FITCHBURG, WI — The public is invited to join owners Melanie Weber, Liz Okas, and Dr. Janeen Smith at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30th (rain date is Wednesday, October 31st at 10:00 a.m.) at 6249 Nesbitt Road for a groundbreaking ceremony for their new animal facility. Waggin' Tails Doggie Dude Ranch & Pet Lodge, All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, and Fitchburg Veterinary Hospital are combining forces to provide an all-inclusive, full-service pet facility.

According to Melanie Weber, "Waggin' Tails Doggie Dude Ranch & Pet Lodge and Fitchburg Veterinary Hospital will offer veterinary services and boarding for all types of small animals including reptiles, birds, and pocket pets. We will also have Doggie Daycare, a 'bathe your own dog' shower facility and socialization opportunities for pets and their owners."

Liz Okas described a few of the programs to be offered, "Puppy Start Right is a daycare program in which your puppy will get help with housebreaking and socialization skills which will be overseen by Melanie Weber. We hope to have a 'Yappy Hour' once a month on Fridays where owners can wind down with other animal lovers over a glass of beer or wine while their pets frolic in the daycare rooms." Okas added, "Our Doggie Daycare program will give owners the opportunity to drop their pets off on their way to work in the morning and pick them up in the evening after a day of invigorating play. We will have webcams to enable the owners to check on their pet throughout their stay."

Dr. Smith will be bringing her 22 years experience at a veterinarian and moving her All Creatures Veterinary Hospital into the new facility, joining Drs. Marcus Gordon and Erika Lukas. Dr. Gordon specializes in treating all small animals including exotics, and Dr. Lukas has special interests in oncology, behavior, and natural therapies. Dr. Smith commented, "It will be so exciting to have a state-of-the-art hospital and to join such a great and friendly team. We will still be able to offer house calls and keep our costs reasonable."

Features of the new 21,000 square foot, two-story building being designed and built by The Renschler Company of Madison include:

• Large indoor and outdoor play areas
• Fly Ball and built-in play pools
• Play groups divided by temperament, size, and activity levels
• Individual play and attention for animals that prefer the solitary life
• Boarding in indoor/outdoor runs and luxury suites
• Jamboree room for cageless boarding and a human companion all night
• Specialized cat condos and a temperature/humidity-controlled room for birds and reptile boarding
• Walk-in dog shower and "Grooming by Sandy"
• 24-hour staffing
• Full-service veterinary hospital with five exam rooms and two surgery rooms
• Extended evening hours for veterinary care

The owners want the public to know, "We are currently open and providing medical and surgical services in temporary on-site quarters during construction. We expect to be operating out of our new facilities in July 2008." # # #