OLDE TOWNE PET RESORT

[Cathy C. Bennett]

With two (or was it three) consecutive days of bad weather last week, we were literally inside the house 90% of the time. Without our knowledge or consent cabin fever seemed to move in with us. Harley was stealing socks, and tearing up fabric sheets before I could get them in the dryer. Leo was jumping up on my back biting and tugging on my sweater sleeves (don’t ask – I don’t know why either).

It dawned on me the other day (as I searched hours for a “stolen” slipper), that they hadn’t been to Olde Towne Pet Resort since “before” Thanksgiving. Once November arrived, we’ve been on the go – running errands, hanging out with family, or most recently at home getting ready for Christmas. It never dawned on me that Harley & Leo had been MIA from their usual  “hang-out.”Harley and Leo are like Norm and Cliff of the popular television sitcom, “Cheers.” Everybody knows their names. 

So I told DH, “Tomorrow I’m taking them to day camp, they need some dog on dog time.”

Who knew that dogs could miss a place (and people) almost as much as we humans do?

I’m so tickled I keep my phone with me because the photos I captured were priceless!

When I parked the “doodle-mobile” and opened up the back, they were more than ready to get out…

They were in a happy state of shock when they realized where they were

As soon as we walked in the door, the love fest was “on!” I hadn’t realized how much they missed being there and how much the staff missed seeing them. I felt like the “bad doodle- mom.”

There were multiple hugs, barks, licks and kisses shared that morning….

Just a few of The Boys furvorite anipals

What a blessing for us to have a “home away from home” where people are so dedicated and genuinely love Harley & Leo so much.

From the bottom of my heart I wish the happiest of holidays to the entire OTPR staff.

• The groomers who take such pride in a simple shampoo and blow dry. You all are the best…

We call them the Doodle Grooming Dream Team

This is one of Harley’s all time BFF’s

• The saints at the front desk who are never weary with the gazillion questions and demands from us crazy pet parents…

These folks were born to adore animals.

• The camp counselors who mimic the “energizer bunnies” running around for hours with the pups…

I watch them on the video cams – they never stop playing with the pups

• Those that I never see who work in dog/cat boarding, admin/scheduling staff, training, swimming, etc…

Harley is just a trip!

You will never know what a comfort you are to those of us who leave such precious cargo in your hands. You make the separation (if only for a few hours) bearable, and you are greatly appreciated for it…

Have a great week everybody. Take advantage of this holiday season and tell someone they are appreciated, it feels good when you do it!

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Kira - Harley & Leo go to the one in Springfield. I live in Woodbridge, and actually when Harley started - Dulles wasn't even built. I'm sure the two facilities are held to the same standards. Kim is an excellent groomer and trainer, she taught Harley in puppy class and she also trained Fernando (the grooming manager in Springfield) before moving over to Dulles. If you want to "try" it for a day, please let me know and I will get you a one day pass for camp compliments of "The Boys" Thanks for reading, happy howlidays.

[Miss Ellie]

That is so wonderful...nothing better than the comfort in knowing you are leaving your precious family members with people who truly care, respect and love them...and that the dogs love going there...warms my heart to see them so happy!

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Jarka - you're right they do have a fabulous staff, not sure about a Denver location. right now there are only two locations and they're both in VA. Have a very Merry Christmas. Barks and licks to Monty & Auggie

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Cheryl - It is a really nice place. If I lived in Florida where the weather is nice more months in the year than here in VA, they probably wouldn't go as often. Winters are tough, so they go to camp there to play and get some much needed exercise. Thanks so much for reading. Have a very Merry Christmas...

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Robin - it is a wonderful place. I don't let the boys swim often, in fact I only book a "swim" session right before we go to the beach. It makes me feel better to know they remember what to do in large bodies of water. You are not alone, most people want to stay there when they drop off their dogs. I'm one of them! Thanks so much for reading, have a very Merry Christmas.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

That looks like one fabtastic place!  Swimming?  Wow, can I go there?  I'm thinking franchises......

[cheryl & oliver]

Wow whaat a great place and what a staff of people...No wonder the dogs love to go there...Wish we had one of those places near us here in Florida...thank you so much for sharing, I so enjoyed seeing them all excited to be there, and to see how they are loved there...

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Such a great place with such wonderful people. Are you sure they don't want to expand to Denver?