Camp Dogwood – A perfect place for dog lovers

 

We just returned from a few days at “Camp Dogwood” and I am reflecting on the fun time we had.

If you’ve never heard about Camp Dogwood and wondering what it’s all about, I think the quote from one camper from Minnesota summed it up best. She said “When I’m here, I’m not known as the crazy dog lady. Everyone here is just like me and they totally love their dog. I feel like I’ve finally found my people.”

Campers come from all over to attend Camp Dogwood.  Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Ohio are some of the states where people travel from to spend a long weekend with their dog(s) in a camp-like setting.  You can choose from a rustic cabin, sleeping in your tent, sharing a cabin with another camper or the more modern “rustic resort” type of room. At this camp, all of the main class room and eating areas were air conditioned, very clean and had lovely views of the lake and surrounding beautiful wooded areas.

If you have a dog that isn’t great around people or other dogs, they wear an orange bandana so other campers know to give that dog extra space.  At orientation, campers are educated about how to treat an orange bandana dog. It is wonderful to see these people who arrive very concerned about how their dog is going to deal with new environment to relaxing and having a great time since other campers understand and give them extra space and respect.

When we arrived at this remote location near the Wisconsin Dells,  we were greeted by several deer crossing the camp entrance. During our stay we saw groups of wild turkey’s, Canadian Geese, wild ducks, sand hill cranes and all kinds of magical dragon-flies.

 

On the lovely 600 acre property, there are tons of walking/hiking trials, sitting benches, lake access and even a foot bridge that connects once side of the camp to the other.  To make sure all campers have a safe and enjoyable time with their pups, there are helpful signs like this one to guide you on how to get around.

 

Here is Fleck on the footbridge.  That is the dining hall in the background.  There are LOTS of windows so you can enjoy the beautiful lake as you sit at meal times.

 

 

So what can you do at camp?  This is a safe place to experience all kinds of activities. Agility, flyball, lure coursing, nose-work, barn hunt, weight-pulling, carting, swimming, rally and a trip to a local farm to try your dog at sheep herding are some of the popular activities. New this year were off-site trips of shopping in the Dells with your dog and the very popular “Wisconsin Duck” boat tour where you could take your dog on the boat trip with you.  With so many people going on this outing, Camp Dogwood broke the record of the most dogs on any one “Duck” tour.  Fun!

If you’re not looking to be so active or your dog needs a rest, there are always indoor activities to try out. The two classes I taught were “Essential Oils for your Canine Partner” where you got to try out lots of different essential oils with your dog.  I covered oils for pain relief, arthritis, muscle injuries, stress/anxiety, skin issues, flea/tick protection and lots more.  Everyone left smelling great!  I also taught a class on using Flower Essences. During the class, campers got to make a treatment bottle for their dog to use at camp.  Other classes were basic obedience, trick training, loose leash walking, arts & crafts (this year, there were some really cool necklace/charms that were the hit of the camp), dog bowl decorating, treat making (yes, we cook at camp), canine nutrition (taught by a holistic vet) and lots, lots more.

On Saturday night, I led a discussion/class by the campfire on “Sacred Contracts” as it relates to our dogs.  I talked about why certain animals have joined our lives and helped campers reflect on their lives with their dogs looking for meanings to their journey.  It was amazing to hear people share their experiences with their dog(s) and learn about what special, special bonds they have with their canine friends and how their lives were forever changed by adopting a particular dog.  It was a magical evening.  Here is a picture of Fleck by the campfire site the morning after the class. Such a beautiful setting!

 

Of course, Fleck had to spend as much time as possible swimming on the beach.  He just loves it.  Camp Dogwood even has a special beach time for small dogs.  At that time, the beach is off-limits for any dog over 25 lbs so the little pups feel safe to explore the wonders of the lake.

Fleck was a great companion for Camp Dogwood. He got plenty of exercise, but had to be in his crate for a lot of the time while I was working.  He was happy with a couple of peanut butter filled Kongs and slept in his crate. Luckily with the hot weather and then down pour, he was tucked in the corner of the air-conditioned room where I held my classes and private sessions.  He is such a good, good boy.

So, until the Fall camp in October – good bye Camp Dogwood. We had a great time.