Puckett's Pups opens in Marblehead

MARBLEHEAD — A tired dog is a happy dog. That's how Samantha Puckett wants dogs to feel after a fun-filled day at her dog daycare and boarding business. She owns Puckett's Pups located on East Harbor Road near the Erie Social Shuffleboard Club & Bar. The business opened in January. Puckett, a 2016 Danbury High School graduate, calls herself the biggest dog mom in Marblehead. She loves everything about dogs. Puckett said dogs bring humans pure joy and comfort. She also believes they make humans better people in life. Puckett has two dogs of her own: Remington, a 3-year-old Siberian husky; and Oakley, a 2-year-old white German shepherd. "I got my husky in college, and he was my registered emotional support animal on campus," Puckett said. "He truly got me through college with just his happiness, love and the responsibility that comes with owning a dog or puppy." Instead of pursuing a master's degree, Puckett took a different route. She brainstormed with her dad, Tony, and came up with the dog business. He was fully supportive. "I've taken my dogs to daycare and boarding before, and I just love the idea of dropping my puppies off. It's kind of like sending your kid to school," she said. "It's the greatest feeling picking them up." The Marblehead area was the perfect fit for her business. She always knew she wanted to come home and be near family. The daycare and boarding has a capacity of 40 dogs, including 16 kennels. The building includes spacious indoor and outdoor areas for the dogs to run around and play. Daycare helps socialize dogs, Puckett said. Dogs need to pass a temperament test to make sure they'll be friendly among the others. They also need to meet vaccination requirements. "It definitely gets a lot of energy out for dogs that need it," Puckett said. "Sitting at home is fine until your dog has the zoomies for two hours." Boarding provides an option for the dogs that don't quite get along with other dogs, aren't fixed or don't have the influenza vaccine. The dogs have their own kennel and individual playtime. "I knew how happy it made me knowing my dogs were in a safe place," Puckett said. "I love being able to do that for others in my hometown." Puckett hopes to add grooming services in the future.