October 21, 2004

When only the best will do, call Paws Mahal

New doggie day care offers the best for Fido

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

Do you feel guilty when you leave your dog home knowing that in a few minutes he’ll suffer separation anxiety wondering where you are? Does Fido get into mischief chewing on your slippers or rearranging the living room when no one is at home? If these are your canine worries there’s a new doggie day care in town to solve your doggie issues.

Paws Mahal is the brainchild of Jennifer Tynes and Dinah Moore, two very candid dog lovers, who saw a need and are satisfying it. The inspiration occurred to the women when they observed dogs left in cars unattended.

Jennifer Tynes, owner, and Dinah Moore, manager, of Paws Mahal with mascot Miss Suzy. Photo by Jeanne C. Lewis

“We’d see dogs left in the car with the windows rolled up while their owners did an errand,” Moore, manager of the Paws Mahal, commented. “Once someone left the windows open and the dog jumped out and ran away. Another was tied to a tree. It was terrible.”

The two self-starters ran with the idea and began researching the doggie day care business. Dog lovers and owners for years, the two decided what would work best for the care and safekeeping of their four-legged charges by researching and studying. They discussed their ideas with South Bay Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Dougald Gilmore, receiving further advice and suggestions to establish a five-star facility.

“It’s a wonderful idea,” Gilmore said when he stopped by to see the progress of Paws Mahal. “They’ve put a lot of effort into this facility. It’s first class.”

“I kept saying: I want it to be the Taj Mahal for dogs,” Jennifer Tynes, the owner, said laughing. “And that’s where we got the name—the Paws Mahal. We want to give them the best of care with plenty of love, praise and attention.”

Besides the full or half doggie day care programs, Tynes and Moore are hoping that visitors will take advantage of their $5 an hour rate when they visit AMF Bowling Alley, Club One or Oakridge Mall nearby. Socialization with humans and other canines is a primary goal at the Paws Mahal. The center has two large indoor play areas [one for small dogs, the other for large] with natural light, full of beds and toys that are vet approved to keep the pups happy and safe. Each area is staffed with trained personnel who play games with your pooch, take them outside to the gated yard and even bring them to South Bay Veterinary Specialists if they have an appointment.

Refreshments include fresh spring water and healthy treats. The secure area has green epoxy floors that are odor resistant. There’s a retail store stocked with dog food and necessities for the owner’s convenience. And if you can’t resist seeing your pooch while at work, there’s the doggie cam with Internet access for the owners who have separation anxiety.

“I wanted it to be a safe environment for their dogs,” Tynes remarked about the security codes necessary for access to the facility. “They’re like people’s children.”

Paws Mahal even has its own mascot. Miss Suzy, one of Tynes’ three canines. Miss Suzy is a precocious miniature dachshund who likes to be the center of attention and is on site most days.

The congenial women have future plans of dog training classes, weekend day care and bathing and nail clipping. And they’d love to have doggie birthday parties.

The Paws Mahal had its grand opening recently with music, balloons and of course, barbecued hot dogs for humans and their canine friends. Bill Tynes who oversaw the construction of his wife’s new venture, presented Jennifer with a huge bouquet of flowers decorated with, what else, dog bones and leashes.

Paws Mahal Doggie Day Care is located at the Thornwood Plaza, 5444 Thornwood Plaza, San Jose. Phone: 363-6375. Or go to www.paws-mahal.com.