Dyvine’s Pet Playhouse in Rockford is a dog day care with a mission to keep your pet happy
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — For customers, Dyvine’s Pet Playhouse is designed to provide peace of mind that your pup is getting the care and activity it needs when away from home.
For the family that owns the doggy day care, the new business is also a way to shape their daughter’s future.
Dyvine’s Pet Playhouse, 1004 Samuelson Road, celebrates its grand opening on Saturday with an open house to show off its services for pet owners, including boarding, a pet playground to keep dogs active, dog day care, pup birthday parties, dog washing and walking. The owners plan to add grooming in the future.
The business is named for the 11-year-old girl who also serves as its honorary manager. Dyvine Lockett helped create the logo, made the final naming decision, picked the colors and helped select the decor, she designed the floor mat and even sat in with a job applicant as mom and dad worked to hire the shop’s four employees.
“She says it, we do it. We just work for Dyvine,” Christie Lockett said. “Her opinion matters. Realistically, this is hers.”
Myles and Christie Lockett, the couple who owns the playhouse, say the business isn’t just Dyvine’s in name. They opened the business so they could leave it to their daughter when she’s ready to take over.
“We want each child when they turn 18 to have something to go off on. We’re building their future,” Myles Lockett said. “What we didn’t have as children we want to instill that in our kids and let them know mom and dad has your back.”
The Locketts said they want each of their five children — who range in age from 16 to 9 — to similarly have a business they can take on when the time comes.
“We try to instill in our children: be focus driven, known what you want,” Christie Lockett said. “Of course as you get older it’s going to change, because you’re just kids right now. But know what you like, know what your interests are and lets go for it.”
Her parents say Dyvine has faced a multitude of health issues and developmental and learning delays in her short life. Doctors are still sorting out the source of the issues, Christie Lockett said. But Dyvine’s passion for animals shines through.
“She battles all this stuff every day,” Christie Lockett said. “She’s affected daily from her conditions, but despite all of that she still has that love, she still has that energy and she loves dogs and loves cats.”
‘Home away from home’
As for the playhouse, the Locketts said they offer full cage-free interaction with the dog the whole time it’s at their facility. The pets only go in their kennels when it’s time to sleep.
There is indoor and outdoor space for the dogs and daily activities such as a ball pit, teeter-totter and exercise wheel. The shop also has a retail area with dog treats, bags, leashes and other pet accessories.
The family also owns M & C Cleaning Corp., and it prides itself on keeping this space clean, too.
The Locketts eventually hope to expand into the entire 4,000-square-foot building after more remodeling. They’ll also add more fenced area outside for play.
“Our focus is to have a home away from home,” Myles Lockett said. “Your dog should be happy to be here.”
Grand opening and open house
When: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: 1004 Samuelson Road, Rockford
Online: dyvinespetplayhouse.com
Contact: dyvinespetplayhouse@gmail.com; 779-423-3919
Facebook: Go HERE
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
