Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Peggy Haas' dogs - Charlie, Wings, Lucy and Hercules - have been in doggie heaven playing host to the constant flux of new faces at the Haas' new RK Pet Ranch, which opened last week.

"Lucy especially loves to play with everybody," Haas said Monday as her dogs were running around looking for a tennis ball. "They're having a great time."

Haas and her husband, Ron, opened the authentic, Western-themed, resort-like boarding kennel for pets as a way to preserve their 18 acres of land by doing something they love - being with animals.

"We had a zoo before we started boarding animals," Peggy said.

The Haases, who live eight miles south of Steamboat Springs, also have llamas, horses, miniature ponies, cats, a goat and sheep they care for.

"I've always had animals in my life. They're my passion," she said.

Haas hopes that passion is reflected in the new boarding facility, which boasts individual dog bedrooms with attached playrooms, daily maid service, heated flooring, soft beds, a swimming pool, central music, televisions, an indoor communal play area, an outdoor area and a couch "for older dogs who just like to sit and be petted."

"Dogs can get very nervous and upset when their owners leave. Everyone knows dogs need special attention," she said. "Because our facility is small, we're able to provide that one-on-one attention and special care your pet needs."

Steamboat Springs resident Emily Burden, who has two Brittany cocker spaniels, said she has boarded her dogs at RK Pet Ranch before and was planning on dropping them off again Wednesday.

"What I liked was that when I picked them up, they seemed really happy and worn out," she said. "They got to run around a lot, which is important to me."

Haas said each dog is walked at least three times a day on the Haases' property, which can be an eye-opening time for some city dogs.

"The dogs get curious when they see sheep or some of the other animals" on the property, she said. "We have a good country experience for them, especially for the dogs who never see these things otherwise."

That goes for children, too, she said.

"One of the fun things is that we have the llamas and the minis for the kids to pet when they're dropping off their pets," she said. "It's an experience for the whole family."

The Haases can board cats, dogs, horses and some exotic pets, she said. Lodging prices range from $15 for cats to between $25 and $35 a day for dogs depending on the size of the kennel. Prices are all-inclusive and include walks, snacks and medication administration if necessary.

For more information or to make reservations, call 879-5639 or visit www.rkpetranch.com.

- To reach Alexis DeLaCruz, call 871-4234

or e-mail adelacruz@steamboatpilot.com