By Dale StewartNo need to say it: People feel more strongly about dogs than they do about any other breed of domesticated animal (sorry cat and ferret owners), holding a category no other animal has attained. Paul McCartney wrote "Martha My Dear" about his sheepdog. Virginia Woolf wrote a whole novel, Flush: A Biography, in the voice of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's cocker spaniel. Slogans such as “Dog is my co-pilot" have launched a thousand bumper stickers. We pamper, coddle, and spend gobs of cash to do all sorts of things to make their lives happier — at least in our own minds — contributing to a hefty chunk of the nation's GDP. In that totally understandable spirit (come here, honey cakes, and give me a kiss), Rural Intelligence has rounded up a go-to list of boarders, trainers, and groomers to help kick off the dog days of summer. BOARDINGColumbia County
Bonnie: Your Pet Nanny (of Hudson and Beyond)Bonnie: Your Pet Nanny provides a “your house, but better" atmosphere for your four-legged darling. Owner Bonnie Kovacs provides overnight stays at your place or hers, and while at either place your pet gets snuggled and walked and spoken to just like you would to them. (Kovacs also has a secret life as a singer in a comedic burlesque troop.) “I'm all about enhancing your pet's life when you can't be there with walks, companionship, and affection. It’s my job to make sure you don’t worry while you’re away from your pet." As a bonus she sends texts about your pooches before bedtime. "When dogs are here it’s like a cocktail party. I make sure that your babies leave feeling serene and peaceful." (Prices vary and are available by request.) (518) 821-5325 boko4sho@gmail.com Dutchess County
Ledgewood KennelsLedgewood Kennels in Millerton is a state-of-the-art facility (think radiant heat floors and cool air-conditioning in the summer). Each dog run has its own indoor and outdoor area. The staff pampers pooches with pats and treats and makes sure they’re exercised three times a day on their grassy back yards. The kennel recently began offering weekday doggie day care, during which your furry friend can cavort with other pooches under the watchful eyes of the knowledgeable Ledgewood staff. ($25 day rate, $112 a week). The kennel also has a K9 Aquatics & Sports Facility and offers dock diving, a unique sporting competition that can be enjoyed by both dog and owner. In addition to day-care and overnight boarding, The Ledgewood Kennel offers grooming, training, and a Dock Diving Dog Pool. Kennel food is included in the overnight rate ($27.25 per night, rates vary with multiple dogs and longer stays), but they'll feed Petunia your preferred brand — if you bring it. For a few dollars more, Ledgewood Kennels provides extra walks, swimming in their dog pool, bathing and nail clipping. Boarding fees range from $27.25 for a single dog for a single night and drops to $18.50 per dog if you have more than one. 639 Smithfield Road Millerton, NY 12546 (518) 789-6353 Berkshires
Love Us and Leave UsAt Love Us and Leave Us, services range from morning hikes ($20 one dog; $35 two dogs) to doggie day care ($20; half day for two dogs $35; full day one dog $28; full day two dogs $50). But they are best known for classic overnight boarding at their 24/7 “free-range" facility, where dogs lounge in a home-like atmosphere with other dogs, with guaranteed outside time, snuggling on the couch, and playing in the "sandbox." There are no crates or kennels, even at night, when your dogs are invited to sleep on couches or dog beds or even with staff members. Love Us and Leave Us never has more than 15 dogs a night, to ensure your pooch is never lacking for human time. "Pack Leader" Renee DeRagon is an ABC certified dog trainer, and her staff are all "pet first aid" certified. (One dog $40/night; 2 dogs $70/night). Add a bath ($20 & up depending on size) or nail trim ($10). 1525 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 464-9200 Shaker Hill Pet ResortThe spa-like Shaker Hill Pet Resort, part of the beloved Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, boasts a safe and relaxed environment for your four-legged friend's overnight stay, as well as various levels of behavioral classes and grooming services. Shaker Hill offers swanky 7' x 7' private "Hotel Rooms" that hold up to five dogs depending on size, as well as single dog “indestructible" small (3' x 6') and large (4' x 6') "Rover Rooms" with piped in music. (Prices start at $30.00). Nightly pricing includes: food, bowls, fresh bedding, and the administering of oral medications. (Add $7.00 a night for puppies.) 1634 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 499-1580 Litchfield Hills/Northwest CT
Diamond Creek Pet Retreat and the Canine Sports CenterAt this rolling, 70-acre rural estate in Goshen, pets are strictly referred to as guests and treated like royalty. Standard rooms ($33 per dog) come with tons of toys; bed with bedding; constant housekeeping; indoor/outdoor accommodations; three outdoor potty breaks; pee posts for boys; and general medication dispensing. If that seems too bare bones, you can upgrade to the "Serenity Suites" ($40 per dog) and a "Zen Room" ($40 per dog); these accommodations boast a noise-controlled space with tempered glass doorfronts, continual fans for gentle breeze/air flow, and a la carte options like nature walks and snacktivity. Story time can be added, as well. Play yards, lounges, and a fenced field are available for all. 416 Old Middle Street Goshen, CT 06756 (860) 491-3904 Tail Waggers of LitchfieldFamily-run Tail Waggers, nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills, is a state-of-the-art facility perfect for overnight stays ($30 per dog). Butch will forget you exist in their spacious play yards; huge playground stocked with toys galore; mock fire-hydrant; agility ramp; and pool. In less favorable weather, they can frolic in the 1,000-square-foot indoor play area, complete with rubber-matted floors and air-conditioning. Doggie day care, grooming, and training are also available. 568 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT 06759 (860) 489-8838 TRAININGColumbia County
Dogs of Hudson operates in a modern facility under the watchful eye of trainer/owner Erica Nance, who has a well-educated approach; she has a Master's degree in experimental psychology and trains “(wo-)man" and their best friend." After a few sessions with Nance’s straightforward “clicker method," along with positive reinforcement, you’ll notice you’re no longer yelling, pleading, or begging your BFF to come when called or get off the couch. Her training approach is meant for everyday life, with lessons that range from "how to eat with your dog at a café" to life-saving tricks on how keep your pet from running out an open door. (Courses are $160 & up.) Dogs of Hudson is well equipped with 2,000 square feet of training space with agility set-up and time-out spaces; smaller breakout training spaces for puppy playgroups; and small dog socials, not to mention 1,000 square feet of well-selected, hard-to-find dog training items, healthy treats, books, leashes, and apparel. 355 Warren Street Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 822-8242 Dutchess County
Diggity DogsThe trainers at Diggity are all self-described animal addicts and promise to be as crazy about your dog as they are their own. All staff have experience in training and caring for animals of all shapes and sizes; founder/trainer Larie Pidgeon is a certified Canine Behavior and Training Specialist, with a particular focus on aggression management, obedience, and off-leash socialization. Pidgeon's unique approach, “Canine Bridge Building," is no “one size fits all" training approach, personally developed through years of education, research, mentoring, internship, and personal experience. “Training is something that comes from a lifelong commitment to not only educating yourself on the canine world but above all else emerging yourself in that world as well." Diggity Dogs does everything from basic training to off-leash obedience, behavior modification, new baby socialization, and post-puppy boot camp training. ($125.00 1st hour & $85.00 each additional hour.) They also offer house sitting services, daily dog walks, overnights, and hikes. 7 Reeder Road Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (845) 205-2776 Berkshires Hayes Happy Dog Training CenterThe educators here pride themselves on their ability to train puppies of all ages and skill levels: from a pet owner just looking for the basics, to therapy dog level dogs, to an enthusiast looking for that elusive competitive edge. They offer on-site training (6 group classes $100; private lessons at $50 per hour) and home visits (2 visits required, $200). Since different dogs learn at different speeds, they base the lesson on the uniqueness of each dog and the commitment of each owner. In addition to various levels of training, daycare, boarding, and grooming is available. 48 Boice Road Egremont, MA 01230 (413) 528-0877 Litchfield Hills/Northwest CT
The Canine Sports Center Providing a well-rounded education for your pooch, the center, part of the Diamond Creek Pet Retreat, can easily take a family pet from unknowing pup to hunting hound, specializing in all points in between, with basic pet obedience courses from puppy preschool to graduate 301 obedience training in a group setting. There are also agility classes and more challenging courses such as “competition obedience" and “conformation ring training." Behavioral consultants are on staff for the couch-chewing Fidos in need. (Courses $160 & up.) 416 Old Middle Street Goshen, CT 06756 (860) 491-3904 GROOMINGColumbia County
Pampered Pooch Grooming SalonClients of Pampered Pooch rave about owner Kera Shetsky and her "magical hands." She’ll take your pooch (who should really be washed more frequently than you think) from bedraggled mess to Westminster competitor in no time (with a bow or bandana thrown in). Her seven years of experience helps her take on even the most temperamental in the pack. The salon also offers quick in-and-out grooming services like face trim, nail grinding, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. ($30 & up.) 226 Warren Street Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 567-5284
Dutchess County Grooming By BetsyWell-heeled dog owners bring their canine companions to Betsy and her super-experienced, creative, and artistic staff of groomers, who work on all breeds of dogs (and cats), exclusively using Quadruped Pet Products, an all-natural and biodegradable line. (Prices by request.) 7466 South Broadway Red Hook, NY 12571 (845) 758-6776 Berkshires
Wash & Wag Salon & Boutique and Mobile GroomingA full-service pet grooming machine for the Berkshires and beyond, Wash & Wag was first established by Robin Mallory, a certified groomer, and husband Joe in a big, hot pink van. The Salon and Boutique expanded to include more stationary pet grooming for dogs (and cats) in February of 2013. Wash & Wag services include shampooing, nail clipping, de-shedding, de-matting, puppy cuts, and brush outs. They use Dr. Bronner’s all-organic castile soaps and organic shampoos made in Italy by Royal Pe; all other products are organic when possible. ($30 & up.) 389 White House Square, Route 7 Great Barrington, MA 01230 (866) 927-4924 pinky@TheBigPinkVan.com Mobile service is by appointment only. Litchfield Hills/Northwest Annie's K-9 DesignThe Vidal Sassoon of grooming salons, Annie's K-9 Design is owned and operated by Diana La Mesa, a certified master groomer with more than 20 years of experience. La Mesa and her team regularly attend seminars and expos to keep at the head of the pack. Annie's K-9 Design only uses all-natural shampoos, Hydro Surge Bath — an invigorating massage that keeps them calm and relaxed, and professional grooming techniques for all breeds of dogs (and cats). (Prices vary by breed and by coat.) 568B Torrington Road Litchfield, CT 06759 Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DOG WHISPERERS
Cindy BrodyAnimal communicator Cindy Brody (she hates the term psychic) travels the world and the Hudson Valley to bring you and your pet peace. “My mission is to make every animal happy." Brody can communicate with your canine and help you understand their side, as well as help them communicate their wishes. Something her happy clients have found especially handy for end-of-life dogs and those that have crossed the rainbow bridge. (Prices vary.) (845) 679-3393
Animal ReikiDogs have feelings, too. Reiki is often used to heal physical and emotional stress. Liz Wassell MSW, RMT can work on your pampered pet by phone or in person. (One-hour Reiki session for people or animals: $70.) (845) 616-1219 or (917) 513-5993 Buddy's Place, LLC For the beloved pet that has gone to the great beyond, you can wear a bit of their ashes around your neck in a cylinder keepsake pendant, a la Angelina Jolie in her bad girl phase. (Prices vary.) 192 Knitt Road Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-4342 Open daily by appointment.
