Update: Fall 2023
Happy Fall Everyone
The Oak tree behind the barn is starting to drop its leaves, the squirrels who run foolishly along the top of the play yard fence have slowed their frolicking, the loudest of the resident Scrub Jays demands his daily peanuts earlier every day, Campers are starting to wear their sweaters and hoodies to Camp, and we may have seen the last of this year’s pool parties. A new season is here.
More on the holiday schedule for the rest of the year in a little while. First up, we hope you’ll stop in for some special treats on Halloween. For Camper parents on Halloween morning and for Campers when they go home for trick or treating.
Thanks to You We Need Your Help
In the last little while, our day care and sleep over attendance has returned to pre-pandemic levels. We appreciate all of you – long time Campers and those who’ve joined us during and post-pandemic - for sticking with us through times that tried us all.
In the Spring of 2020, there were days where we had more team members at Camp than Campers – great for getting special projects done – but not so great otherwise.
Now that we’re back to healthy numbers, thanks to all your support, we sometimes have days with a waiting list for day care. Most Campers are on a regular schedule for one or more days every week. If your Camper is one of those, and you know you are not going to be here on one of your scheduled days, please let us know as soon as you can. That will let us free up the day for another Camper. Thanks for your help with this.
The Dog Camp Team
Safe. Secure. Social. You may have seen those Dog Camp watchwords on a team tee shirt recently. At their request, and much to our delight, the team decided they wanted to wear Dog Camp branded clothes to work; they asked for name tags too.
Since the five people on the Dog Camp team (six if you include James in the count) are the keepers of “safe, secure, social” and are responsible for making sure we live that every day, we’d like you to know a little bit more about them.
Briana joined us in August 2020 while on summer break from Sonoma Valley High School. She has been a stalwart member of the team ever since. She’s one of the people who greets you and your Camper at check in and sometimes sends Campers home in the evening. Elizabeth joined us in February 2021 with experience at another local dog care business. She brought new perspectives and a calm confidence so important to the energy in the play yard. Emily, a friend of and fellow SVHS student with Briana, joined us in October 2021. You’ll also see her first thing in the morning at check in and on Saturdays when she runs Camp for part of the day. We are happy she’s chosen to continue working with us while she continues her post-high school education. Lupe, a friend of Emily’s and the most recent SVHS grad (class of 2023) on the team, is someone you’ve seen more of since she graduated. She joined us in August 2022 and managed to become an important member of the team while finishing her senior year and working two jobs. What some would call a “go getter”. Josh is the most recent addition to the team, joining us in May of 2023. A former volunteer at Pets Lifeline, he has a quietly commanding “shhh” that the Campers have come to respect.
Altogether, that’s almost 10 years of experience (30 if you include James) looking after the Campers at Dog Camp.
As we head into what will be Dog Camp’s 20th year in business, we know we have the team in place to take us well into our next decade. Our training program, advancement opportunities, paid medical, dental and life insurance benefits, paid time off, and newly introduced 401(k) with our matching contribution will help us ensure the people you see on the team today will be the people you see on the team for years to come. That feels so good.
Two O’clock is
the New Three O’clock
Since we began closing the lobby during the middle of the day on weekdays, afternoon pick-up hours have been 3:00 until 6:30. Effective Monday, November 6, we’re moving the start of afternoon pick-up to 2:00. Those of you who like to pick up your Campers on the early side will be able to avoid the school traffic you’ve encountered when picking up at 3:00. Always good when things become easier.
Renovation Project Update
Our plans continue to work their way up in what must be a very tall stack of plans for review at Sonoma City Hall. When we have a start date we’ll let you know. It won’t be until next year.
Fall Crop Report
Our Camp citrus trees are promising to bear quite the Fall crop. When the Meyer lemons, blood oranges and cara cara oranges ripen, we’ll share them on the counter in the morning. The fruit of the past few years has been abundant, juicy, and sweet.
We also have enough Bay leaves to supply the town of Sonoma. From a 3-inch-high seedling we bought at Sonoma Mission Gardens a couple of years ago, we now have a tree on the south side of the property that’s taller than the building. If you could use some fresh Bay leaves, just ask; we’re happy to share.
Holiday Schedule
If you need sleep overs during the upcoming holidays, now is the time to make your reservation. Everyone seems to be traveling again, and we do have a limited number of spots available.
For a reminder of holiday hours, check-in availability, and three night minimum periods, check this link: https://www.sonomadogcamp.com/holidays
All our best to all of you for a wonderful rest of 2023.
With love and gratitude from the Dog Camp team – James, Sue, Briana, Elizabeth, Emily, Lupe, and Josh