Dogs are people, too.

No one knows this better than Terri Benish. Let's just say her clients are furry, playful and full of energy.

She wouldn't have it any other way, for she is living her passion--working with animals.

Benish is a new business owner in Burien, operating Wag The Dog Daycare at 15227 Ambaum Boulevard Southwest.

A big advantage for a pet owner is the daycare's Doggie Cams.

Benish believes the four-camera surveillance is one of the major reasons people bring their pets. An owner can keep an eye on his or her best friend, from the desktop at work, while on vacation, or virtually anywhere.

In the workplace, it is common for co-workers to form an attachment, sometimes checking the monitor to see their colleague's dog.

For a peek at the four Doggie Cams, log onto www.wagthedogdaycare.net.

Benish's center, which opened on March 3, is plush.

Benish didn't miss a detail when it came to transforming a typical building into a grand, pet-friendly one.

With 2000 square feet for dogs to romp and exercise, Benish offers two play areas that are cage free.

Inside, of course, are essentials such as cots, blankets, a playroom with curtains, and a dry erase board with each pet's name and information as well as treats.

Wag The Dog supplies pillows and beds because staff prefers that pets not be "territorial" or possessive about items brought from home.

Benish prefers rubber floors "because rubber floors are better for their joints."

She slowly ventures out the back door, making reference to "their swimming pool" and slide. There is a potty area in the vicinity, to keep pets on their regular schedules.

A tour of the Wag The Dog feels like visiting a daycare environment. With all of the talk of socialization, temperament, activities, immunizations, etc. one has to remember this is for pets.

Benish has learned there is a profile of a typical customer, explaining, "The kind of people who bring dogs here treat dogs like their kids."

However, not every pet is a candidate for doggie daycare. Admission here comes with strict requirements.

First, the pet must pass a temperament evaluation prior to scheduling daycare visits. This involves a slow process of introducing the newcomer to the surroundings and other pets. Benish observes to determine if the dog growls, and how the pet responds to certain situations and the overall environment.

Since all dogs are off-leash in the play areas, aggressive or toy possessive dogs are not accepted. All dogs must have current vaccinations, including DHLPP, Rabies and Bordetella (every 6 months). They must be on a veterinarian-approved form of topical flea control. All dogs must be spayed or neutered.

The facility also offers pick-up and drop-off services.

Obedience training-- or Good Manners 101, happens on Monday evenings for ages 20 weeks and older. Classes are taught by David the Dog Trainer. Grooming is also available at the center, by Angel Huatuco. Part-time employee Jennifer is at the center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

At the end of the day, there are indicators that tell staff they did a good job. It is not uncommon to find dogs do not want to go home.

Benish also is familiar with the flip side of this when the pets do not want to visit the center, because of separation anxiety with their owners.

But she concludes, "The best thing is that they give me so much love everyday. I look forward to coming to work everyday."

This was not always the case. After being a real estate appraiser for 15 years, Benish's workday grew too mundane. Her friends kept planting the idea of starting a doggie daycare. She finally took the plunge and hired a consultant. She checked zoning and city requirements, and found a landlord willing to accept pets.

Wag the Dog is in full swing from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Benish can be reached at 206-453-DOGS.