Today we are very excited to publish the first article from new RLO writer, sponsor, and local Real Estate Broker Candace Lampe-Taylor.
For some parents it is common practice to pack the kids off to summer camp while they’re away on vacation. But what about the family dog?
According to Starr Craft, owner of Dog’s Life Boarding at Pug Ranch in Rio Linda, California, it’s perfectly normal.
Craft operates a European style in-home boarding facility that caters to the individual needs of each guest. “European style boarding means that the dogs will always be together. The ranch campers (as the dogs are called) are housed together and not separated into kennel facilities during the day.”
In-home pet boarding is a popular trend with people who want a more personalized approach for their pooch instead of taking their furry friend to a standard kennel or begging a reluctant family member or friend to watch their dog while they’re away.
Not all boarding kennels are created equal. “When you go into some of these boarding kennels the dogs are warehoused in cages. I try not anthropomorphize it, but my campers would not be happy there. Here, they get to see Auntie Starr riding horses and watch wild turkeys,” Craft explains.
Craft’s campers number in the hundreds. However, she only allows six dogs at any one time to ensure a personalized boarding experience. She also has a size and height restriction for dogs: Under 40 pounds and up to 18 inches at the wither (top of shoulder).
Amenities at Dog’s Life Boarding at Pug Ranch include kennel-free boarding, twenty-four hour care, including administering medication, individual attention, regular exercise, and the chance for the dog to follow a regular routine in a private home. The level of service is far from typical—it’s the equivalent of a luxury resort for humans.
A Day at the Ranch
At the crack of dawn, the campers awake to a customized breakfast in their bunkhouses—six roomy enclosures parked near the family room with a view of the pasture and vineyards. After mealtime, the group heads out to a large, securely fenced yard to take stock of the new day, play, or just watch the abundant wildlife or horses grazing on acreage that borders Hansen Ranch Regional Park.
Afternoons are dedicated to playing various games or hosting a Camper Parade. “I run around and the dogs follow me,” Craft laughs. The campers are treated to healthy “snackies,” followed by an individualized lunch, then a “happy nappy.” Pool and water sports are available during the summer months.
If exercise isn’t their thing, the ranch campers have the option to go into Cartoon or Country Western Camp. Basically, the dogs settle in to watch TV shows or listen to music. Dinner is served in the camper’s individual bunkhouses. Afterwards, there is free play time until lights out at 7:30 p.m.
From Horses to Hounds
A lifelong horse trainer and equine veterinary technician with deep ranching roots in Northern California, Craft embraces the hard work, long hours, and occasional persnickety client that this business entails.
“First off, I believe I’m working within my natural gifts. Which is, I not only love animals but I like to understand them. I don’t consider myself a pet person. I consider myself somebody that truly wants to understand the psychology of the animal—the dog or the horse. So I believe I’m definitely working within gifts I’ve been given.”
In 2008, Craft realized there was an untapped market for boutique, in-home dog boarding. She was in a prime location for the business too: “We live in a rural area with property, close to major highways, the interstate, and the Sacramento Airport. So I went ahead and launched a website and I started getting business.”
Within her first year, Craft had an established clientele of over 200 families. She gets a 
lot of satisfaction from her business. “I get to follow my gifts with animals. I’ve always just led with my heart and it’s paid off for me. And it’s a huge blessing—I get to meet a lot of wonderful people—and I have never punched a time clock in my life.”
Prices vary at in-home pet boarding facilities depending upon the length of time spent, special requirements and other factors. For the discriminating client, paying a higher price to ensure the welfare of their dog is well worth it.
Know Your Client
Craft takes the time to thoroughly understand each of her campers and believes that’s the key to her success. “With each of my guests I know them very well; they’re not just a number.”
Her campers also receive special monikers: “I give all of my campers a middle name.” Craft thinks she picked this idea up during the years her mother was a nurse at a children’s camp, where nicknames are practically a requirement.
A steady stream of loyal clientele keeps the business humming at full speed. “My regular people are amazing. I become friends with them. They leave their “kids” here with me. I also host a big party each year for the campers and their parents. The dogs all come. We do food, drinks, and karaoke.”
Securing a reservation at Dog’s Life Boarding at Pug Ranch sounds as difficult as getting a good seat at the prestigious French Laundry restaurant in Napa. Craft recommends booking as far in advance as possible, especially during the summer months or before big holidays or school holidays.
Although he works outside of the ranch as a Master Jewelry Designer and jewelry restoration expert, Vince Craft is an important part of the team. Married since 1995, the Craft’s enjoy a rural ranch lifestyle, complete with horses, cattle, dogs and even a small vineyard.
Hugging two pugs on her lap, Craft leans back on the family room sofa and concludes, “I like the feel of it out here…and I get this a lot from people who say this is really a happy place. There’s a spirit of real happiness and contentedness. And people just sense that when they come on to this property. And the dogs sense it too.”
Despite a non-stop schedule that leaves little room for other pursuits, Craft wouldn’t consider doing anything else. “Gosh, sometimes this is crazy. But I love doing this,” she proclaims with a joyful laugh.
Note: For more information about a Dog’s Life Boarding at Pug Ranch or in-home pet boarding go to: www.Dogslifeboarding.com or www.DogVacay.com
Candace is a freelance writer who focuses on the people, places and things that make Rio Linda and Elverta unique. She is also a Real Estate Broker specializing in our community. You can contact her at 916-747-4426 or by email at candacetaylor1960@yahoo.com
