Puppy Farm: A brightened day is only 20 minutes away!

(Photo courtesy of John Simpson)

Cute? Cute?! You can't handle the cuteness! The photo above shows roughly nine fuzzballs doing their best to keep warm while taking a snooze.

Tugging at shoe strings, house-training and excessive amounts of drool are terms used to categorize puppies. At one location 20 minutes from campus, however, a whole lot of lovin' between humans and puppies occurs on a daily basis. Puppies, you say? Yes, there is currently one litter yearning to be played with and fed human attention. Gap View Ranch & Kennel (known by locals as the Puppy farm) hosts numerous visitors throughout the year, and an influx of JMU students has boosted its popularity exponentially. It is open from 12 to 6 on weekdays for any and all visitors. But there has to be a catch, right? You cannot simply go to a farm and play with golden retriever puppies all day, can you? Of course you can, and donating one dollar upon arrival is your ticket to infinite joy and happiness.

Facebook profiles of JMU students have been blowing up recently with pictures of these golden retriever pups. Friends, sorority sisters and organizations are flocking to this petting zoo of sorts. There are a number of pens and enclosures that house the golden retrievers, large and small. However, all of the "eeks" and squealing result from cuddling, playing and laughing with the puppies. A majority of the visitors to the Puppy farm are college girls, but what about us guys? Why would we want to go?

The answer is actually quite simple, and it is two-sided. The Puppy farm provides an ideal location for guys trying to score some brownie points with their significant other. Many girls would be ecstatic if their guy friends/boyfriends invited them along to play with puppies for an afternoon. Also, think about it guys, one of these young canines could become your own "man's best friend." 

(Photo courtesy of John Simpson)

Truth is, I would love to adopt one of these two! However, JMU students (myself included) who live off-campus must pay a monthly fee to have a pet. Not to mention, the puppies up for adoption at the Puppy farm are not cheap. Prices were not disclosed, but word on the street is that the price range is not accommodating for college students. Oh well, we can still play with them on a college budget, no sweat. What about non-JMU students, they need a reason to come too.

If puppies are not a big enough draw, the Puppy farm has a wide variety of animals to see. There are peacocks, ducks, geese, turkeys, and even a large bull who welcomes you at the entrance. (Disclaimer: it appears to be a cow or bull, do not take my word for it!) There is also a talking parrot inside the stable where newborn puppies are held. Be careful though, he says random phrases that will startle you. Yes, I promise that there are no talking dogs at the kennel.

(Photo courtesy of John Simpson)

The Puppy far provides a cost-efficient place for people to have fun during the week. For students, frolicking with puppies equals stress relief. As for families visiting the area, it provides a unique experience in the entertainment department.

Girl or guy, JMU student or Harrisonburg visitor, the Puppy farm offers a wide variety of playful options for all ages. However, JMU students MUST CALL AHEAD OF TIME AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT. If you are interested in adoption with Gap View Ranch & Kennel, visit their contact page or call them at 540-896-7327.