By John Hayden

Getting a blowout, having your nails done, and socializing with friends by the pool, there’s nothing better than a spa day. But this day out also comes with a healthy dose of sniffing the other customers and chasing them around. Wilton’s Manor is a doggie daycare, resort, and spa that has tongues and tails wagging.

Josh Meneses and Alan Aghazadian opened their pet paradise eleven years ago at 2155 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, a manifestation of their lifelong love of dogs. “You’re either a dog lover or you’re not, and we are. We’ve had dogs our whole lives,” Aghazadian told OutClique. 

The moment you step inside you are greeted by a playful pack of smaller dogs who rush up to the edge of their giant playpen to see who’s coming in next. The excitement is electric and you know for sure that in this place, dogs rule. 

“Small dogs do great,” Aghazadian said. “They’re inside with mostly other dogs their size. Sometimes we have a big dog in there that thinks it’s a small dog so it’s kinda fun to watch that happen.”

Unlike some kennels, this is not a place to warehouse your dog for a day or a week. Wilton’s Manor is a place of engagement where four-legged guests play with staff and each other. As you move towards the reception desk, you may hear some deep-voiced barks beckoning you to the back. Larger dogs (and small dogs who think they’re larger dogs) hang out on the back patio.

There they can play on the pavers, go for a dip in the in-ground pool and then dry off under a huge shade tree and canapes. “When you see them skip the first step and they reach right into the pool, nosedive in there, and look at you with the craziest faces,” Meneses said.

While there are many regulars, new dogs are always being introduced, meaning they essentially have to form a new pack every day. He says it’s that kind of socialization that makes the day fly by. “Our philosophy is we want this to be an open environment playtime as if they were at home. They’re not going to be in a crate when they’re home, so we let them play with dogs who are like minded. We’re part of the pack with them.”

In addition to daycare, they also board dogs and have a veteran groomer, Jodie Arrington, who keeps pooches pretty. When you see her in action you can see the care and joy in her eyes, as well as the dog. When dogs come in for a long stay, they often end with a session with Arrington. “They might come to us just for daycare or boarding. We tell them, for instance, your dog is here for a week. We can groom them the day before pick up and you’ve accomplished two things at once.”

Wilton’s Manor is part of what became a Pet Project in the neighborhood. They’re right next to an animal hospital and a pet supply store. Daycare or boarded dogs can be dropped off and the vet tech from the clinic will come, take them to their appointment, and return them, saving their carers a trip.

New dogs have to be vaccinated and be fixed if they’re more than a year old. If they’re going to be boarded, they first must come to the daycare to see how they socialize with their fellow canines.

South Florida Home

Meneses and Aghazadian met 25 years ago in Los Angeles, CA, and have been romantic partners for 12, about the same time they moved here and became business partners. They have three rescue dogs at home.

When they arrived in South Florida, Meneses says they knew exactly where they wanted to set up shop. “The plan all along was to go into the mostly gay neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale and let’s look for the right location. We know the passion the LGBT community has for their pets. It’s often the only kids they have.”

The city welcomed them and pointed them towards vacant warehouses along Dixie Hwy. They found one with a big tree and yard and converted it into Wilton’s Manor. They still fondly remember their first guest. “Jasmine was the first dog that ever walked in and was still coming ten years later.”

The couple knows they have a success story not by the happy owners, but by excited pups. “My favorite review is from the dog. When I see them pull their parent into the daycare because they can’t wait to get into the backyard and start playing with their other buddies. When I see that, it tells me we’re doing the right thing.”

To learn more about Wilton’s Manor, visit their website, WiltonsManor.com.