This part of my life started completely from my grooming customers, which pleaded that their dog be allowed to stay for short periods after having experienced horrible stays at other boarding facilities. They felt their dogs had such a more positive grooming experience here from other shops, and were so comfortable here while at their 'spa' day that it would carry over for a short stay. What started with ''just overnite for a wedding'' extended to ''long weekends'' to then ''three weeks in Europe'' and so on. Their continued returns and personal referrals continue to humble me. Being involved with showing and breeding, and the all around care of the Great Danes that have allowed me to share their lives for the past 15 years, has made me aware of the special nuances and handling of the larger and giant breeds. While I do not discriminate against size, the smaller breeds that spend time here are awarded a 'grander scale' of ammenities than other boarding facilities.

This is not a commercial type boarding kennel--there are no concrete and chain link runs. This is a more informal, home based boarding establishment. Your pet hears, and is part of the goings on of a home--telephone, television, comings and goings from early AM right thru to late night. People like to refer to it as 'Camp Carmella.

Their day starts meandering throughout one of the three large fenced paddock areas. There are three separate areas that can be utilized simultaneously for exercise and elimination. There is also a separate run for the dog who justs want to laze all day outside. The schedule for outside and inside time is dependant upon the needs of the individual dog.

Your dog sleeps inside the house and is afforded the same ammenities as my own personal kenneled show dogs. It is helpful if you can bring your pet's blanket and toy so he has something familiar from home, but it is not required. Proper bedding will be supplied for them. Every dog is given their own space to ease their vulnerability associated with unfamiliar dogs around, to have their own food, water , bedding , toys, etc.

It is MANDATORY that you bring your own pet's food. As stress free as I try to make your pet's stay, being away from home and their 'people' is stressful enough without adding a diet change to that.

All vaccines must be current, including Bordetella and proof of such is required.

The perimeter fence is six foot tall. The paddocks are separated by five foot tall fencing. The separate outside exercise pen is 10 foot by 12 foot by five foot fencing with a double gate.

If I deem the dog's personality and temperament appropriate, your dog will be able to play with other dogs. This is dependant upon the individual temperament of the various dogs that might be boarding during the same time frame. As the dogs change, their ability to interact might change as well. All play is supervised, is allowed only with owner permission and with my evaluation as the final determination. Certain temperments are just an accident and/or dog fight waiting to happen, and I try to avoid this negative experience -- erring on the side of caution. Play is usually a group of two or three dogs. As during any play session, bumps, bruises, minor scratches are a possibility.

Intact males and females are accepted but for an additional fee. Females that are in season are accepted but full disclosure must be made.

Senior dogs are welcomed and ALL will be done to make their stay enjoyable. There will be an small, additional fee for any pet that needs treatments or medications.

Please call with ample notice to make reservations as this is a small facility dedicated to the personal attention of your dog and will accept only so many reservations at any one time.

Grooming services can be added on at the end of your pet's stay for an additional fee. All grooming services are done by Carmella.

With ten years of experience, all breeds are welcomed. Hand scissoring is a part of most small breed clips and larger longer haired breeds to give that extra 'finished' look.

Being familiar with Giant breeds, the larger, more assertive breed is not discriminated against and all efforts are made to complete all stages of grooming--nails, ears, power drying.

If there are any questions you might have, please feel free to contact me.

For a complete listing of our rates and policies, please call or email.