BISMARCK — When the last of her five Labrador retrievers died two years ago, Sharon Folkman of rural Bismarck vowed she wouldn’t have any more dogs.

That vow didn’t last too long when she came across a cocker spaniel and then a beagle who needed help. A few months ago, she rescued a couple of pit bull puppies.

She realized, “All dogs need help. I want to keep them safe and secure.”

So, this year she opened a boarding kennel with a homelike atmosphere, complete with dog-sized furniture, rugs and treats.

The dogs who stay at River Road Dog Boarding live in comfort and get plenty of love.

“That’s why they want to come in — they think they’re going into a house,” she said.

The 10 kennels have doggy doors that open into separate outdoor runs. Each kennel is comfy, with beds, blankets, rugs and toys. One kennel even has a small chair, and a couple others have beds with frames.

Each guest has his own little storage tote with food and toys from home.

The boarding room itself is clean and spacious, decorated with candles, plants and pictures on the walls. The adjoining utility room has a washer, dryer, shower and plenty of counter space, as well as jars filled with treats.

The smaller size was planned to keep the stress to doggy guests to a minimum by having fewer dogs. The indoor runs have concrete block walls between the dogs to help create a calmer environment.

The kennel, located on 8 acres outside Bismarck, opened last month. Folkman lives nearby, and her 11-year-old granddaughter, Victoria Folkman, helps out.

The dogs get at least three walks — and sometimes five — every day, even in the rain and snow.

“Everyone needs a change of scenery,” Folkman said.

Summing up why she gives her guests five-star treatment, Folkman said, “I just like dogs.”

Later this year, she hopes to build a larger outdoor play area.

In February 2006, Folkman retired after 16 years with the Bismarck Post Office and had more time to devote to dogs.

In spring 2006, a stray German shorthair pointer wandered into her yard. He had a sore paw and Folkman took care of him. Her veterinarian gave her the name of Diana Bryant, who helped find a home for the dog in Champaign.

That’s when Folkman realized there were plenty of dogs that need help, and she teamed up with Bryant to help animals.

About a year ago, she fostered Honey, a cocker spaniel, now 6. But she fell in love with her and kept her.

“She took my heart — but they all do,” she said.

She’s also taking care of Joe, a 13-year-old beagle who has heart problems.

A few months ago, she and friends rescued some pit bull puppies and she kept one, Lily, now 6 months old. Lily’s brother, Willie, is staying with her, too, although he could get a home later.

Lily and Willie are loving and full of energy — a far cry from the stereotypical fighting dog.

“Pit bulls have such a bad rap,” she said, adding dogs reflect the people who raise them.

The Danville area is lucky to have so many loving places where people can board their precious pets.

And now we’re lucky to have Folkman, with her boundless energy in helping make lives better for animals.



Contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.



FYI

For more information about rates and hours at River Road Dog Boarding at 27924 N 1600 East Road, Bismarck, call 759-7402 or e-mail: rvrrddogboard@conxxus.com. Dogs must be current on their vaccinations.