by Paulette Jacob

My name is Paulette Jacob, and I am a Camper Care Specialist at Camp Bow Wow, Covington. I’ve worked at Camp Bow Wow since we opened our doors nearly one year ago. I would like to share with you some of my thoughts about doggy day camp, not only from the perspective of an employee who has loved dogs for as long as she can remember living, but as a mom to two beloved canine children of my own.
Responsible dog owners already know about the benefits afforded our dogs when they receive exercise and social interaction, and doggy day camp at Camp Bow Wow certainly provides an excellent opportunity for these valuable activities. Other than a proper diet and love, there is nothing better for our dogs than physical and mental stimulation. To be happy and content, I believe all animals need a change of scenery, just like humans. But it dawned on me that there was an added benefit to day camp that I didn’t think about prior to working here, largely because the concept of a doggy day camp was unfamiliar to me. Please allow me to explain.
 
The “regulars”, campers that frequent Camp Bow Wow for day care now and then, come to know us. They get excited when they see the counselors here and vice versa. We are an extended family to them. We know their likes and dislikes as if they were our own dogs. And believe me, we love catering to their special needs and have plenty of staff to do it. I can’t tell you the difference that makes when it comes time for boarding. They’re extra happy to be with us because they are familiar with our counselors, the facility, and they know exactly what to expect in their daily camp routines. They feel “at home”, or the next best thing to being home. Now, how wonderful is that!
 
As dog parents, we can all relate to “guilt ridden” vacations. One of the big pluses about Camp Bow Wow is that for the first time in many people’s lives, they can actually go on a vacation and have a good time without feeling any guilt. Boarders who have been to day camp are on their own doggy vacation with us! That being said, and don’t get me wrong--we give top quality care to all the dogs that board with us--but it’s just natural to form a strong bond with dogs we see from time to time. Our counselors, myself included, miss them very much if we don’t see them for awhile. At Camp Bow Wow, we treat all dogs with the same care we would want for our own dogs. But the regulars are truly “our dogs”, per se. We love them and they us. I am very proud to be part of a business that makes life better for mankind’s best friend, and doggy day camp is doing just that.

Let me end by saying that I believe that all dogs are precious and priceless. There is nothing on God’s green earth like a dog, in my opinion. I want to thank all of our customers out there, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me the privilege and honor of spending time with your beloved ‘babies’ and sharing them with me, even if only for a one time stay. I appreciate the company of all dogs and get up every day, excited about the prospect of meeting new canine friends, and the thrill of seeing some of my familiar furry buddies. And now that we offer ½ days of camp, which is more affordable, they’re romping in to play even more often. I have the greatest job in the world!