Links of Interest:



A great book for beginners


For Additional Reading:

Labrador Retriever (Dog Breed Handbook) by Bruce Fogle, DVM. DK Publishing, INC. 1996.

The Labrador Retriever by Bernard Zeissow. TFH Publications, Inc. 1995.

The New Complete Labrador Retriever by Helen Warwick. 3rd Ed. Howell Book House, Inc. 1989.

The Labrador Retriever by Dorothy Howe. TFH Publications, Inc. 1984.
 


Frequently Asked Questions

Do we board all breeds of dogs?

Yes, we board all breeds. Our facilities can handle small dogs and extra large dogs!

Do we offer pick-up and drop-off services at Stone Creek?

Yes! Our location should not interfere with your peace of mind. At Stone Creek, we understand the demands of your schedule and are happy to help out. We would like you to visit us in person at least once to see the accommodations. Our pick-up and delivery service prices are very fair and based on your location. Please email or call for a quote.

What vaccinations are required to board my dog at Stone Creek?

In brief, your dog must have current DHLP - Parvo, Rabies and Bordetella. New or expired vaccinations must be given at least 10 days prior to your stay at Stone Creek. No exceptions. Having your best friend's shots up to date is an important step in protecting his health and the health of our other boarders. No dog will be permitted to board at Stone Creek unless his vaccinations are up to date. You must present proof of vaccination as provided by your vet upon check in. Before you board with us, be sure your dog is protected. We will not make any exceptions to this policy.

What about food for my dog during her stay?

Stone Creek feeds a premium chicken base food with 30% protein, 20% fat made by Purina. If your dog requires something else, you are welcome to provide it. Please bring the smallest possible container clearly marked with your dog's name and feeding instructions. Sudden changes in a diet can sometimes bring on stomach upset or diarrhea. We are accustomed to meeting the most unusual requests . . .green beans, pumpkin, carrots, and hot dogs are just a few of the things we've been asked to add to a boarders diet. If your dog requires mixed food, just bring it along. Stone Creek will be happy to help keep your dog on his regular diet by preparing it at no additional charge.

What does it cost to board my dog at Stone Creek?

$19.00 per day per dog (any size)- check or cash only (no credit cards). The good news is at Stone Creek this means Board, meals, exercise time and cookie breaks are all included in our rate. Please keep this in mind when you compare our costs with other kennels. Many other facilities charge between $2.00 - $4.00 every time they walk or play with your dog. These extra charges add up in a hurry.

What does exercise time mean?

Several times per day your dog is free to roam about in our secure exercise area, (one animal at a time).

Do you offer Special Services like grooming?

For your convenience we do offer extra special services for your pet to enjoy. Your dog can have a full grooming session provided by a mobile groomer during his stay with us. We can also have your dog enjoy a canine massage during their visit performed by massage practitioner. Prices are breed specific, just ask for a quote.

When can I bring my dog or pick him up?

Please be assured that we care for all our dogs’ 24 hours a day. There are numerous activities that take place behind the scenes to ensure your dogs comfort and stress free stay.
Our office hours are designed to accommodate even the busiest travel schedules:

Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: Mornings 8:00 - 11:00am
Sunday: Afternoons 2:00 - 4:00pm
CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS

Can I bring toys and bedding for my dog?

At Stone Creek, we want to your dog to be comfortable while boarding. Elevated resting benches are provided for every kennel. You're welcome to bring toys and bedding with you.

A few suggestions though:

If you have an expensive dog bed, leave it at home. Dogs behave differently when they are boarding and sometimes shred their bedding. If we find your dog has shredded his bedding, we'll take it away from him (ingested cloth can be a serious medical problem) but the bed will never be the same. Make sure the bedding you bring is washable. We want to keep your dog's area clean.

Small kitchen rugs make excellent bedding. The braided kind you put in front of the sink. You may notice that your dog sleeps on it a good bit of the time at home! They wash easily and provide a good cover for the bed we provide. An old beach towel is also good choice. They're big and comfortable, and if they were bought on that vacation years ago it won't be a great loss if your dog chews them up. We can also wash them if need be. You may want to let your dog sleep on them at home a day or two before boarding so that both the scent of the dog as well as your home is on the towel.

If you bring toys, we suggest NylaBones, Kong’s, Booda bones and so on. Don't bring rawhide unless you have given them to your dog REPEATEDLY in the past and are sure they won't pose a hazard. We've got plenty of tennis balls, so no need to bring your own. Plastic toys are not a good idea since they're a choking hazard. Please be sure to label any of your dog's belongings you wish to have returned to you at the conclusion of your his or her stay with us.

What happens if my dog becomes sick while staying at Stone Creek?

Of course we want your dog to remain healthy while he stays in our kennel, but from time to time a boarder does become ill. If your dog gets sick we take him to the vet promptly. If possible, we'll take your dog to the vet of your choice. If your dog becomes ill after hours or on the weekends, we have an agreement with a local vet who will take our boarders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Typically we do not charge to take a dog to the vet. That's part of taking care of your dog and you've already paid us to do that! Note that if your dog requires repeated trips to a vet during his stay, appropriate charges will be billed to your account. You will also be responsible for any vet bills. As a kennel, some vets are gracious enough to give us a discount for services rendered. Any discounts will be passed on to the dog owner.

Are there exceptions to business hours?

No, there are no exceptions! It may seem to you an easy enough request, but with hundreds of clients, others are thinking the same thing. We are quite sure you understand our dilemma. We are not available during our non-business hours. We are caring for our guests and maintaining our facility. Our goal at Stone Creek is to give you the best customer service and we will do that during our business hours. We never want to sacrifice the care of our boarders, because, of course, they have top priority. Thank you for respecting all of the animals, as well as us humans, by respecting our business hours.

Is there "No Visitor Policy" in the area where dogs are kenneled?

We are very proud of our kennels and like to show them off, but we do not permit visitors in areas where dogs are housed. There are two key reasons for establishing a "No Visitors" policy. One is that some animals react fearfully or aggressively toward strangers.

As a result, the presence of strangers in the kennel can cause such dogs to injure themselves or develop intestinal problems. Second, visitors do not follow the same stringent disinfecting procedures used by kennel personnel, and can transport contagious agents (bacteria, viruses) into the kennel. However, we do provide you a viewing window, so that you can see where your dog will be staying.

What is one of the most important characteristics of a good boarding facility?

Proper supervision is the key to good boarding. Someone who is trained to recognize the signs of illness and distress should check dogs frequently during the day. Experience and practical knowledge are required to detect or interpret such symptoms as lethargy ("I thought he was just sleeping"), severe intestinal disorders (friends or acquaintances rarely check the backyard for bloody stool), urinary problems (it is almost impossible to detect blood in urine when dogs urinate on grass), loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or discharges from the eyes or nose. Yet, all of these signs can be significant.

We at Stone Creek have vast experience and are trained to recognize and evaluate such signs and to seek veterinary assistance when needed.

Still have more questions? Feel free to contact us!