I live in Newburgh and have always had a dog, usually large one....Shepherds, Golden tretirevier and now a Leonberger. When I first needed to board my dog I went to one of the 'dog hotel' types...lovely building etc. but after two visits it became clear that the staff was not really trained....they did not understand dogs.
Then someone suggested Colby Kennels. I visited [with my dog] and found the runs and places for the dogs very plain....BUT what impressed me was the way everyone interacted with my dog. First, they knew how to approach him...gave him time to sniff and get acclimated...only then did they extend a hand and yes, with a treat. They allowed him to take the treat, and only then petted him and did the rest of 'get acquainated' routine.
When I looked at the kennels/runs they were plain...utilitarian....unlike the 'fancy dancy' place I had been before. But as I talked with the owner it was clear that she knew dogs...and the longer I talked, the more convinced I was that my dog would be well cared for at Colby. So I boarded him ....and have been boarding dogs there ever since. When my last dog was old and did not want to play fetch during play time, they gave him special attention of a different sort. ...What is interesting is that back those many years ago when I first went to Colby I mentioned LInda, the owner, to my vet and he praisied her to the high heavens [as my mother would say] that she knows dogs and really cares about those in her care. I found this to be true...LInda even gave me insight into how to handle a 'difficult dog' that made such a difference for the two of us.
I am glad I found Colby... It may not look like a 'doggie hotel' but I know that Tika is getting really good care by staff who have been trained and who really like dogs [even big ones] AND that my vet thinks well of Colby, is such a plus in my mind. Nothing fancy-dancy here but good, knowledgeable care is the rule here. read more