Tired of the corporate rat race and lifelong lovers of dogs and other animals, Marty Polasko and Bob Williams decided providing a place for people to wash their pets would be a great way to go.
That was in 2002, and a relocation and major expansion later, the two still are having fun running American Pet Spa & Resort.
Needing more space than their original operation in Keller, they set up shop on Highway 377 just south of FM 407 in Argyle in 2006 where they could expand areas for boarding, training, play, grooming, and other ways for their staff of 28 employees to pamper their four-legged friends.
“I built in this place when I retired from (the cellular communications engineering) industry everything that I wish I had for my dogs when I was traveling,” said Polasko, 58, a resident of Flower Mound, who met Williams when they both lived in Ohio.
“I put it all in here, play parks, personal attention, a grooming staff on call, all the things I wish I’d had when I didn’t know anything about boarding dogs except I had the need for it.”
The move to Argyle allowed for more space to board dogs and cats both inside and outside. Polasko believes their quarters are at least double most other places. The rural Western village-like setting allows them to introduce the furry pets to farm animals like chickens. Plus, sharing the vast property is Williams’ Ranch Hand Rescue non-profit farm animal rescue and therapy facility he started in 2011.
There’s space for more than 100 animals, about 90 percent dogs, 10 percent cats and an occasional bird, guinea pig or lizard. There’s plenty of places for exercise and play including an in-ground swimming pool.
“We have a wonderful customer base,” Polasko said. “They’re very great. I have some nice long-term employees who have been with me a long time. My grooming staff is awesome; they have years of experience. I’m very proud of our staff.”
Call American Pet Spa & Resort at 940-464-3300.
-Written by Mark Miller
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