She’s been around animals all of her life, so it wasn’t surprising when Sandy Walter decided to start her own business that involved them.

Pawsitive Experience Pet Spa opened about a year ago on Park Avenue. Walter worked in the conservation field but always wanted to get into business.  She had trained and showed horses and always had cats and dogs around. “My first word as a baby was the dog’s name, Boots. People were always asking me to train their pets.”

Walter tells the Journal that she came up with the name for her business five years ago while driving down a dirt road near Inglis. She was living in Brandon and thought it would be a good location for a business. “I had what I wanted in my head and scouted for a location. I came upon the present site and just modified my plans.”

Among the many amenities for pets is the doggie daycare. Walter says that it provides dogs with an opportunity to play, socialize and interact with other dogs. “People are shocked the dogs all get along. All they need is supervision, boundaries and manners.” She says the regulars are excited to be at daycare.

While there are no restrictions as to the type of dog the daycare will accept, Walter says that the dogs have to have their shots and cannot be in heat. She says that some owners have noticed a difference in their pets that have used the facility.

Clients use the facility for different reasons.  Some pet owners are busy and may not have time to have their dogs socialize. Others drop off their pets so that they can get some attention, supervision and playtime. There is also a separate daycare space for cats where dogs aren’t allowed.

Walter says that after a year in business, she has visions of becoming bigger and does have long-term plans. Along with herself, there are three to four casual employees. Pawsitive Experiences also offers grooming, pet boarding, photography, nail trimming and overnight care.

Pawsitive Experience is located at 9th Street and Park Avenue and can be reached at:
1-204-717-7297