The Barking Garage

I used to work at the Gateway Whole Foods store. I was working the Guest Service booth when Mary came in to talk to one of our store managers and tell them about this awesome service. Don’t leave your dogs in the car! Drop them off in an air conditioned trailer with kennels. Get your shopping done, get a bite to eat or even go to a movie. Fast forward about a month or two later.
A group of friends, me and my dog Samuel were going out to the lake. We decided to meet up at Whole Foods to get our shopping done for provisions for the day and head out. I was stressing out about what I was going to do with Samuel. I thought I could tie up him outside by the tables but I knew he wouldn’t behave. I could have someone shop for me or have someone sit outside with Samuel. One of my friends that was work at WFM over the weekend posted that the Barking Garage was going to be in the parking lot that weekend. Bingo! I vaguely remembered hearing about the service. I was relieved. I parked in the very back of the lot near the trailer. Mary greeted us half way through the lot because she was posted up under a tent by the store. Samuel was the first customer that day and the only one there. He’s not used to being in a crate or kennel so it was a bit challenging leaving him. Mary said that he did well and was calm after a few minutes. We tried to get him into a medium but he walked right into the large. Mary said since he was the only one she would just charge me the medium size.
They charge by the hour and the size of your dog/​the size of the crate they go in. I was gone for 45 minutes and paid $ 8. For me this was great. Samuel was in an air conditioned place and someone was keeping him company. This is such a genius business plan. I kind of wish I thought about it. I can’t remember the specific details but she said she has a lease with the the Gateway Plaza until the end of September or October. She’s just trying to figure out which locations are going to work out best.
Highly recommended! If you’ve got your little fur baby with please DO NOT leave them in the car! Take them to the Barking Garage!

Mary Traverse’s new business housing dogs in North Austin, while I shop is an adorable idea! So smart, I will never have to leave my dog in the car (or home alone) again. Now I can spend the day treating myself to a movie, haircut or dinner while my puppies are looked after too! The kennels are clean, the trailer nice and cool, prices completely affordable and best of all… I know my furry children are in the best hands! Mary is an award wining holistic healer, chiropractor, organic gardener, horsewoman, endocrinologist, and animal enthusiast. She’s an amazing woman and I’m so glad to see her opening up shop to share her love of animals with others. Go check her business The Barking Garage out!!! Too cute!!!