At the top of the stairs, we have the airy Charles M. Schulz Room. I considered naming it after Goldilocks and the Three Bears because it’s the “just right” room. It’s separate enough to offer a buffer, but close enough to not feel isolating.
Dogs who like to feel like they are part of the fun, but not necessarily in the center of the fun, appreciate this room. It is a big, open room that is at once inaccessible to the dogs downstairs but, thanks to the half-wall running along the top of the stairs, still allows a sense of closeness and connection to the activity below. The half-wall is tall enough to be safe and prevent curious dogs from trying to get to the stairs but short enough to get the light from the 2nd story windows. A custom-made door that is neither short nor tall –and I lovingly call my Alice In Wonderland door–closes access to the stairs and ties into the half-wall. This secures the upstairs and makes it an entirely separate space without diminishing the open, airy feel.
New dogs coming to the Bark & Call Inn, especially ones who need to move in stages, find this room incredibly helpful. They can get accustomed to the dogs with a little bit of distance before being introduced directly. For specifics on how dogs are introduced click here. Any dog who needs a step-down in energy level from the Jack London Room finds this room restorative.
This room can be another playroom when weather prevents outdoor play, or an additional quiet space when needed. Because of this room’s versatility, beds are used here as needed. They can be out during the day if that’s what’s most needed, or they can all be picked up leaving the room open for romping and play.
The Charles M. Schulz room is part of how The Bark & Call Inn responds to each dog’s needs. Having a midway room and a quiet room available allows me to instantly adjust the experience of the dogs here and offers the most flexibity for all needs, moods and personality types.