NORWICH – The Doggie Dude Ranch, 180 Upper Ravine Road, celebrated it’s 10th anniversary earlier this month after a decade of providing clients with both dog boarding and professional day care.

Owner Courtney Sullivan said it all started with a small dream while living in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Sullivan stated she has been an animal lover since she was a very small child and was always bringing home crayfish, turtles, birds and saving any animal she could. Years later, she desired to own a ranch where she could live and care for other animals.

Sullivan has lived in a number of other locales, not to mention travelling to many others, but said there was no better place to live out her dream than back in her hometown of Norwich. She added that she purchased a cabin - the old Whit’s Ice Cream building - and 26 acres of land ... the rest is history.

Doggie Dude Ranch officially opened its doors on April 1, 2003.

The Doggie Dude Ranch provides a safe, caring place for pets to stay, whether that’s just for a day or for an extended stay. The dogs are able to play, interact, enjoy the radiant heat flooring when it’s cold outside and swim in the doggie pools during the summer.

Sullivan added, “It’s nice to know that people feel comfortable leaving their precious family members with me, as dogs are not just pets, but family members. Some clients have even said they have to spell out where they are going rather than say it, because they can recognize the name and many dogs know right when they turn down Manley Road where they’re headed and get so excited.”