Pet owners can find it difficult to leave their dog or cat at home while working or on vacation in the best of times. Should that furry friend have special needs, such as being elderly, anxious, or with medical issues, the prospect becomes doubly difficult. Many daycare or boarding facilities cannot support pets who need extra care.
This need is what inspired Leslie Fleuranges to open Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel in 2020. The former marketing, innovation, and product development leader for Hill's Pet Nutrition understands pet owners need a place where they can trust their animals will receive compassionate care. Even the prospect of starting a new business during a pandemic didn't dissuade her from opening, though it was challenging.
"We had very few boarding and daycare clients as people were not traveling nor going into the office," says Fleuranges. "Not good for a hotel! Luckily, we have a dedicated groomer, Samantha Smith, and a first-rate grooming suite, so we were able to build a strong grooming business and were named a runner up for Best of Topeka 2020 for Grooming."
The facility also won Best of Topeka 2020 for Best Boarding. TLC creates a spa-inspired environment featuring luxury pet suites with special bedding and items to keep pets entertained. The roomy canine suites have tinted glass for privacy from other dog guests, while the feline suites are infused with pheromones to keep cats calm and relaxed, with a window on one side and a faux fish tank on the other for entertainment. An on-call veterinarian, plus vet assistants, a groomer, a pet massage therapist, and a pet reiki practitioner, support any guest's needs.
"I have to say I have been amazed at the number of cats and dogs of all ages coming to TLC because they suffer from anxiety," says Fleuranges. "It's amazing because when I was working for Hill's Pet Nutrition, I uncovered this as an 'emerging need' and launched several products with calming nutrients. It's almost intuitive. We are living in very stressful times, and our manifestations are passed on to our pets, whether they are one year old or ten years old."
Fleuranges plans to launch a new dog daycare program on TLC's first anniversary in May to focus on helping those with separation anxiety. She notes many people acquired pets during the pandemic. As they begin to return to work and life outside the home, their new animal friends may have difficulty adjusting. This plan will help dogs socialize and exercise their bodies as well as engage their minds.
"We really are about tender loving care and giving these pets the care they need," she says.
Fleuranges, the pet parent of a female Lhasa Apso named Mimi, expresses gratitude and pride for TLC's accomplishments during a challenging year. As the pandemic eases, she is looking forward to a strong 2021.
"I created a space that is bright, airy, and beautiful, so it's a great place to come to work every day," she says. "And of course, there are the cats and dogs!"