three walks per day," Coffman said. "I have a fenced-in yard, so they also just all go out and play."
Bad weather never rains on their fun and interaction, either.
"We have a large indoor area and lots of toys," Coffman said. "We'll play fetch or tug-of-war."
Pets can be brought to the facility on a daily basis, or arrangements can be made for pets to come on a more frequent basis, but there are no overnight stays, Coffman says.
She takes in only nonaggressive dogs, and all prospective clients must have full vet records and current shots.
If requested, Coffman will also bathe the dog, clean teeth and ears, and trim nails. She does not do any form of professional cutting, however.
"I'll take any dog, any size and breed," Coffman said.
For those who do not wish to transport their animal, or who will be leaving for periods of time, Coffman also offers in-home pet sitting.
Hours for the day-care are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Training hours and times vary. For information on any of Coffman's services, call 724-366-7555.
