What Do You Mean By Holistic:
I treat each guest as an individual and try to nourish your animal companion(s)' mind, body and spirit while under my care. I promote holistic health practices such as a great, natural diet, limited vaccines, limit the use of chemical cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, etc., limit stress, provide the appropriate exercise, give clear rules and boundaries, and of course lots of love.
I try and keep their minds active with appropriate play, activities and stimulation, but also give them lots of rest and relaxation, all the while striving to have a calm, relaxed mental state. I provide healthy, natural goodies and incorporate massage and other hands-on energy work for their bodies. Lots of love, comfort, compassion, nurturing, and praise does wonders for their spirits.
What Do You Mean By Kennel-Free:
Doggie guests share my home, property and daily life. They free roam together, under supervision, like they would in their own home. The majority of guests don't use crates. If your companion is accustomed to using a crate or prefers one, there are crates available for their comfort.
What If I Have A Shy Or Nervous Dog:
While I do require that all doggie guests be well socialized with other dogs and people, I take such a small number of guests that shy or nervous dogs can do quite well in this environment. There can be an adjustment period and the first few days in new environment can have a huge effect on their experience. To help ease the transition, all dogs are individually introduced to each other. This individual integration process allows the dogs to become comfortable at their own pace, in a non-threatening manner. I will not put your companion in a situation they are not comfortable in and they will usually let me know if they are not comfortable. Dogs with separation anxiety or are highly anxious can not be accommodated to.
What Is A Typical Day Like:
The activities and daily schedule is individualized to each dog and group to what they like. We spend time romping, playing, and exploring our 9.5 acre, fully fenced, property. We enjoy socializing and playing with other dog buddies, socializing with the resident cats, playing fetch and with toys, constructive chewing, sun bathing, watching the resident chickens, going for walks, field trips such as hiking and swimming, just relaxing on the couch getting belly rubs and massages, or snuggling up to a cozy fire and a good movie!
I See You Have Other Animals, What If My Dog Has Never Been Around Cats OR Chickens:
Guests are not required to be cat friendly, just friendly with other dogs. Our 2 cats are indoor/outdoor, extremely dog savvy and well socialized. They do enjoy playing and interacting with most guests. Introductions with new dogs are taken very slow. For those dogs that can get more reactive with other species, the cats are kept in a different area of my home.
Our chickens are kept away from the fenced dog area, guests can see them through the fence and some do have the opportunity to interact with them under supervision.
Where Do Guests Sleep:
All guests sleep inside my 1600 square foot home and where they would typically sleep at their own home. They have their choice of couches, comfy dog beds, on the floor, or in a crate, if that’s what they are used to and comfortable with. Each dog finds a spot they like and are comfortable with.
What If My Dog Won’t Eat:
It can be normal for some guests not to eat for the first day. A new environment and being away from its family can put stress on the body. When I do encounter a nervous or anxious eater, adding a small amount of chicken/beef broth or high quality, natural canned food to their normal diet helps. If a dog is extremely anxious, I will separate and try to give a massage to calm them and then try to feed.
What If My Dog Needs To Go To The Vet:
In the event that a guest may need to visit a veterinarian, all efforts will be made to contact the owner and/or emergency contact listed. There are two vets located 5 miles away. The closest 24 hour emergency vet is located in Sumner or Tacoma.
I have many years of experience working in veterinary hospitals and am certified in pet first aid and CPR and can handle most emergencies that may come up.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Make A Reservation:
Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis and spots are very limited. Summer and holidays can be very busy and I recommend reserving as soon as you know your final plans.
I recommend new or interested clients schedule a meet & greet with their companion as soon as they can, even if they do not have future travel dates planned, to see if my home may be a good environment for them. To me, the most important thing is for every dog to stay where s/he will be happiest.
Why Do I Have To Schedule An Appointment For The Meet & Greet And Drop Offs/Pickups. Why Can't I Just Come By:
This is not a facility, it's my home. Because I offer kennel-free care, for security reasons and the safety of all guests, unannounced visitors are not allowed. My front gate remains closed and locked unless I know that guests are coming for a visit.
My physical address and directions will be given After a meet & greet is scheduled.
I treat each guest as an individual and try to nourish your animal companion(s)' mind, body and spirit while under my care. I promote holistic health practices such as a great, natural diet, limited vaccines, limit the use of chemical cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, etc., limit stress, provide the appropriate exercise, give clear rules and boundaries, and of course lots of love.
I try and keep their minds active with appropriate play, activities and stimulation, but also give them lots of rest and relaxation, all the while striving to have a calm, relaxed mental state. I provide healthy, natural goodies and incorporate massage and other hands-on energy work for their bodies. Lots of love, comfort, compassion, nurturing, and praise does wonders for their spirits.
What Do You Mean By Kennel-Free:
Doggie guests share my home, property and daily life. They free roam together, under supervision, like they would in their own home. The majority of guests don't use crates. If your companion is accustomed to using a crate or prefers one, there are crates available for their comfort.
What If I Have A Shy Or Nervous Dog:
While I do require that all doggie guests be well socialized with other dogs and people, I take such a small number of guests that shy or nervous dogs can do quite well in this environment. There can be an adjustment period and the first few days in new environment can have a huge effect on their experience. To help ease the transition, all dogs are individually introduced to each other. This individual integration process allows the dogs to become comfortable at their own pace, in a non-threatening manner. I will not put your companion in a situation they are not comfortable in and they will usually let me know if they are not comfortable. Dogs with separation anxiety or are highly anxious can not be accommodated to.
What Is A Typical Day Like:
The activities and daily schedule is individualized to each dog and group to what they like. We spend time romping, playing, and exploring our 9.5 acre, fully fenced, property. We enjoy socializing and playing with other dog buddies, socializing with the resident cats, playing fetch and with toys, constructive chewing, sun bathing, watching the resident chickens, going for walks, field trips such as hiking and swimming, just relaxing on the couch getting belly rubs and massages, or snuggling up to a cozy fire and a good movie!
I See You Have Other Animals, What If My Dog Has Never Been Around Cats OR Chickens:
Guests are not required to be cat friendly, just friendly with other dogs. Our 2 cats are indoor/outdoor, extremely dog savvy and well socialized. They do enjoy playing and interacting with most guests. Introductions with new dogs are taken very slow. For those dogs that can get more reactive with other species, the cats are kept in a different area of my home.
Our chickens are kept away from the fenced dog area, guests can see them through the fence and some do have the opportunity to interact with them under supervision.
Where Do Guests Sleep:
All guests sleep inside my 1600 square foot home and where they would typically sleep at their own home. They have their choice of couches, comfy dog beds, on the floor, or in a crate, if that’s what they are used to and comfortable with. Each dog finds a spot they like and are comfortable with.
What If My Dog Won’t Eat:
It can be normal for some guests not to eat for the first day. A new environment and being away from its family can put stress on the body. When I do encounter a nervous or anxious eater, adding a small amount of chicken/beef broth or high quality, natural canned food to their normal diet helps. If a dog is extremely anxious, I will separate and try to give a massage to calm them and then try to feed.
What If My Dog Needs To Go To The Vet:
In the event that a guest may need to visit a veterinarian, all efforts will be made to contact the owner and/or emergency contact listed. There are two vets located 5 miles away. The closest 24 hour emergency vet is located in Sumner or Tacoma.
I have many years of experience working in veterinary hospitals and am certified in pet first aid and CPR and can handle most emergencies that may come up.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Make A Reservation:
Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis and spots are very limited. Summer and holidays can be very busy and I recommend reserving as soon as you know your final plans.
I recommend new or interested clients schedule a meet & greet with their companion as soon as they can, even if they do not have future travel dates planned, to see if my home may be a good environment for them. To me, the most important thing is for every dog to stay where s/he will be happiest.
Why Do I Have To Schedule An Appointment For The Meet & Greet And Drop Offs/Pickups. Why Can't I Just Come By:
This is not a facility, it's my home. Because I offer kennel-free care, for security reasons and the safety of all guests, unannounced visitors are not allowed. My front gate remains closed and locked unless I know that guests are coming for a visit.
My physical address and directions will be given After a meet & greet is scheduled.
