Camp Dogwood – A dog person’s heaven

I spent the weekend at Camp Dogwood. For those of us with dogs, we are used to being second-class citizens. We have to leave our best friends in the car (or at home) when we go out to eat, we are subject to huge “fines” when we bring our canine friends to a hotel (never mind the fact that our dogs are better behaved than the kids running up and down the hall at all hours) and we are always searching for things to do with our furry pals that we would both enjoy (not just throwing a slimy ball across the yard). Well, look no further. Camp Dogwood is the place to be if you are in to anything doggy.

Three weekends out of the year, this secluded camp in northern Illinois has gone to the dogs. You can spend the weekend in a cabin setting with your canine pal all the while participating in activities that are all about dogs. No need to find a dog-sitter, your dog is welcome if not required in all the classes, workshops and training sessions. Activities range from scrap booking for dogs to aromatherapy for dogs (taught by yours truly) to agility, flyball, frisbee, dock dog diving, lure coursing, rally, herding, doggy dancing and group nature walks through the woods. One of my favorites – is the Whine and Cheese meeting 🙂 Camp Dogwood is a dog persons heaven on earth. You and your canine pal are welcomed on equal terms right down to your camp name tag. Both your names are listed so everyone can get to know you and your dog on a first name basis.

My personal experience might be a little different since I teach classes at Camp Dogwood and bring along my trusty side-kick, Fleck to keep me company (pictured above). He loves the camp atmosphere and absolutely adores swimming. But none the less, I love spending time with the campers there as we are all on a similar journey with our canine pals.

Camp attendees range from first time attendees to people who have been coming for 10 years. If you have a “grumpy pup”, you can put an orange bandanna on them to signify to other campers you need a little extra room when maneuvering through the day’s activities.

If you are a dog person and have been searching for a place where you “fit in” with all your doggy talk, breed specific clothing and goofy puppy-talk, look no further. Come to Camp Dogwood: Where a Dog can be a Dog and a human obsessed with their dog(s) is not odd but among kindred spirits.

Thanks Camp Dogwood!
www.campdogwood.com