Fetch ‘n Fun is located on 20 acres just off of Route 9 in Wells, ME. It is owned and operated by John and Susan Joakim who designed the daycare as an extension of their home.  The Joakim’s maintain the philosophy that dogs are family and are happiest in an environment that is a “home-away-from-home”.

Shortly after 9/11 John was activated as an Army Medic  and sent to Kuwait. Upon his return he began plans for a daycare for dogs. Starting a daycare for dogs required that the Joakim’s move to a rural zone. However, just as their new home was being constructed, John was off to Iraq, this time as a tactical/security officer. Committed to making Fetch ’n Fun a reality, Susan left her job as a special education teacher, and continued John’s work in getting the daycare prepared for opening day.  The Daycare opened in the fall of 2005, and John came home for good January 2006.  John has attended the Tufts Veterinary School of Medicine’s Canine Behavior Symposium, and has been called  by some a 'dog whisperer'.  His calm, patient, and loving  way with dogs has been noted by owners of 'difficult' dogs,  while the calmer dogs come to bask in his kind ways.

The Joakim’s are the proud owners of three Vizsla’s, Kokeano, Zander and Clementine. Vizsla’s are best known as Hungarian hunting dogs, but the Joakim’s are not hunters, so their dogs are simply family dogs.  Both Zander and Kokeano are the same age, born in January 2002, and are both males, and although they look like brother, they are not related. Zander was slow at learning to play and run, but Kokeano wasted no time in teaching him. Clementine was adopted by the Joakim’s at age 10 after and emergency rescue.

The daycare provides a place for your dog to run, play, and wrestle with other dogs while being guided by staff in good manners and behavior. Dogs are placed in groups according to their temperament. The groups of dogs are then rotated between outdoor and indoor play areas.  Dogs must pass an evaluation to be eligible for daycare.

Fetch ‘n Fun is a home away from home for dogs, creating an experience that is less like going to the vets, and more like visiting friends.  It is our desire that dogs are happy and at  home during their stay.  This is especially important when owners need to board their dog.  Since their dog is happy about coming here to play, having a slumber party just extends their fun, and gives owners the piece of mind that their pooch is not somewhere howling in a crate all night.  Dogs see Fetch ‘n Fun as a home away from home.

Knowing that many dogs have been trained to sleep in a crate, Fetch ‘n Fun provides crates for nap time and boarding. However, not all dogs do well in crates. For these dogs we offer communal sleeping on a comfortable bed, or an open pen for dogs who like their own space, but don’t like to be boxed in. All dogs are individuals, and at Fetch ‘n Fun, we care about the needs of each dog.

All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations. Owners must submit proof of DHLPP. Rabies, as well as Canine Cough (Kennel Cough), and heartworm prevention. Flea/tick prevention is highly recommended but not required. Dogs will not be allowed if fleas are found. All dogs 7 months and older must be spayed or neutered.

Dog Food: Since each dog has a different diet, we do not provide meals. Please bring your dog’s food in a sealed plastic container with a flat top. Be sure to write the dog’s name on it and the amount s/he eats as well as the times of day that s/he eats. You can bring the food daily or keep it stocked with us.
Tub of Peanut Butter (not the kind that needs refrigeration): Bring on your first visit. We will let you know when we are all out. See our section on nap time for more information.
Small Treats: If the treats your dog likes are bigger, simply break them into pieces. The treats you bring in are used for their nap time snack. The treats that we use for all dogs as a reward are all natural. If you have concerns about food allergies or tolerance, please let us know.
Leash: The safety of all dogs is so important that we must insist that dogs are always brought in and leave on a leash. This is also important since the guinea hens are loose. Take the leash and collar with you, or put it in your dogs info pocket. Owners are responsible for their dog’s leash.