Chicago - October 13, 2004

Dog Day Afternoon

Pooch Chicago

Two p.m. You’re up to your eyeballs in Q4 planning.

But you’ve got Buster on the brain.

Did he finish breakfast? Was dogwalker Dave on time? Did the other pups at the park play nice?

Set your mind at ease with Pooch Chicago, a new breed of doggy day care in Roscoe Village. Just beyond the charming storefront boutique (stocked with Bow Wow Butter Balm for paws and aromatherapy spray for stinky beds), you’ll find two white-picket-fenced indoor play lots (one for the tykes and one for the big dogs), both carefully monitored by the staff.

But the amenities don’t end there. Think your hound wants a swim? He can dive into the saltwater lap pool. Or if he’s more spa than sport (chip off the old block, eh?), sign him up for an aromatherapy bath with massage and paw-dicure. No more scrambling for a sitter when the office calls, either — Buster can spend the night with his new buddies. Pooch will take care of everything, from getting him fed to making sure he does his business.

Which means you can finally get down to yours.

Pooch Chicago, 2307 West Belmont Avenue, between Oakley and the Western/Clybourn intersection (773-525-4006 or poochhotel.com).