Interview Conducted By: First Monday Magazine

FIRSTMONDAY: Tell us about Dog Day Afternoon.

SCHLANSKY: Well, we opened about a month ago and offer daycare and baths for dogs. Dogs play together all day long and are always supervised. We take them outside for bathroom breaks, give them cuddles and let them have a great time with their friends. Some owners find themselves working longer and longer hours and may feel bad that their pets have to spend time alone. Some dogs have separation anxiety and bark all day or destroy furniture. It's just a lot nicer for them to come to day care. We also get people having work done on their houses, and they want to make sure the dogs don't get out or get hurt. Some customers come twice a week, some three times; others just every once in awhile.

FIRSTMONDAY: Is doggie day care a new type of kennel?

SCHLANSKY: It's a new concept in pet care that is sweeping the nation. The trend started in California and expanded to New York and other cities around the country - Birmingham, Atlanta - they're popping up everywhere. We're the first to "pop up" here. A lot of people want a safe and fun environment for their dog - a place where they can socialize with other dogs instead of sitting home all day.

FIRSTMONDAY: Don't the dogs fight with each other?

SCHLANSKY: We have a very strict screening process. First, we verify all shots, and we also require that they're neutered or spayed. They must be on a flea control program, and they have to be good with other dogs and people. We just have a whole bunch of really sweet dogs here. And, of course, they're watched all the time.

FIRSTMONDAY: You must have dogs of your own.

SCHLANSKY: Just one, Peanut. She works here too - the Vice President of Customer Relations. She's really responsible for making sure the dogs have a great time.

FIRSTMONDAY: What does a day of dog care cost?

SCHLANSKY: We have a special: the first two visits cost $15 for new customers, then our normal pricing ranges between $18 and $22 for the day, depending on whether you buy a package of visits or pay as you go. It compares well to keeping the dog at home and paying a pet sitter to come in for 30 minutes and simply let the dog out. Some kennels will say they offer day care, but that could mean a full day in a cage.

FIRSTMONDAY: What did you do before starting your own business?

SCHLANSKY: I left the corporate world in Atlanta and moved to Orlando last summer. Really, I felt that I needed to be with the dogs - it's a dog-eat-dog world after all - but here we don't let them eat each other. I used a similar service in Atlanta for the past two years. When we moved here, we couldn't find anything similar, and Peanut really wanted to play with some friends. So, okay, that's my new job; and now she's got her wish.

FIRSTMONDAY: Did you experience any problems during business start up?

SCHLANSKY: No, it's a great and exciting thing. I'm just thrilled. Once you take the jump, I think you just do it and don't look back. I've always enjoyed doing my own thing, and this seems like an ideal way to combine work and play. I set my standards high, and it's nice when you can beat that. We've had a great response and get new customers every day.

FIRSTMONDAY: Married?

SCHLANSKY: My husband is Fred Muscatello and we've been married for only a year and a half. We love it here in Orlando and even have family nearby. Orlando is a very business-friendly community.

FIRSTMONDAY: When not going to the dogs, what do you do in your spare time?

SCHLANSKY: Right now, spare time is very limited. I enjoy working around the house and actually paying a little attention to my cats as well.

FIRSTMONDAY: But Dog Day Afternoon is for canines only?

SCHLANSKY: Dogs only - no cats, no kids, no husbands. You have to take them someplace else for the day.

FIRSTMONDAY: Why did you join the Chamber?

SCHLANSKY: I think the Chamber is a wonderful place. Obviously, we're a dog day care, but we're also a partner of the community and I hope a very good, positive growing business in Orlando. We want to work with other positive and professional companies. We already work with other organizations and have an event planned for the end of April.

FIRSTMONDAY: What kind of event?

SCHLANSKY: On April 30, we'll have a Happy Hour for people and their dogs. We'll serve gourmet doggie treats for dogs and refreshments for owners. It's a benefit for the Humane Society. We'll have more events in the future, one at least every few months. Call for more information (835-9200) or visit our Web site at www.dogdayafternoon.net.