“We are just dog people,” Red Linder said. Linder, along with co-owner Cat Gyiraszin, opened The Barking Lot Indoor Dog Park & Daycare in Huntley last December, and many Sun City residents have taken advantage of the new facility.
This winter has brought extreme Polar Vortex temperatures or pouring rains. The options for dog walking and outdoor play are limited, yet dogs need year-round exercise and attention, no matter the weather. The Barking Lot offers indoor climate-controlled facilities for play opportunities in any kind of weather conditions.
Emma Cypers, an employee who lives in Huntley, loves working and playing with the furry guests.
“I’ve been working here since January and I love seeing all the variety of dogs and I try to make sure they are comfortable. I have three dogs of my own,” she said.
Cypers loves to help local pet owners during the seasonal extremes.
“The freezing temperatures of late don’t give owners or their pets the opportunity to get the exercise or playing time,” she said. “We offer that. Like today, these dogs would not get much walking time in the pouring rain. In the summer, the heat could be just as bad. In here, the temperature is perfect and there is enough space to play and run.”
The 10,000 square foot, multi-use facility, boasts almost 7,000 square feet of indoor, climate-controlled open play space.
Cypers states, “We also offer daycare for pet owners. They can run their errands and leave their dogs here. We have rooms, no cages. We have couches, chairs in the rooms where they are allowed to sit on and visit with us.”
Sondra Michalski likes to take her Greyhounds.
“Meet Rosie and Apple, Tom and Irmi Tokar’s GrandDogs. It’s a great place. It’s close to Sun City, where my parents just moved.”
Stephanie Storz said her pets are never bored at The Barking Lot.
“They will have fun!” she said.
Samantha Babincsal said, “Maya, my Belgian German Shepherd, has been several times. We don’t have a fenced in yard so this is great. I really like that they require proof of rabies and distemper shots.”
Cypers added that the staff loves to give their guests lots of puppy love.
“We have treats and toys here for the dogs and some medical care. Here in our dog care area, I will come and sit here sometimes and sit and play with them, so they don’t get lonely,” she said.
The Barking Lot doesn’t stop at mere daycare services. The location also offers unexpected events.
Linder states, “We are expanding our services. We offer puppy training classes and a follow-up series. We had a request for a baptism and at the end of March, we will be hosting a baptism for a number of dogs.”
Linder adds, “My partner, Cat and I are planning to host our own wedding here later this year. Our dogs, Sadie and Isabelle will be in attendance.”
Linder hopes The Barking Lot teaches dog owners more about their role as a puppy parent.
“We really want to help educate dog owners. People want a dog, but don’t always know what they are getting into. They want to learn and we want to help them,” Linder said. “We invite pet owners to come and let their dogs play and meet other dogs. We have refreshments for humans. We also have plans to expand to include some higher end dog related retail products.”
The Barking Lot is Located at 11806 S IL Route 47. Open play and daycare available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
