Central Bark Doggy Day Care first opened its den in 1997 to support the growing number of people who realize that dogs are not just pets. Our pups are friends, companions and family members. And they're individuals with unique personalites and needs.

They also understood that more than ever before, today's busy lifestyles make it difficult to give pets the attention, structure, training, exercise and mental stimulation necessary for happy and well-rounded lives. And the reality is, dogs crated or isolated for extended periods are deprived of social interaction, and can become lethargic or destructive.

That's why they're happily going into their second decade dedicated to their dogma. As the nation's largest network of day care for dogs, Central Bark® is committed to providing a clean, healthy, fun and nurturing environment for your dog while you're away. With their focus on exercise, socialization and training, when you're reunited with your pooch at the end of the day, you'll enjoy the company of your happier, healthier, better-behaved dog, friend, companion and family member.

Do you know what your dogs are doing when you are at work? Are they getting the right socialization and playing nice? Most of us don’t really ask ourselves those questions when thinking about our dogs. Like children and teenagers, dogs need constant attention, care and that something a little bit extra. Central Bark Doggy Day Care offers a variety of services for dogs whose masters want just as much for their four-legged “children” as they do the two-legged ones.

Chris Gaba, who began his professional career in marketing and advertising, is one of the major forces driving the success of Central Park Doggy Daycare. In 2000, Chris decided it was time to follow a new passion. When he took a new job in Boca Raton to be closer to his now husband, Dr. Rob Baylis, he was traveling up to four days a week and found it increasingly difficult to find places and people to care for his dogs while he was on business. During his time traveling, however, Chris began brainstorming solutions to his dilemma.

"When I was traveling for business I would flip through magazines and always see stories and features about dogs and started getting ideas. I thought that this could really be something I could do. Shortly after [in 2000] I opened my first doggy day care,” Chris said.

After the attacks on September 11, Chris was reading a special issue of Newsweek covering the catastrophe when he happened on a feature about Jackie Jordan, who was also in the doggy day care business. After several attempts, Chris was finally able to speak with Jackie about a potential partnership.

Jackie and Chris joined forces in 2003 to create one the most comprehensive doggy day care programs available, and they became franchised in 2004. There are currently 28 Central Barks in seven states, with two of the locations in Florida (Tampa and Fort Lauderdale).

In the Fort Lauderdale location, there is a 12-member staff who maintain 50 to 60 dogs daily. The facility also operates 24/7, which gives Central Bark an extra edge in the doggy daycare market.

"Everything we do is done to insure that the dogs in our care are safe and have a blast! The exercise and socialization they receive while in our care is incredible. Try it,your dog'll love you even more for it,” said Chris.

Some of the services Central Bark offers include doggy day care, doggy sleepovers, doggy boutique, canine cab, doggy parties and doggy training. Please refer to their web site for a detailed list services and rates (www.centralbarkusa.com).

Central bark Doggy Day Care will be celebrating “AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day” on September 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event celebrates Pet Ownership, and brings the newest most up to date information to one location. While we have fun we will also be raising funds for an amazing nonprofit “Share-A-Pet, Pet Therapy Organization. Come and enjoy a day dedicated to our fine, furry friends, plus help raise money for a great cause.

Chris and Rob, who are happily married, have two children, Christian, 19 months, and Cooper, 6 months; and two Weimaraners, Sophie and Taz, who are both 11 years old.