Thursday is puppy day at Fairy Dog Mother Doggie Day Care - and just as with human children, the first day for some dogs (and their owners) can be nerve wracking.

That’s where Donna Smith, the Fairy Dog Mother comes in.

Donna loves working with dogs. She grew up with them and understands their behaviour and recently started the new doggie day care business in Lismore.

Already she has had an overwhelming response from loving dog owners.

“I used to work at another dog day care and grooming business that closed down because of Covid, so I knew there was a need for this service,” Donna said.

Donna has created a welcoming space for small and medium sized dogs.

Fairy Dog Mother Doggie Day Care is just like a preschool - there’s a sandpit, a pit of balls, lounges, water stations and play equipment.

Some dogs arrive with packed lunches – and others just want to play all day.

But just like with children at a human preschool, Donna said it’s important for dogs to have play time and rest time.

“Dogs actually sleep 16 hours a day, so having quiet time is important – and I sit down with them and get them to chill out,” she said.

At doggie day care, socialisation is an important part of play – and Donna said the dogs naturally form friendships with other dogs.

On puppy day, the daschunds have formed a close bond - and the dogs with longer legs seem to have chosen each other to play with more.

“Some dogs who have had a hard life have been changed by coming here,” Donna said. “I love that I can help change the experience for the dogs.

“But it is important that any dogs coming here are already well socialised and desexed - particularly males because otherwise they are too aggressive - but breeding female dogs are ok.

“I treat the dogs like my own and give them what they would get at home - including cuddles and pats – and they all get excited to come.

“The owners know the dog is safe and secure and that the dog is getting loved.”

One of the dogs on puppy day is an older, placid dog, Daisy.

“Daisy was found by her owners on side of road with burnt paws burnt and they gave her a new life,” Donna said. 

“She’s so lovely. And Lilo the beagle is the sweetest ever. She makes friends with everyone and makes everyone feel comfortable.”

So, if you want your dog to have a play date at doggie day care, the Fairy Dog Mother invites you to bring your dog and come and check it out first.

It’s open Wednesday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm and it’s a great service for working parents.

Bookings are essential. For more information, visit the Fairy Dog Mother Doggie Day Care Facebook page.