Canine Camp Getaway

07/21/2025

07/14/2025

Great advice about what to do when you first adopt a dog!

Sharing again because EVERYONE needs to read this if you are thinking of adopting!!!! Here lately we have more returns coming back and if everyone would think of it this way it could avoid that! We work soooo hard with these dogs and put months of work, foster care, interviews, education to fosters/adopters in and we finally celebrate an adoption…….or do we???? Not usually because seems like lately more are coming back than going out 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

It takes time and patience! No dog deserves to be judged by its first hours, days, even weeks!! It takes time and work!

Adopting a pet? Congrats! You've just picked someone up in your car who isn't great at communicating, just got out of a tough situation, and isn't sure if they trust you yet. Sound familiar? That's because the first three days with a new pet are basically a 72-hour first date.

It's exciting, it's awkward, and it's definitely not the time to start planning your holiday cards or giving them a bubble bath.

No judgment, but some of y'all might need a quick refresher on first-date etiquette. So here's your official guide to early red flags (from you, not them).

🚩 Leaving them unattended like it's no big deal
Imagine showing up to a blind date and immediately getting ditched at a party where you know no one. That's how your pet feels when they're left alone right away.

Bottom line: Don't ghost your new pet. It's day one. Stick close.

🚩 Being too handsy
They're cute. You're smitten. But this isn't the moment for kisses, cuddles, or TikToks with voiceovers. You just met. They don't know your intentions yet.

This isn't a fling; it's the start of something real. Let them come to you. (Consent matters, even in pet parenting.)

🚩 Introducing them to your entire cast of characters
You ever meet someone and they immediately want you to meet their mom? Yikes.

Your pet doesn't need to meet your whole social circle (or animal crew) right away. Let them settle in, one face at a time. Save the group hangs for later.

🚩 Giving them a bath
You wouldn't give someone you just met a bath, and if you would… we don't want to talk about this anymore.

Yes, shelter pets can be a little stinky. But baths are a lot. They're wet, stressful, and weirdly intimate for a pet who doesn't even know your hobbies yet. Spritz some pet-safe essential oils around the house and give them time to decompress before sudsing them up.

🚩 Taking them on a spontaneous adventure
You are not on The Bachelor. No one wants a surprise helicopter ride on day one.

Keep things calm and close to home. No breweries, dog parks, or road trips. Your pet's just trying to figure out which room has the snacks, don't make them learn a whole new location yet.

🚩 Expecting instant love
Some folks swipe right, go on one date, and expect sparks to fly immediately. The same energy applies to new pet parents who expect instant attachment.

Sometimes it does happen, but more often, it's a slow burn. They might hide under the bed, bark at the fridge, or side-eye you for three days straight. It doesn't mean it's not working. It just means you're still getting to know each other.

💘 The Bottom Line: Love doesn't always strike like lightning. Sometimes, it starts with awkward silences, side-eyes, and mutually agreeing that you won't make any sudden moves. But give it time, stay patient, and keep showing up, and you just might find yourself in the best relationship of your life.

07/11/2025

I found the idea of an AI dog fascinating, yet oddly disturbing -- manufacturing dog-like behaviors and antics, even up to recognizing and "bonding" with its owner with the goal of making them less lonely, seems oddly soulless to me (and maybe more lonely) since it's just an AI-powered robot with no real feelings. It's cool technology with no heart, and it sort of left me feeling sad. What do you think?

Pre-order and save for a limited time ⏱️

07/05/2025

Happy Independence Day! As the fireworks rage, please keep your dogs safely inside tonight -- even dogs who aren't afraid can be startled by the loud noises and jump a fence (or a badly thrown firework could end up in your yard). If you're out watching the light show, leave a loud radio on playing calming music or leave the TV on to distract your dog. To all of our dog friends who hate this day, remember it will be over soon (and hopefully your parents saved you an extra burger or hot dog).

06/30/2025

Big shout out to Charlee Bear Dog Treats for sharing these delish treats with our June campers! With healthy ingredients and a variety of mouth watering flavors, they're a great choice for rewarding your dog without packing on the calories.

06/19/2025

Our June Campers enjoyed the ultimate drool worthy treat thanks to the generous donation of -- these premium, all-natural bison cubes were SO popular with camp dogs of all sizes! Our camp dogs loved them so much, they wanted to share their special discount with all their friends -- just use the code K9GetawayFun and you, too, can enjoy 20% off these delicious, single-ingredient treats! Even dogs with sensitive stomachs can enjoy these since bison is hypoallergenic (and environmentally sustainable, too!). Check them out at https://boulderdogfoodcompany.com/

06/17/2025

One of the coolest things donated for our June Camp goodie bags this year was PawZ MAXWAX Paw and Nose Balm. This is perfect for protecting paws from the hot pavement and noses from the sun, and equally useful for winter, conditioning those pads and protecting against ice and chemicals. We love that it's safe, lickable and made with human-grade beeswax, lanolin and vitamin E. Check it out here! https://pawzdogboots.com/products/maxwax-paw-balm

06/16/2025

Big thank you to our incredibly generous June Campers! With your help, our Silent Auction raised $1,950, which will be split between the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, LI Dog, Pilots N Paws, Camp Papillon Animal Shelter and Animals in Distress. Additionally, the Charity Raffle raised a whopping $1,510, which was donated in memory of our beloved camper, Oneida Prince Cintron, to the Canine Cancer Alliance. Thanks to all of you who donated, bid on items and threw extra money in the bucket to help dogs in need. You are the absolute best!!! To Oneida (and Casper), we will love and miss you forever, and we hope this donation will continue the good work you did here on earth. Please give my Lexie and Jessie a kiss from me!

06/15/2025

Wishing a happy Father's Day to all of our Dads and Dog Dads out there!

06/12/2025

Our June Campers were so excited to find yummy donations in their goodie bags, courtesy of Redbarn Premium Pet Products. The Dur-A-Bulls were great for a nice, long chew after a long day of activities (these really last!), while the Air Dried Powerfood provided irresistible motivation during tricks classes, a perfect late night snack or a healthy, good-for-the-gut meal that promotes a healthy microbiome, strong digestion and overall vitality. Thank you, Redbarn, for making camp a whole lot yummier!

If you missed camp but want to give your dogs a chance to enjoy these delicious camp goodies, you can find out more by visiting https://www.redbarn.com/

06/05/2025

Our second Paint Your Pet session was a big hit! Some many great paintings, and everyone had a blast!

06/04/2025

Sleepy poodle enjoying the nightlife at