Couple left howling over pet care franchise

The prospective kennel owners sued, saying the Camp Bow Wow corporation didn't give them a lick of help.

By PAUL LEVY, Star Tribune

Last update: May 10, 2009 - 11:02 PM

Mark and Constance Vogtlin wanted their business to go to the dogs. Instead, they're taking their dream of a Camp Bow Wow franchise to court, claiming D.O.G. Development, the doggy day care's parent company, was not the guide D.O.G. it promised to be.

The Vogtlins, of Cedar, allege in a suit filed in Anoka County District Court that they lost hundreds of thousands of dollars -- "much of their life savings" -- trying to develop a Camp Bow Wow franchise in Fridley.

According to court documents, the Vogtlins, who planned to do business under the name Just Fir Dogs, were promised that D.O.G. Development L.L.C. of Boulder, Colo., would provide assistance with franchise processes such as lease negotiations, zoning approvals, facility design, construction and financial analysis.

But the Vogtlins claim that D.O.G. "wholly failed to honor its contractual obligations" and that they never received guidance on key issues. They claim that D.O.G. mandated additional contracts and unexpected fees for services that were promised.

"What they claim is false," said Rebecca Savage, general counsel for D.O.G. Development, from Boulder. "They breached their contract."

Savage declined to specifically address allegations, saying that arbitration of the matter is pending. No court date has been scheduled, said Kristin Heebner, the Vogtlins' attorney.

Camp Bow Wow is a rapidly growing upscale pet-boarding service that has 200 franchises nationally, including successful operations in Plymouth and Burnsville. Franchises are designed and run to Camp Bow Wow's specifications.

The Vogtlins declined to be interviewed, their lawyer said. Mark Vogtlin is a parts manager at Friendly Chevrolet in Fridley. Constance Vogtlin works in human resources at Medtronic. Neither has a background in animal care, Heebner said.

"That's why they relied so heavily on the company," Heebner said. "They were told, 'Don't worry. We'll be here to guide you every step of the way through this process.'

"The Vogtlins have been devastated," said Heebner. "They want to be reimbursed."

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419

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