The death of a beloved pet has inspired a dog lover to open a new indoor play park designed to give pooches a safe space to exercise.
Dionne Townley came up with the idea for Barks Indoor Park after losing her 15-year-old dog, Jak, last year. The Jack Russell went blind in the final years of his life, making daily walks increasingly difficult.
She said: “Jak went blind when he was 13, and walking him became difficult, especially when other dogs approached him. He would have loved somewhere like this where he could explore safely.”
Dionne and her husband Ben have invested around £20,000 to transform the former Staffs Lifting Club unit on Campbell Road in Stoke-on-Trent into Barks, which opens on Friday, 26 June.
The private hire facility allows up to six dogs at a time. It includes a beach-themed area with sand and splash pools, a ball pit, climbing equipment and an agility course, alongside sensory and enrichment features.
A special ‘Jak’s corner’ has been created in memory of Dionne’s late pet, providing different textures and scents designed to stimulate blind or visually impaired dogs.
Dionne, who has left a warehouse job to launch the business, said: “We have tried to think of all the issues people face when walking their dogs.
“Some people have reactive dogs, while others don’t feel safe going out walking. This gives them a safe, secure and weatherproof environment where they can relax.”
Sessions are priced at £20 for one or two dogs, with additional dogs costing £3 each.
Complimentary tea and instant coffee are available to owners, with speciality coffees offered at an additional cost.
The couple’s two dogs – Parsons Jack Russell Bella and Jack Russell cross Tilly – have already given the new play park their seal of approval.
Dionne added: “Our dogs are our children. I needed something to focus on after losing Jak and this seemed like the right thing.
“We have tried to be as competitive with pricing as possible because we want plenty of dogs and their owners to come and enjoy it.”
