Firmly grasping his football, Chance races around the pool like a maniac, while Stoney belly-flops into the water playing keep-away with a blue plastic barbell, daring Teddy to snatch his prize. All the while, Darby -- who can't swim and sinks like a rock, but who also can't resist being part of the fun -- is plopped on a blue lounge in the middle of the pool, getting her feet wet, watching the action and trying to catch a few of the tennis balls flying her way.

You might think this is a scene from summer camp or a public swimming pool. You'd be wrong.

The participants in these water high jinks are the furry, four-legged kind, and swim time is a regular part of a stay at the Pet Lodge in Alpharetta.

These days when you board your dog, it's entirely possible that your pet may end up having a better time than you. Pool frolics, nature walks, playtimes and even hayrides are among the indulgences Fido will enjoy while visiting an upscale boarding kennel in the Atlanta area.

Among America's 52.9 million dogs are some truly pampered pooches -- no longer relegated to the back yard as sentries but folded into the family unit almost as equal members.

These beloved pets unwind at some of metro Atlanta's most upscale kennels -- among them Pet Lodge, Cloud 9 in Ellenwood and Barking Hound Village in Atlanta.

PET LODGE PET RESORT
3456 Bethany Road, Alpharetta
770-475-3455  - Owner: Ken Miller

Cost: Basic package costs $17 per night for a 5-by-10-foot kennel with three 10-minute outings three times a day and includes meals. The Platinum Package includes two play times daily, one daily nature walk and a fleece bed for $17 per day over the daily rate. Suites measuring 15-by-20 feet -- outfitted with furniture and televisions -- soon will be available for $60 per night.

Amenities: Nature walks, $10 for 30 minutes; play times, $6 for 15 minutes of private play with a staff member or 45 minutes in a group; swim times, $10 for group (45 minutes) or private swim (25 minutes); training session for dogs while boarding, $15 for 30 minutes.

Availability: During the busy summer season, try to reserve at least one week in advance; two weeks is advisable. Booked for the Fourth of July weekend.

When you first pull up to this place you'll think you've entered a resort. And you have -- one specifically geared to dogs, although cats and even birds are more than welcome. Situated on 13 wooded acres, Pet Lodge offers amenities that go way beyond simply boarding pets.

"We don't warehouse dogs here, we're a pet resort," says owner Ken Miller.

Pet Lodge's canine guests get one-on-one attention as they fill their days with 30-minute walks on trails in the wooded areas of the resort, playtimes in groups or with an employee, swim times and even a workout with a tennis ball machine.

All aspects of a pet's stay at Pet Lodge are closely monitored. Two or three employees are at the pool with the dogs -- more often than not they're in the pool. Dogs are taken individually on walks.

The facility, which can accommodate up to 400 pets, is undergoing some renovations to make it even more luxurious.

"We're putting in some suites that will have furniture and a television," Miller says.

That kind of swank living doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay about $60 a night for the 15-by-20-foot room.

Even if you don't dish out that kind of money, your pet stays in air-conditioned comfort, with the addition of skylights and music for $17 per night.

Not all pets come here for the night. Lloyd and Elizabeth Smith bring Ben, their golden retriever who was rescued from a local animal shelter, for day care when they're away from home for several hours.

"We've been taking him there for about a year," says Lloyd Smith. "He loves it and plays with Sailor, another retriever. He gets playtime and goes swimming. It's a treat for him."