Choo Choo Dog Camp opened on West 20th Street last month.When Sallie Beckes has a busy day away from her home and can’t tend to her 5-month-old puppy, she doesn’t worry.
Instead of keeping her Weimaraner, Sadie, cooped up in a crate or left to wander the house, Beckes drops her off at day care.
“It is just the coolest place,” she said, referring to the newly opened Choo Choo Dog Camp on West 20th Street. “It is done through an animal’s eyes … everything about it is just so pet friendly.”
Owner Liz Fortanier purchased the building, a 55-year-old former firehouse in the Southside, in June with hopes to transform it into a place where dog owners could feel comfortable leaving their furry friend for the day. After several months of renovations, she opened Nov. 8 and is gearing up for a grand opening in January.
A lot has changed within the building, including new floors, ceiling and several gates so the dogs can’t make a run for the road, Fortanier said.