Ruffner's thanks community for '10 great years' in St. Charles

ST. CHARLES – For the last decade, Ruffner's Luxury Pet Boarding has offered pet owners a place to leave their animals for the day or even longer.

As the St. Charles business celebrates a milestone anniversary – it opened March 1, 2005, at 1880 Dean St. – owner Tom Kosmel said he wanted to "thank the Fox Valley area for 10 great years."

The sound of barking dogs remained a constant soundtrack as Kosmel spoke – and with good reason. This week usually is busy for Ruffner’s, as many dog owners need care for their canines as they partake in spring break vacations, Kosmel said.

“That’s our big time,” he said, noting Ruffner’s had to turn down 20 to 30 people. “Any holiday, we book up fast.”

But it’s not just dogs that Ruffner’s cares for. It accepts animals of all sorts – cats, birds, snakes, turtles, guinea pigs and, Kosmel said, “a lot of rabbits.”

In addition to day care and boarding services, Ruffner’s offers grooming and has its own bakery, where dog treats are made in-house, Kosmel said.

Although Ruffner’s customer base is mainly from the immediate area, Kosmel said some live in places such as Naperville and Chicago.

Manager Jenn Brauner said Ruffner’s stands out from other pet boarding places because of the care it provides. Employees hand-clean the facilities between each dog’s stay, she said, and they let pet owners know if their animal won’t be a good fit for day care.

“The girls can tell right away,” Kosmel said.

Employees also watch out for the animals’ health, Brauner said, noting Kosmel recently drove a dog to its veterinarian in Joliet when it needed care.

“They’re like our own,” Brauner said of the animals.

Visit www.ruffnersdoggiedaycare.com for information.