Dari Mihalache, with scissors, and Sam Nassar, kneeling, open their Neighborhood Pup Club. Legislative representatives and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce friends join the business owners. Canine clients are Reina and Lucy.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Sam Nassar and Dari Mihalache say the best part of their day is seeing tails wag.

The partners see plenty of wagging. They recently began a canine daycare business from their Carmichael home.

Neighborhood Pup Club is licensed to take in up to five dogs at a time. At night, the visitors go home to their families.

“Many people have more than one job these days,” said co-owner Dari, 26. “They don’t always have time to give pets the company and stimulation they need. That’s where we come in. We provide play environments and social interaction.”

“When owners arrive to collect their pup, they’re comforted to know their best friend has had a great day, and he’s ready to wind down with them.” 

Lebanese American Sam, 53, grew up with a love for canines. “The first dog I met was a military-trained German shepherd,” he recalled. “I was just a little boy and I was so scared, I ran away from him. But we soon became friends. I loved that despite his demeanor of power; he was so warm.”

“My second dog was a Rottweiler. I learned that even dogs that might look vicious can be beautiful angels if you treat them right and give them love.”

The business follows a previous operation in Pleasanton. Unincorporated Carmichael, the owners found, is easier than urban Bay Area for paperwork and permits.

 Labradoodle Lucy, center, is a happy guest at Sam Nassar and Dari Mihalache’s doggie daycare.

Located near Winding Way, their home is divided into human and canine territory. Guest dogs have partitioned quarters - with toys and AstroTurf rolling space - in a repurposed garage. The backyard is a big play area. Their Crestview neighborhood provides quiet streets for walkies.

Neighbors were invited to the Pup Club’s Oct. 23 open day. “Visitors were friendly,” reported Nassar. “One neighbor told me she was glad we’d come; she said she needed help with her dog.”

With such a small operation, (paws crossed) noise is not an issue. “Dogs are like kids,” noted Nassar. “Even good children can get rowdy. But if you take care of them and meet their needs, they behave.” Some people, like Dari, have an ability to really understand dogs.

What’s Dari's secret? “You learn to read them,” she explained. “A wagging tale is a good sign. Body language tells you most of what you need to know. I think dogs gravitate to our warm nature and playful energy. They sense that Sam and I want to give them nothing but love.”

“In this busy world, you need as many options for your dog as possible,” continued Mihalache. “We hope to give owners piece of mind. And we want dogs to feel they’re at home - even when they’re away from home.”

Learn about Neighborhood Pup Club at www.neighborhoodpupclub.com.