BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

Owner Samantha Puckett cut the blue ribbon last week to officially open the new Puckett’s Pups Doggy Daycare & Boarding Facility, 5686 East Harbor Rd., Marblehead. From left to right are Helen Puckett, Sierra Puckett, Samantha Puckett, Tony Puckett and Executive Director Teri Cassell of the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by John Kozak)

Samantha Puckett welcomes a classy golden retriever, who will be staying for a while at Puckett’s Pups Doggy Daycare & Boarding Facility in one of its 16 brand new kennels. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

When Samantha Puckett graduated from the University of Toledo in 2020 with a degree in communications, business and marketing, she had already been brainstorming a brand new business for the Marblehead Peninsula, one that had to do with canine companions.

“I grew up here and went to Danbury High School, and knew a boarding kennel would be popular in this area,” she explained. “There are hardly any in the region. Many who know I have dogs and love them so much, have asked me time and again for a recommendation.”

Last week, Puckett debuted her brand new 3,000-square foot facility, Puckett’s Pups Doggy Daycare & Boarding Facility, the first tenant in the newly-built, bright, airy heated storage unit.

The building includes a 70×25-foot exercise area on one side, and a dozen 5×5-foot and four 5×10-foot gated individual kennels on the other.

The unit has a restroom, canine shower and office in the middle. A wall-mounted TV, coffee machine and pet treats greet customers when they walk through the front door with their four-legged family members.

Puckett also has the benefit of parents who are savvy business owners. Her father, Tony Puckett, owns the Pucketts’s Corral Restaurant in Toledo. Her mother, Helen Puckett, is the popular owner of the Erie Social Shuffleboard Club & Bar, which is right next door to her daughter’s Puckett’s Pups Facility.

“With little word of mouth, we’re already attracting a lot of dog owners,” said Puckett. “The need is there for local dog owners at this time of year. I know summer visitors will be delighted to be able to drop off their dogs so friends and family can enjoy going to Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island or Cedar Point with them for a fun day, or an overnight adventure.

“While the Erie Social Shuffleboard Club & Bar next door is busy during the winter season, with lots of regulars looking for entertainment, a full bar and something to eat. I expect Puckett’s Pups to be very busy during the summer months, when we baby sit the four-legged members of the family.”

To make a reservation for daycare or daytime kennel services, or an overnight kennel stay, call 419-967-2621 between 8 a.m.-6 p.m., visit its website at puckettspupsllc.com or check in on Facebook at Puckett’s Pups.

Boarding cost is $40 per night, with a 50% discount for a second dog in the same kennel. Doggie Daycare is $27 for a full day (5-plus hours) and $17 for a half day. A vaccination record is needed, as well as an on-site Temperament Test.