Our lodging staff are qualified to an unheard-of degree in today's away care facilities:

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Behaviorally, we provide an exceptional level of care with safety for dogs with reactivities, selective social styles, separation anxiety (great for during-behavior mod treatment), and other challenges.

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Medically, our on-staff licensed vet tech is a primary-care provider here at the Lodge, ready to provide non-emergency care as needed/able, as well as stabilization care for more emergent situations. All of our staff hold, at minimum, a Certificate in Canine Studies from the Northwest School of Canine Studies.

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A word from the owner/founder, Cristine Dahl.

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"I grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for helping. Deeply drawn to the human/canine relationship, I found it difficult to leave my own dogs when traveling. I didn't want them to be alone, or neglected, or hurt, or confused. They all have had special needs, behavioral, medical, or both. If I'm being honest, I have special needs when it comes to their care, too. 

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After two decades serving the canine community of Seattle and surrounding areas, I remain stymied by the shortage of highly-qualified hosts and accommodations for special-needs dogs when their people cannot be with them.

 

In 2018, after serving  Seattle proper for 17 years, I realized my dream of purchasing a dog-heaven of sorts.  DogWood is our 5+ acre legacy forest property in Olympia, Washington, less than 1/2 mile from our sister property, AppleWood, with 2.5 acres of fully fenced, manicured, legacy apple land. Myself and my family reside on these incredible parcels, alongside Northwest Canine operations.

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This unique piece of property is an oasis for dogs AND people, and my family, my staff, and I are humbled and grateful to share it with those needing our care."

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