Dog's Powerful Healing Effects

Dogs are great companies, but have been known to be more than just that. Watch this powerful story from the folks at ABC News about how this dog saved two soldiers lives. Preview article below or watch full video and story here.

One Dog’s Powerful Healing Effects on Two Wounded Veterans

ABC News’ Kelly Hagan and Sabrina Peduto report:

Justin Lansford and his longtime girlfriend, Carol Balmes, love doting on their golden retriever, Gabe. But there is much more to this four-legged friend than meets the eye.

“The less I use my wheelchair, the more I need his help in smaller tasks and the more he is there,” Lansford, a U.S. Army veteran, told ABC News’ Lara Spencer. “It has been very comforting to know that.”

Lansford, of Silver Spring, Md., was severely injured during deployment when he was struck by an improvised explosive device.

“I was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and we were in eastern Afghanistan in early 2012,” he said. “We struck an IED and it flipped my truck completely. I had bilaterally severed femurs which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.”

While recovering at Walter Reade National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Lansford was introduced to Gabe through the Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit that pairs support dogs with wounded troops.

See full story here.

"Fanwood's K-9 Resorts EmBARKs Upon a Big 2014"

Check out this article secured in The Alternative Press on Thursday, March 13th, 2014 about the history of K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel and their plans for the future. Preview the article below or read full story here.

"Fanwood's K-9 Resorts EmBARKs Upon a Big 2014"

BY: John Mooney

FANWOOD, NJ - K-9 Resorts, Fanwood’s luxury hotel for dogs, is emBARKing a bold growth plan for 2014.


The company, which specializes in overnight boarding (from one night to two months), is adding franchise locations from Boston to Virginia in the near future. Pet owners turn to K-9 when they go on business trips or leisure travel and when they plan home construction projects. The company also offers “doggie daycare” that includes play groups so that pets can expend energy, exercise and socialize in a cage-free environment.

“Dogs are social animals that need exercise and stimulation. Doggie Daycare is the best way to provide both,” says co-founder Jason Parker, who started the business with his older brother, Steven. “It is important for puppies to socialize. People want their dogs to be social. It’s critical for them to start at a young age.”

Read full story here.

Treat your pet like they are top dog!

At all of our location we treat your pet like they are top dog! Thanks to our friends at abc news you can read below about this years top dog taking home the bragging rights for the 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

"Meet America’s Top Dog, Sky the Wire Fox Terrier"

BY: Dan Good

Sky is America’s top dog.

The wire fox terrier won best in show at the 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday.

The 5-year-old female — whose full name is “GCh. AfterAll Painting the Sky” — beat a field that included a standard poodle, a Portuguese water dog and a bloodhound.

This was a record 14th time that a wire fox terrier has won at the nation’s top dog show.

“They were bred to look for trouble so they’re always on their toes out there,” Westminster Kennel Club Director of Communications and longtime WKC Dog Show TV co-host David Frei said of the terrier breed. “It’s their world and we’re just living in it and I think that gives them a little extra edge in the show ring.”

Read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

This article focuses on winter weather tips from K-9 Resorts to pet parents and how to make sure they stay warm, safe and healthy during the cold months. Preview below or read full article here.

"Winter weather tips for pet owners"

By: Alternative Press

With the cold weather and holiday season upon us, it’s important for all pet parents to know the best advice to take care of their furry family members. K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel would like to share some winter weather tips for you and your pets. For more information about K-9 Resorts in Fanwood, more tips for your pets or to find a location near you go to www.k9resorts.com, fanwood@k9resorts.com or call at (908) 490-0808. 

1. When you bring your pet in from outside, make sure to wipe its paws and underside to remove any ice balls that could cause frostbite. Check ears, tail, and paws for any signs of frostbite as well.


2. Make sure you check your house for plants that could potentially harm your pets. Poinsettias are extremely poisonous to dogs and are most commonly found during the holidays around the home.

Read full article here. 

“K-9 Resorts Plans Luxury 'Dog Hotel' in Madison”

Below is the article featured in Madison Patch Journal surrounding the new K-9 Resorts location opening in Madison, NJ. Read full article here or begin below.

“K-9 Resorts Plans Luxury 'Dog Hotel' in Madison”

BY: Jake Remlay


A K-9 Resorts franchise plans to open on Prospect Street in Madison.

The business offers luxury, cage-free boarding, and doggie daycare, K-9 resorts co-founder Jason Parker said. Dogs are given a temperament test, and then are able to play in a large playroom throughout the day.

There is no maximum amount of time dogs can stay there, and some dogs have stayed for months at a time. Dogs can stay in private rooms with outdoor windows and TVs tuned to Animal Planet, Parker said.

The building at 22 Prospect Street in Madison, a former St. Hubert's location, is being outfitted with top-of-the-line ventilation systems and improved noise control.

The Madison location will be the fourth K-9 Resort. Other locations are in Fanwood, Fairfield and Middletown. Nine more franchises are in development, he said.

Read full article here. 

Tips to Finding Your Dog a New Friend

Adding another dog to the house can be a great thing for your current dog. However, it’s important to realize that there are some adjustments that need to be made in order for this companionship to be successful. Thanks to our friends at the ASPCA we have some tips as to how to introduce a new dog into the home. Read the article here or begin below.

"Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog"

By: ASPCA

As of 2007–2008, there were nearly 75 million pet dogs in the United States, living in nearly 45 million U.S. homes. Although the majority of dog guardians (63%) own just one dog, 25% own two, and 12% own three or more. So if you’ve decided to get a second or third dog, you’re in good company!

Adding another dog to your household can bring you and your current dog more fun and companionship. However, it’s important to realize that your current dog, might feel similar to how you might feel if your parents picked your friends and then told you to share your toys with them. In the long run, things will probably work out fabulously, but in the beginning it’s a very smart idea to take a few extra steps to make everyone feel good about the new arrangement. This article provides some guidelines for making smooth and safe introductions and ensuring that your dogs’ relationship gets off to a great start.

Maximizing the potential for a great relationship between your new dog and your current dog is a two-step process. It involves the actual introduction and then management of the new dog in your home. We’ll start with introductions and then give you guidelines for helping your dogs through the initial transition weeks of being together in your home.

Read full article here.

A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog

A healthy dog is a happy dog. Our friends at Purina have some suggestions as to how to keep your dog healthy all year long. Read the full article here or begin below.

"How can I keep my dog healthy?"

By: Purina

KEEPING YOUR DOG HEALTHY

Your dog can help keep you happy and healthy, and we know you want to return the favor. What is the best food for your dog? How often should you exercise him? The diet and activity requirements for dogs differ between breeds. Knowing the unique needs of your dog is the first step toward maintaining his health.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG FOOD

Select a dog food that is designed for your dog’s health. Take his size, weight, breed and age into consideration when searching for the perfect food.

ADEQUATE EXERCISE

There’s no substitute for a nice long walk. Many dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and in shape. Learning about the activity level of your dog can help you better understand how much exercise he needs. Purina Pro Plan created an app that can help you do that.

Read full article here.

"Dog Lovers Start Luxury Hotel For Your Pooch."

K-9 Resorts was featured on CNBC Power Pitch in a segment titled, "Dog lovers start luxury hotel for your pooch." Watch full video segment and read article here or begin below.

"Dog Lovers Start Luxury Hotel For Your Pooch." 

By: Joanna Weinstein 

Brothers Steven and Jason Parker are on a mission to create the ultimate five-star hotel experience but their accommodations are very exclusive … only dogs can check in!

“We wanted to get into the luxury pet care business because there's two things in life we love and that is dogs and owning our own business,” K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel co-founder Steven Parker told CNBC.

We gave the Parker brothers just 60 seconds to pitch their award-winning pet care facility. Will their idea get five-star approval from our panelists? Watch the video and see if K-9 Resortshas what it takes to succeed in the dog-eat-dog start-up world.

More than just puppy love

The Parker brothers are not newcomers to the business world. At just 12 and 14 years old, instead of riding bikes after school, they were running a dog walking business.

“Jason and I always loved dogs growing up and our parents weren't really big dog people so we wanted to find a way to prove that we were responsible enough to care for dogs,” Steven Parker told CNBC.

Watch video and finish article here!

Prepping Those Pups For The Colder Months

The cold air and snow brings on many concerns for us this winter, but what does it mean for your dog? It is important to take the necessary precautions in order to properly prepare your pup for the winter months. Thanks to our friends at the American Kennel Club you can learn about the necessary measures that need to be taken in order to protect your furry friend. Read full article here or begin below.

"WINTER CARE FOR CANINES"

By: American Kennel club

Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:

•Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

•Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

•Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.

•Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.

Read full article here.

K-9 Resorts Featured in MiddletownPatch

K-9 Resorts was recently featured in the MiddletownPatch in an article titled "Luxury Hotel For Dogs To Open In Middletown."

The article details the planned opening of K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Middletown on Route 35 at Tindall Road on May 1^st. The article includes details about local owners Dan and Lisa Cody, who expect to hire 8 people and are passionate about the rapidly expanding franchise. The article notes the price range for services and also includes information about 5 other expected locations to open in New Jersey this year. Click here to view the full article.

"Luxury Hotel For Dogs To Open In Middletown."

By Christina Johnson

K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is opening a new 5,300-square-foot luxury hotel for dogs in Middletown, at Route 35 at Tindall Road, where the Centrex Gym used to be. 

A construction crew is in the vacant site this week, framing out the trendy facility. K-9 Resorts plans to offer overnight accommodations for up to 160 dogs, and two doggie daycare areas for up to 80 dogs. A 3,000-square-foot fenced-in dog park in the back, with different areas for small and large dogs, is also in the plan. 

"There is not even any comparison around to what we're going to be able to offer," said franchise owner Dan Cody, who will run the business with his wife Lisa. "Kennels are usually cages. Our luxury suites are going to have beds, TV sets playing Animal Planet, or the Yankees, whatever dogs want to watch. They are going to have all the comforts of a high-end hotel," said Cody.

Click here to view full article

Best Pet Gifts

Are you still searching for that perfect gift for your pet or the pet lover in your life? Well luckily we've found some morning inspiration for you. We came across a list of fantastic doggy gifts for your furry little friends. So take a peak, and shower those beautiful pups with love, because we all know they deserve it. Click here to view the entire list.

Dog Gift Guide: Top Gifts for Dogs

By Jenna Stregowski

 

1. Dog Tornado by Nina Ottosson

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Innovative and unique, the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado is an interactive dog toy and game that is both fun and mentally stimulating for any food-motivated dog. Plus, it's durable and easy to clean, meaning you dog can enjoy it for a long time.

2. Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball

Image courtesy of PriceGrabber

Dogs love treats. Dog love toys. Therefore, dogs are sure to love this treat-toy combination. The Star Mark Everlasting Treat Ball is a versatile gift that will appeal to most dogs. It can be thrown for a game of fetch, be stuffed with treats, or used with Everlasting or Everlocking Treats to stimulate your dog's mind and appetite.

3. A New Dog Bed

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Want to get a gift your dog will use frequently and love for a long time? Try a new dog bed! With so many types of beds available, you should have no problem finding one that perfectly meets your dog's needs and keep him comfy and cozy

4. Slobber-Wick Squeak Buddy

Image courtesy Planet Dog

If your dog loves plush squeaky toys, Planet Dog's fast-drying, easy-to-clean Slobber-Wick Buddy is a great option. The toy has a double squeaker and a gusset for extra-fun "chewability". Plus, the fast-drying feature means the toy will be a little less "icky" when your dog brings it to you! The Slobber-Wick Buddy comes in three sizes and two different color themes.

Click here to view the full list.

15 Homemade Holiday Pet Treats!

The Holiday season is upon us! As you prepare to start your shopping and spreading of holiday cheer, don't forget to treat your furry friends. What better way to show your puppy with love then by treating them to some special holiday snacks. We came across this great article by the examiner that shares some wonderful holiday treats you can use to pamper your pup. So keep the holiday cheer flowing and let shower your pup with these tasty delights!

15 Homemade Holiday Pet Treats: ‘Bone-afide’ Christmas Recipes for Fido & Fluffy

By: Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

With the holidays right around the corner, many people are scouring the crowded stores in hopes of finding those last-minute gifts, busy wrapping presents and/or preparing for that big holiday meal. But in the hustle-and0bustle of a busy and hectic holiday season, many folks overlook other valued members of the family – our furry, four-legged friends.

Whether your family consists of a Fluffy or a Fido, it’s important to remember our beloved pets during the holidays too! And you don’t need to spend a fortune either. Why not whip up a batch of homemade pet treats that are safe to eat and guaranteed to be tail-waggin’ “bone-afide” hits? Grab a few of your favorite holiday cookie cutters and you are on your way to being the cat's meow and the top dog in your house!

While the holidays can hold additional hazards and dangers for our furry friends such as tinsel, certain table scraps and poisonous plants, it is important to remember certain ingredients humans consume can cause serious illness or can be deadly to pets!

Recipes for Homemade Holiday Doggy Treats

• Gourmutt Holiday Peanut Butter Treats – This simple recipe sounds dog-gone good! You’ll need molasses, natural peanut butter and oil! There is also another recipe for Christmas Carob Mint Dog Cookies too!

Click here to read the entire article, and see the full list!

After missing for seven years dog and owner are reunited

During my internet browsing this morning I came across this very heart warming story. It's the story of a lost dog and a hopeful owner being reunited after 7 years! Any dog owner can understand just how traumatic losing your dog can be. Imagine the joy and elation you would feel after being reunited with them after 7 years, it's hard to fathom, that's exactly what happened to dog owner Dan Kesler. This is truly a bright story to get you set for the holiday season. Click here to read the entire article.

After missing for seven years dog and owner are reunited

Dan Kesler patiently waited seven years to get the phone call he always hoped for. Four weeks ago he finally got that phone call. His Doberman B.A. had been found and they were going to be reunited.

When B.A. was three years old he ran off in a thunderstorm. “The first night I spent outside waiting for him to come back, because I honestly thought he would come back that night. Within a week I thought he would show up – but then as weeks turned into month and months turned into years…did I think he’d be back – I can’t say yes. But I never gave up hope,” said Kesler.

When B.A. went missing Kesler lived in North Carolina. He currently lives in Tempe, Arizona where he works as the assistant swim coach at ASU. He made sure he never changed his number though. He knew B.A. had a microchip and he was hopeful that one day he’d get the call that he’d be found. “Yeah I never changed my number throughout the years depending on the job or wherever I was at – I never changed the number just in case this happened.”

Click here to read the entire article.

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Tips!

Freehold Patch featured an article about National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! The article gives great tips on how to educate yourself about making a good decision when adopting your new pet! Click here to read the full article or see below.

October Is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
By: Karyn Collier

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has designated October as National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. More than three million dogs are currently in shelters across the United States and are in need of a good home.

The month-long observance encourages animal lovers across the nation to raise awareness about the positive aspects of adopting a pet from a local shelter.

It is important to educate yourself before making the commitment to love and care for a pet. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Make sure you are ready for the commitment: A dog is an extension of your family, so it’s important to make sure that you are ready to add more responsibility to your daily life. With good care, most dogs can live 12 to 15 years, so it is critical that you consider what is likely to be happening in your life over the next few years before you adopt a pet. Be sure to discuss the decision with your family and research what breed would work best for you and your loved ones. You can read up on the ASPCA's tips on adopting the perfect family pet, and the American Humane Association's tips on recognizing whether getting a dog is the right choice for you.

• Know the facts: Many shelter dogs are pure breeds, and most will offer additional vetting, with basic vaccinations and microchipping options. Most shelters will also provide assistance and referrals for affordable spaying and neutering. Shelters and rescue groups offer a wide variety of purebreds, mixed breeds and big and little dogs, making it easy to find the perfect dog for you.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years, Bill has now transitioned into the corporate world, where he has decided to open a K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Bill is lifelong dog owner and new a dad.

How did you learn about the brand?
My girlfriend’s (Larisa Citsay- who will be helping me run the business) brother is friends with Jason and Steven Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts. Their entrepreneurial accomplishments at such a young age really inspired me to invest in opening my own K-9 Resorts.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
I am currently a physicians assistant so the business world is somewhat new to me. I knew as a franchisee owner, I would get great help with the process and have instant support on day one and well into the future.

What makes your business different?
K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is a very well organized and clean facility. Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. K-9 Resorts doesn’t have a distinct pet odor, is incredibly clean and runs efficiently. It is the perfect option for people who need a safe, comfortable place to leave their pets. K-9 Resorts is also a very young franchise, and I am very confident that it will be successful. I thought it would be best to get in early and help them grow.

I have also been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about. The career change is an exciting adventure.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?
Well, acquiring the funds was a little bit of a challenge, and I actually had to liquidate some of my retirement assets to help with the money for the down payment on a loan. It would have taken too long if I didn’t use this money to aid in the process. Finding a location took some time and research. I looked at the competitors, the population and the distribution of wealth in the community. Monmouth County seemed like the perfect fit.

What are your expansion or development plans?
Once we open this location, I would love to be able to open a second location in the near future. I am confident in success of this business.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?
I love dogs. I grew up with a yellow lab and now I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. I am also a new dad! I have a 9 month old son, who consumes a lot of my time. I also enjoy exercising, sports and cars.

Considering a Pet Sitter / Friend

Please choose your pet care carefully! K-9 Resorts offers the professional luxury care that your dog deserves.

K-9 Resorts realizes that there may be alternative options to licensed boarding facilities for pet owners. One of these options may be a neighbor, friend, leaving your dog at a strangers home, or a pet sitter that comes to check on your pet in your home. Please choose very carefully when making such an important decision in your dogs’ life. It may not seem that significant at first, but choosing who cares for your furry family member when you are away is very important for your pets’ well-being. Please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog.

Pet Sitter/Pet Caretaker Situation
Some dog owners choose pet sitters or other alternatives to a boarding facility because of cost. Owners should keep in mind that quality care is sometimes slightly higher priced as it is not easily found and maintained. One of the many reasons for the slight cost difference may be attributed to the fact that a boarding facility has staff monitoring and caring for your dog all day long, as opposed to a pet sitter who only stops in to check on your dog for a few short visits each day. Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for!” K-9 Resorts offers the highest premium care for your dog in our state-of-the-art facility and with our highly trained, ABKA Certified staff!

When Using a Pet Sitter/Friend:

• Most pets are only checked on a few short times during the day potentially leaving your pet alone for as many as 23 hours a day. Often, there is only a small amount of time spent on exercise, interaction, and observation – all of which are needed even more while pets are away from their owner. K-9 Resorts has trained and loving certified pet care technicians on staff to PROFESSIONALLY care for your pet.
• Pets can experience severe stress, separation anxiety, and boredom when left alone. As a result, stress-related behavior such as destroying the house, yard, and belongings can occur. K-9 Resorts helps alleviate stress by providing hands-on interaction and a variety of activities to keep pets busy and happy throughout the day.
• Pet sitters, friends, or neighbors often mean well, however they usually are not professionally trained in pet care. This lack of professional training unfortunately may result in the following:

1. Backing out of the commitment to care for your dog at the last minute, leaving you without pet care. Due to the fact that this often occurs at the last minute, it is often too late to find a boarding facility that has room for your pet as they are already booked. Pet owners that book reputable and licensed boarding facilities in the first place, are guaranteed their reservation for pet care and can travel at ease!
2. Forgetting to show up to check on your pet.
3. In emergencies, inclement weather, or unforeseen events, a pet sitter may not be able to get to your home.
4. Even if introduced previously, pets may act abnormally or unpredictably while their owner is not home. In an owner’s absence the dog may not welcome the pet sitter into the house as they are protecting their environment or may feel threatened by their presence.
5. Your pet may escape from the pet sitter or your friend and try to look for you. 
6. With someone coming in and out of your home there is always the possibility that they may forget to lock your door, leaving your home and pet susceptible to intruders. 
7. Even if normally not done, when left at home with no long-term human interaction, your pet may become destructive, chewing objects that they could choke on or having accidents that may damage your home.
8. In the event your pet needs medical attention, they may not know how to help or where to take your pet.

K-9 Resorts is the ultimate pet care facility. When you need the best of the best – to guarantee the utmost in your pets comfort and joy – you and your pet will find K-9 Resorts to be second to none. Not only do local veterinarians refer K-9 Resorts to their clients, a number find that our state-of-the-art pet care facility meets their discriminating needs for their own pets. We are very proud many local veterinarians board their own pets here at K-9 Resorts!

Again, please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog. Please call K-9 Resorts today to schedule a private tour of our facility and speak with one of our trained professionals. We are proud of our facility and would love to show you around and explain why K-9 Resorts is the best option for your pet. You will immediately realize that K-9 Resorts is one of the most innovative and well-equipped pet facilities in the nation. Come see, We’re better!