Even Dogs Get Cabin Fever

WINTHROP – At this time there are many people crawling the walls, suffering from cabin fever and wishing they could just get away from it all.

You’re not alone.

You’re best friend might be feeling the same way.

“Dogs get cabin fever too,” said Carol Loud, who works at Sandy Paw Pet Spa & Boutique in Winthrop Center. Dogs are missing their walks, any game with a ball, and seeing other dogs.

“We have the doggy daycare and spa treatment,” Loud added. “We’re the only daycare in Winthrop.”

Just bringing your dog in to spend time with a groomer, romp in the daycare area or bathe the dog yourself will help to ease the confinements of winter. Sandy Paws was opened by Stephanie Vamos in 2007. The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 9-6 pm.

The daycare includes a jungle gym and slide, walks and socialization. Loud said there are no more than 12-13 dogs at a time hanging out with each other. She added that dogs will snap out of a winter funk with different treats, the introduction of a new toy, a playgroup in the backyard or jumping romping in the snow.

Trey Hughes, who works at Sandy Paws with the daycare dogs, said she encourages the dogs to play with each other. But at least one bulldog named Coco even has her own chair she prefers over other dogs. Bentley, a 3-year-old mini pin, comes every Friday to work off some steam.

“He used to have anxiety and now coming here he is much better,” said his owner Nicole DeFelice, with a smile, adding “he also takes an all-natural, anti-anxiety supplement.”

For those who want a hands on approach with a wintry smelling dog, Sandy Paws offers three self-washing stations. Sandy Paw’s Sara Bosco helps clients on Saturday. She’d like to be a veterinarian when she graduates from Winthrop High School, but for now she helps pick out the perfect shampoo and gets dog owners set to do it themselves – from wash to blow dry.

“It’s great to be able to wash your dog, make a mess and have someone else clean up,” said Maureen Hartmann, who brought in her German shepherd dog to bathe.