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The Stay and Play Doggie Daycare, which opened in June at 1273 Route 5, promises a day of fun for all dogs, owner Terry Powers said.

"Basically, the dogs come play all day and they're exhausted when they go home," she said.

The saying goes, "a tired puppy is a happy puppy," and such happiness can extend to the pet owner, as well. Coming home from work with an exhausted pet gives the owner a chance to perhaps address their needs, like making their dinner before the dog's, Powers said.

Since opening, an average of seven to eight dogs per day have been entrusted into Stay and Play's service — the maximum capacity for the daycare is 20.

These dogs, whom Powers refers to as "the pack," often live a structured life of playing, napping and more playing during the day.

"It keeps the dog busy and occupied while the owner is away at work... so the dog is not sitting home in a crate."

The doors open early in the morning, but the pets cannot stay overnight. As the services are highly requested, ownership is hoping to add pet boarding and grooming in the future.

Partnered with an experienced dog trainer, Powers said the pets are always supervised while their owners are away. The dogs often play amongst themselves at the Elbridge location or with toys and other amenities, like a kiddie pool.

The daycare also prompts mental stimulation for the pets, helping to teach them how to be social with other dogs and people.

"Even if they're not playing, they're watching the other dogs and not just sleeping all day long," Powers said.

The Stay and Play facility is designed to separate small and large dogs both indoors and outside, although the pack has so far played together without incident, she said. Prior to enrollment into the daycare's services, a dog is first evaluated to make sure he or she would fit in with the others.

This evaluation, which takes place after hours, is an approximately half-hour meet-and-greet with a few other dogs, including Powers' pet Shadow.

"If they fit in with that little pack, usually they'll be able to fit in with the others," she said.

For increased assurance, owners are given the option of leaving their pets at the daycare for a half day, free of charge, to make sure there is a smooth integration.

A grand opening for the business is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27. Powers plans on hosting the family event with several local vendors, like dog grooming and face painting, and a pet parade to officially introduce Stay and Play to the local community.

It's all part of Powers' aspirations as a dog lover and enthusiast — desires covered in pet hair, slobber and puppy love. The Elbridge resident said the location, once a gas station, is "the perfect setup," with roomy areas both inside and out.

"I love coming to work everyday," she said. "I love coming home covered in dog hair and slobber. It's been my dream. I'm glad I took the leap."