Welcome to our new creche at Sandy Lane Martlesham!
The layout and daily routines have been designed with 18 years experience from Happi Days being the first ever dog creche in Suffolk.
Our new centre has arisen from the passion of not only myself, but my family and my amazing managers and seniors and staff, all of whom have helped create our ideal space from years of knowledge and knowing our customers and their needs.
Each area at the centre will cater to the needs of each of our doggie customers.
We have two busy play halls. These will be separated between the really playful, outgoing dogs that come to play, like my young boxer Rosa. Also a second group for the smaller outgoing, boisterous pups but that are perhaps not quite up to playing with the young boisterous large breed dogs. These areas have climbing equipment, ramps, paddling pools and sand pits. Their toys are more robust and the staff are having fun and inventing new activities all the time. This area also has sofas and raised beds around the perimeter for those re-charge moments. Nothing beats a good snooze after playing with your friends!
There are many calmer dogs than the above groups that come to play, but may be new and unsure or less interested in the busy play. I have a few adult Boston Terriers, affectionately known as Helen’s Guineapigs that you will find in this play area each day. This area has a mix of toys for the dogs to enjoy at their leisure, and sofas and floor level bedding for that essential rest time.
We are excited to announce we have a Special Canine Needs Room! This will be for dogs that would otherwise no longer be able to cope with a busy creche environment. Examples include very elderly dogs like my border collie, Lara, and injured or recuperating dogs. Even a dog with a wheel chair can enjoy this space! This area has no sofas or high places that may present a jump risk. The play equipment is designed for children that use wheel chairs, so it’s safe for any dog that must not jump or climb and all dog beds are floor height. The flooring is also textured for increased grip, and the toys have been specially selected to be safe for all the dogs to play with.
Finally we have a party room at the back!
This area is for our events and theme days. We can set up games, events and activities each day. In this room there is a partitioned corner that we have created a sensory area in. This has been created to encourage new or shy dogs to come out of their shells. It promotes using their sense of smell, treat or toy hunting among lots of different surfaces and textures. This helps them to engage and have positive experiences at Happi Days, helping them to settle and enjoy creche life.
The idea is that the groups rotate to the party room so everyone gets a go!
The more busy groups can mix and match depending on games and which doggies have come to play. Also the calmest out of the quieter group can visit the the Special Canine Needs Room to make new friends and creating an interesting day for all the dogs.
All groupings throughout the days are carefully picked and maintained by our experienced staff.
If your pup needs a pamper, you are welcome to book your dog in for a groom whilst with us. Or a groom booking without day care if you’d prefer!
We have a brand new veterinary physiotherapy room that Ella will be working in, for any rehabilitation or performance needs your dog may have. Your dog can be booked in for treatment whilst at day care, or as a standalone appointment.
Thank you,
Helen
