Kelvin Abrams, 38, was inspired by his dog, Tiki, to open Tiki's Playhouse, where dogs can come to play, rest, be groomed and even watch television. Tiki's Playhouse also features an area for cats. (Submitted photo)
Beloved dog inspiration for Tiki's Playhouse
Grand opening of dog day care business set for Aug. 9
By Mary T. Robbins Phelan
mphelan@theviewnewspapers.com
Posted 8/07/08
Luckily, dogs have a new place where they can go to relax, romp and even watch some of their favorite TV shows.
Dog owners can take a tour of the new Tiki's Playhouse in Glenelg on Saturday during its grand opening Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3830 Ten Oaks Road. The event will feature tours of the facility, training demonstrations, free self-service dog washes, raffles of free doggie day care and boarding, contests for pets and their owners, free hot dogs, chips and sodas and an appearance of Bubbles the Clown and a face painter from 2 to 4 p.m.
Kelvin Abrams, 38, of Severn, named his new business after his beloved Weimaraner, Tiki, who was just 11 months old when Abrams came home from work and found the dog paralyzed. Tiki was suffering from spinal-chord bleeding from a previously undiagnosed ailment. The dog spent much of his young life in a crate.
On Dec. 20, 2006, Abrams made the heart-wrenching decision to put the dog to sleep just shy of Tiki's 1-year birthday. Within days, he decided he would open a dog day care business in honor of his faithful companion. Abrams said he wanted a better life for dogs while their owners were away from home.
Services provided at Tiki's Playhouse include: doggie day care, cageless boarding, dog washing, dog walking, kitty hotel, kitty litter clean up, sleepovers, canine cab service, grooming and training.
Tiki's Playhouse sits on about an acre of land in Glenelg. The backyard features 800 square feet of fencing, which separate little dogs from big dogs. Every animal goes through temperament testing before being allowed to stay at Tiki's, Abrams said.
Feel like pampering your pooch for a bit? The Playhouse features private suites, each equipped with it's own television, climate control, bed and toys.
As for cats, well ... animals already known for having a good, easy life of napping and bathing in the sun will come to feel like they have hit the Ritz-Carlton at Tiki's Playhouse's Cat Hotel in a separate part of the house, with its own ventilation system.
"In his short life, he showed me that life is too shot and you are not guaranteed tomorrow," Abrams said. "He lived his short little life to the fullest. He was always a rambunctious and happy dog."
"Some people talk about starting a business and other people do it," Abrams continued. "It wasn't until the loss of my dog that I stopped talking about it and started to do it."
user comments (5)
user mjackson says...
What a remarkable man, Kelvin is. To find someone who is inspired by their beloved pets is not hard to find these days and that's great - it brings a new life to those lost who's name will forever carry on thanks to someone who deeply cared for them, but most of all who loves them shows just how much our pets truly are one of our best gifts in this life. I commend you, Kelvin for taking such a heart felt dream and sharing that dream with the wonderful pets and people who will be apart of Tiki's Playhouse!
Posted 3:03 PM, 08.07.08
user owingshgts1 says...
I was at work when I read this,I bursted out crying!! There are not to many people you really feel for their loved pets,I was truly touched.If I could get the funds I would love to open up a no kill shelter for strays of all kinds.I am going to check out the place on opening day my dog has never been in a kennell over night because I DO NOT TRUST anyone but I do believe that Kelvin has opened up a place true to his heart and I WILL TRUST them with mine
Posted 1:57 PM, 08.08.08
user terpteacher says...
Congrats to Kelvin on completing this incredible endeavor! This is a man I would trust my dog with. Can't wait to see the place!
Posted 2:07 PM, 08.08.08
user pilgrim2 says...
Congratulaions on your terrific achievement, . I am very proud of you
CEAbrams
Posted 7:47 AM, 08.09.08
user elysemarie says...
Wondering if Kelvin uses a Booster Bath to bathe/groom the dogs? I have one that I bought online a couple of years ago and it is really a back-saver (the dog is elevated to about waist height and there's a drainage hose and built-in leash & collar restraint). Also takes less than half the time to bathe! In an environment like Tiki's Playhouse a Booster Bath could work wonders! The company that makes it will ship it for free from http://www.boosterbath.com. Great work Kelvin!!!
Posted 4:57 PM, 08.11.08
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