Neighbors petition against doggie day care

By: Dave Balut

Tarpon Springs, Florida - Just off busy East Lake Road, Mel and Janice Gavron have created their own private preserve.

The Gavrons bought six acres in 2001 so their dog Cirrus would have a place to play. Friends bring their dogs too.

"This property is in my soul, that's all I can say," said Janice Gavron.

Now the Gavrons would like to operate a doggie day care on their property. They're asking the county for a conditional use permit for 12 dogs on weekdays, plus dog training nights and weekends.

"There is no facility in the area that will take a dog, allow it to roam on an acre unsupervised, playing games with rest periods, getting snacks," said Mel Gavron.

Behind the Gavrons' property, neighbors in Cypress Lakes Estates have gathered 211 signatures against the couple's request.

"It's nothing personal and it has nothing to do with the dogs. We just don't want a business there, of any kind," said Cypress Lakes Estates resident Michelle Papes.

"We looked long and hard for a nice peaceful community and the last thing we want is any kind of commercial venture and the possibility of a lot of yelping and barking," said James Boone, Papes’ next door neighbor.

"You show me a dog who can bark and someone can hear them three football fields away, you can't," said Mel Gavron

"We are not the only business here, there's a 7-Eleven, there's a Tire Kingdom, There's a school there's an assisted living facility," said Janice Gavron.

County staff is recommending commissioners approve the Gavrons' request for a doggie day care.

Pinellas County Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing Tuesday night. Commissioners are expected to vote after the hearing.