Marana, Arizona
While stepping onto the jetway at Tucson International Airport this week after returning from my Midwest trip (a false reality of hoodie sweatshirts and 73-degree highs), I was hit with the 100-degree knowledge that we are now entering the oven phase of the year.
The alarm bells sounded in my brain that the dog days of summer are upon us. Woof! And if you’re a doggo parent (like myself), you are already rearranging your routine to walk your pups in the coolest part of the day. You may even be scrambling to find a dog sitter for your upcoming vacation, or if you’re moving across town this summer, you may be wondering where you would feel comfortable dropping off your fur babies.
What if I told you a summer camp for dogs was moving into Marana?
Only it’s more than a summer camp; it’s Hounds Town! Hounds Town is a full-service facility offering doggie daycare, boarding services, a pet spa, and drop-in care. And for all of my cat people these services are also available and modified for your feline companions.
Hounds Town’s facility features six spacious indoor play areas where dogs of all breeds and abilities can play and socialize in a safe environment. Moreover, all dogs undergo a thorough temperament evaluation before boarding, ensuring they are placed in groups that compliment their age and personality.
What else? They throw at least one themed party a month for the pups and celebrate birthdays and other milestones there. (Are you sure hoomans can’t attend?)
Hounds Town is located at 7061 N. Camino Martin Suite 130 and is expected to open at the end of June.
The full service doggy daycare is co-owned by Jennie Bragdon, a 17-year resident of Marana, and her partner Lance Forhan. Bragdon said they saw a need in the Marana area for a fully interactive space that prioritizes the dogs’ needs.
“I’m a dog mom. I have struggled myself to find places that I am comfortable boarding my three dogs. When one of my dogs, Bella was a puppy and I was in the corporate world, I discovered doggie daycare. Bella had separation anxiety. I found a doggie daycare near my office and learned how wonderful it was for her,” said Bragdon.
After extensive research, Bragdon and Forhan discovered the Hound Town franchise, which has 60-plus locations in cities across the US.
Former New York Police Officer Michael Gould founded the original Hounds Town. Gould’s career as a first responder includes 40-plus years in canine management. After retiring from law enforcement, Gould’s love for dogs led him to create a space that embodied his passion and knowledge. Their motto, “We do it for the dogs,” is reflected in all elements of services and design at Hounds Town.
Bragdon is excited for Hounds Town to join the Marana community! She is already in talks with local animal shelters and looks forward to using Hounds Town as a resource to connect loving families with dogs and cats in need of rescue.
“My husband says I couldn’t get any more dogs (we have three) unless we get a bigger yard. Running Hounds Town is my compromise. I’ll get to hang with dogs all day long, and I can bring my own to work with me,” said Bragdon.
For more information about Hounds Town and to stay up to date on the grand opening and other events, visit: https://houndstownusa.com/locations/tucson-marana