MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Jay and Mary Ann Gandvoort stand before the entrance to Royal Canine Villa. MARY BALDASANO / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Hojo, Ringo and Picasso stand by the doggie door to enter the play room. Advertisement

Do you live like a dog?

Well, you may want to rethink that, once you visit Royal Canine Villa.

There dogs live a life of royalty -- really. Located at 2480 Jayme St., the Villa offers different sizes of "hotel" rooms for small dogs only (due to zoning requirements). They do not accept dogs that require injections or appear ill.

Jay and Mary Ann Gantvoort developed the idea while Jay was stationed with the Navy in Spain. Finding it difficult to find proper, caring kennels, they decided to build their own once he retired. It took 10 years for the idea to fully come together and become the Canine Villa.

With a degree in business, Jay handles all the administrative and financial needs, while Mary Ann focuses on the care of all the dogs that come to visit.

Since the Villa is part of their home, zoning requirements required that they meet small business standards. The facility is built to their personal standards as they would want their own dogs, Hojo, Ringo, and Picasso, to be treated. The Villa can only accept small dogs such as Yorkies, Schnauzers and the like. Prices are considered by the Gantvoort's to be lower than most at $27 a night, with $10 added for each additional dog.

Dogs are truly pampered with each having its own suite named after Spanish Villas. The Gantvoort's insist on the submission of medical records with each dog to ensure animal safety.

Even though they may accept difficult dogs, they ensure there will be absolutely no fighting as they slowly introduce each dog to others, or if necessary keep them apart. Jay and Mary Ann play with the dogs.

Multiple family dogs can be kept together or given separate areas, depending on the choice of the owner. Suites are available which are larger than most and gives the dogs comfort.

The Gantvoorts are considering writing a book about operating an animal hotel once their hotel is more established. Mary Ann currently writes a column in the Las Vegas Dog, a publication dedicated to all things canine.

They come to know both owners and dogs to make both feel easier. The Villa uses Royal Canine and Canadian dog food and takes extra care of dogs with special needs.

Jay said, "We have had an economic downturn due to both national and local economies." Mary Ann added that "Even though things are slow, we are confident in our success. People are interesting to meet and there are times when dog owners need a baby sitter."

Special care is always given and the dogs are treated as their own.

The Villa contains many beautiful handmade tapestries in both the home and the kennel area, and the television is kept on 24/7 to give the dogs a feeling of being at home.

If you would like to make inquiries about the Villa or just want an early view of the facility, visit their Web site at 'www.royalcaninevilla.com' or call 775-727-7977.