20     |    VIPPensacola.com

photos by

Jared Barrow &Kristina Wright 

 | 

story by

Grant Hutchinson

T

he fi rst time Buster visited Olive Branch Hospital’s Play n 

Stay Luxury Boarding, he was shaking and scared. But his 

fears quickly disappeared. 

These days, when Buster realizes he’s going to Play 

n Stay, his excitement can hardly be contained. The nine-year-old 

miniature schnauzer waits by the door of his house, glancing back and 

forth to his owner, as if to say, “Can we please leave now?”

Once Buster gets inside Play n Stay and his leash is undone, he 

takes off like a cannon shot, jumping into the loving arms of manager 

Willy Risner or whomever happens to be the closest staff member.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is when a dog comes in and is 

nervous,” Risner said. “But then after a day or two, sometimes just an 

hour, they start to get comfortable. They realize this place isn’t bad 

and begin to play with the other dogs and the staff.”

It’s hard to blame Buster for his initial fright. He’d had bad 

experiences with boarding in the past, staying at other Pensacola 

kennels where he was left in a cage all day and rarely let outside.

But after just that initial visit, Buster learned what so many other 

area pets have—Play n Stay is different, and it’s the last place anyone 

would describe as a “kennel.” 

At the Davis Hwy facility, pets like Buster have the freedom to run 

and play outside often, grouped with other dogs that match their size 

and temperament. He receives regular attention from staff and gets to 

lounge in cage-free comfort when it’s time to relax. 

A pleasure to visit for animals and owners alike, Play n Stay is 

well lit and decorated with pretty pastel shades and custom-painted 

artwork. Many of the boarding rooms have cute names like “Woof 

Way Inn” and “Doggie House Deli.”

Play n Stay began as the dream of owner and veterinarian Dr. Mark 

Sprayberry, who purchased the property with plans for three new 

facilities—a pet hospital, an overnight boarding house, and an animal 

daycare center.

Boarding is boring. Let them Play n Stay instead.

20-21 AdventureOut_PlayNStay Pcola.indd   1

4/30/19   7:32 AM