On the East End, the North Fork of Long Island. A Dog-Gone Find.

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
January 8th, 2009

Our bulldog, Oliver, became VERY ATTACHED to a very specific dog toy. It was an amazing toy: a rubber ball attached to a string.

IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT, WHEN IT FINALLY (after seven months) EXPIRED, locating the same toy would be a search…resulting in a REAL FIND!

After looking through several stores known for having dog toys, and realizing that a generic variety, rather than the REAL DEAL, would last no more than a few days with our somewhat…exuberant family member, it occurred to me to try a NEW place on the North Fork of Long Island. While calling itself a dog ”daycare”, surely they’d also carry some dog toys…

Not only does DOGTOWN, located at 40385 Rt. 48, Southold NY 11971, carry dog toys, they carry QUALITY dog toys. Sure enough, a container holding my sought after “Oliver toy” was right there in abundance.

Much to my delight, the owners offered me a tour of their new facility. All the while, my mind considered what was once unthinkable: FINALLY, A GREAT PLACE TO LEAVE THE DOGS!

For those of us that travel, even if it’s a visit to see relatives in Westchester  NY or Connecticut, such trips never included the luxury of an overnight- to the contrary, plans always revolved around, “What time should we leave to get back to the dogs”?

While bringing Oliver and Greta would be terrific, dogs aren’t always a welcomed appendage (particularly if they’re a bit excitable in a new environment).

For those visiting the east end of Long Island, whether it’s the North Fork or the Hamptons, DOGTOWN is a place where not only will you feel comfortable leaving your best friend for a day (or ten), the convenient location makes it absolutely perfect for frequent “hellos” (if they’ll bother saying “hello” back).

As the pics demonstrate, this is a HAPPY CREW at DOGTOWN- that it’s impeccably clean is just an unexpected bonus.

That the owners are clearly DOG LOVERS is evident in their planning of this luxe dog daycare.

While rates are subject to change, I’ll include their handout (effective 1/09)- along with a phone # to call for reservations. 631-765-8844.

Based on what we’ve seen, this is a place that could end up being “the” place for both locals with beloved dogs, and visitors finally able to comfortably accommodate their four legged friends, so call early!