History
Published: January 07, 2006
Pet Resort Opens For Guests
Chinese Pug, Bulldog make their debut as spokesdogs
Lisa ShearerThe Edmond Sun
EDMOND — Max and Elsie are living the good life. From faux mink stoles to gourmet treats to getting a regular massage, these two good friends know how to have a stress-free day.
But being pampered all day can be hard work, too — at least for Max and Elsie’s owners who have named their new pet resort after the cuddly pooches. Max & Elsie’s Pet Resort Spa & Boutique opened two weeks ago at 1200 S. Kelly Ave., Suite D in Edmond.
Joining the ranks of businesses catering to man’s best friend, Lisa Frye and Crystal Yascavage are learning what it’s like to be first-time business owners. The North Carolina transplants and good friends have created a resort atmosphere at their South Kelly location that features calming gold tones mixed with black, brown, green and a palm tree motif.
Sounding much like a children’s day care program, Frye promises that Edmond pooches who visit her facility will go home at the end of the day happy and ready to relax with their family. The pet resort will support up to 30 dogs and cats a day, which also includes overnight lodging when needed, she said.
“We wanted to be able to spend time with (Max and Elsie), spend time with other dogs and have fun,” Frye said of the new venture.
Max, a Chinese Pug, is often the first to greet visitors at the door. Elsie, a bulldog/boxer mix, seems a little more interested in hanging out in the cage-free day care’s indoor playground.
The long room, reminiscent of an oversized dog run, is also done in gold tones with murals on one wall depicting scenes of a doggone good life.
The room also features plenty of toys and agility obstacles and has rubber flooring designed to be easier on the dogs’ joints and bones.
Each dog spending their day with Max and Elsie also will have their own naptime cot, similar to those seen in high-quality child care facilities.
“At nap time we turn down the lights, turn the music low and let them rest,” Frye said.
When the weather’s nice, Max and Elsie like to lead their guests to the larger outdoor playground.
While there’s nice, brightly colored playground equipment complete with a slide outside, the large pile of leaves on the west side of the fenced-in yard seemed more inviting to Max and guest Teddy Smith, a Brussels Griffon.
Yascavage, who spent 10 years as a veterinary technician, promises new clients that Max & Elsie’s is “where Edmond’s hip hounds hang out.”
In the lodging room, individal “cabanas” or cages are outfitted with plush bedding and a heart-shaped pillow that has “It’s all about M.E.” embroidered upon the front. The M.E. is a play upon Max and Elsie’s names.
A grooming salon comprises another component of the business complete with a “Hydrosurge” massage bathing system.
The service also offers nail clipping, baths and hair cuts among other relaxing features. Yascavage said the massage service is important for pets who sometimes are easily frightened.
“It sometimes relaxes them,” she said.
The husbands of Frye and Yascavage work for Advanced Food Co., and both families accepted transfers to Oklahoma about a year ago.
Since that time, Frye said if she left her home for a few days she was always worried about Max’s well-being. Creating the pet resort is her and Yascavage’s answer to helping others like themselves find peace of mind about their pet’s care, she said.
Soon to open will be a “Barkery” featuring a variety of baked treats just for dogs. The resort already offers unique gifts — what Frye calls “the bling bling” — that includes clothing, necklaces and high-end bedding as well as toys. Another addition to the shop will be a brand of dog food that promotes a healthy coat.
As for Max and Elsie, Frye said she and her partner already can see a difference in their happiness levels.
“Every day this week he’s ready to go to work with me,” Frye said of 3-year-old Max.
Frye and Yascavage may eventually call it “work,” but it looks like Elsie and Max have the better end of the business deal.
(Lisa Shearer may be reached via e-mail at lshearer@edmondsun.com.)