WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – In the cold, dark winter months, walking your dog can be a daunting task. A unique new business in Waterbury caters to people with K-9 companions, offering a place for dogs to get some exercise indoors.
“I wanted a place where Marty and I could get out of the house and exercise together. And I used to think, ‘Gosh, I just wish I could take him with me to the gym,’” said Loona Brogan, owner of K9 Treads Studio and Store.
Brogan and her pup, Marty, gave a tour and demonstration of the facility.
Brogan, a dog walker by trade, said she knows all too well how tough the winter months can be on both pups and their people.
“Who loves an icy, dark night when the dog’s been in the house all day?” Brogan said.
Her solution is K9 Treads. The store is stocked with various treadmills and walking pads for dogs and people.
Brogan said as far as she can tell, this store is the first of its kind.
“I did my best to find a business that already exists that’s doing this because I wanted to model after them or see, well, do the numbers work? And it doesn’t exist,” Brogan said.
There are still a few finishing touches in order, including some of the K-9 treadmills that have fallen victim to tariff troubles and supply chain challenges. But Brogan said that shouldn’t interfere with the grand opening plans.
“They’ve been on backorder since June. But we should get them any week now!” Brogan said.
People will also be able to lease and buy both K-9 treadmills and cat wheels if they want to give it a go at home.
The business offers opportunities for both the four-legged and the two-legged to get moving.
There will be an official grand opening at the store on Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m., at 3537 Waterbury-Stowe Road in Waterbury Center. You must RSVP in advance.
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