POLAND – In the morning, Kary Franchetti has to say only two words to send Sidney into a tail-wagging, body-wiggle frenzy.

“Day care.”

On one recent morning, the 2-year-old golden retriever grabbed his leash in his mouth and jumped into Franchetti’s SUV with little urging. At the Dog Lodge 40 minutes later, he bolted across the driveway with an excitement that bordered on mania.

It was time to run, bark, play.

“I’m not sure he’s always happy to see me return,” Franchetti said as Sidney greeted his day-care pals – three Labrador retrievers, a German shepherd and a puppy.

Sidney started attending doggy day care in January. He hadn’t fared well home alone.

Franchetti and her husband didn’t like leaving Sidney home with their two sedate, older dogs. A bundle of energy with a penchant for mischief, he tended to annoy them and pull at their tails.

But the Franchettis didn’t do anything until they came home one day and found a gaping hole where the Sheetrock used to be. Sidney had dug through the wall of their Turner home.

“That was kind of the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Franchetti said. “We thought, Obviously his needs aren’t being met at home.'”

Doggy day care was their answer.

Twice a week, Franchetti drops off Sidney on her way to work. The Dog Lodge bills itself as “day camp,” reserving specific days for older dogs, younger dogs and dogs who are more laid back.

Sidney attends with the high-energy crowd.

He spends days outside, chasing muddy tennis balls and romping in the yard with other dogs. In between, there are snacks, free play and nap time, although “naps” for Sidney are just 10-minute pauses between games of fetch.

By the time Franchetti picks him up on her way home from work, Sidney is worn out. Sometimes, he barely has enough energy to jump back into the SUV.

“That’s our specialty, getting them nice and tired,” said Dog Lodge owner Allen Walker.

Like child care, doggy day care isn’t cheap. The Franchettis spend $30 a week for Sidney to have a couple of days of constant play. They believe it’s worth it.

The Franchetti’s other dogs get a break. Sidney has learned how to get along with other animals. And, it’s cheaper than a new wall.

“It was a godsend for us,” Kary Franchetti said.