Paws awhile
BY NATALIE BARNETT
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Now, we all know that there are a great many places where we can go to receive just about any service we’d like, but what about spoiling that someone special? No, I’m not talking about your significant other; I’m talking about that fluffy, loyal friend who would do anything for you (granted it doesn’t require opposable thumbs!)… That’s right, your dog!
When thinking of a spa day for your canine companion, look no further than Sycamore Lane Kennels and Farm, located in Lodi, deep in the heart of wine country. Owned and operated by Riney and Alicia Kahler, and co-owned by Moraine Green (three of the biggest dog fans you’ll ever meet), Sycamore Lane is the quintessential doggy day spa and boarding kennel. Says Green of the reason for starting their business, “we got into it because we love dogs!”
The entrance to the facility and grounds is a long driveway flanked with gorgeous rose bushes and large, lush trees that form an arch above you. Feelings of peace and tranquility immediately take over as you pass Wagger’s Field and arrive at the front buildings. It is breathtakingly beautiful, just as a day spa should be.
The grooming building consists of several rooms, complete with painted walls and classical music to calm nerves. The staff is kind and knowledgeable, with years of experience working with and/or showing dogs.
They even attend dog show competitions together in order to further educate themselves on breed standards and specifics in both physical appearance and personality. Green says, “The dog show world sets breed individual standards; our job is to make the dog look like that, but also tailor cuts to the clients’ specific needs.” Sycamore is one of the only local groomers who can and will work with aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, chow chows and German shepherd dogs. Sometimes it will take two or three staff members to groom a large, aggressive dog, but that’s OK.
They do what is necessary in order to make the dog feel safe and comfortable. They believe in one simple philosophy: “Dogs before clients.” They would never force a dog, or stress one out, in order to gain a client or make money.
It’s all about the dogs’ comfort level and enjoyment. It is this personalized attention that sets Sycamore above and beyond the competition.
The grooming occurs in stages. First is the washing room, full of large tubs with warm water coming through hoses in order to give the dogs a nice scrubdown that mimics a full body massage. The dogs just howl over it! Sycamore Lane has a full salon range of products that are also used on show dogs.
Each dog gets two shampoos from one or more of the following: hypo-allergenic (the most commonly used), medicated, whitening, darkening, etc. Some breeds are followed up with a cream rinse to soothe their skin and protect their coats. Immediately after their bath, each dog receives a blow dry and fluff.
The finishing touches include the eyes, ears, nails and any hand scissoring needed. The groomers top it all off with a finishing spray that not only makes your best friend smell good, but also makes hair easier to brush and keeps dirt from attaching to the dog’s coat. Talk about a nice, relaxing day at the spa!
Your dog is sure to come home calm, relaxed and smelling delicious!
Sycamore Lane Kennels and Farm is affiliated, recognized and awarded five stars by the ABKA (American Boarding Kennels Association), the governing body of kennels that adhere to a standard of care.
Sycamore Lane Kennels
209.334.1316
www.sycamorelanekennels.com
When thinking of a spa day for your canine companion, look no further than Sycamore Lane Kennels and Farm, located in Lodi, deep in the heart of wine country. Owned and operated by Riney and Alicia Kahler, and co-owned by Moraine Green (three of the biggest dog fans you’ll ever meet), Sycamore Lane is the quintessential doggy day spa and boarding kennel. Says Green of the reason for starting their business, “we got into it because we love dogs!”
The entrance to the facility and grounds is a long driveway flanked with gorgeous rose bushes and large, lush trees that form an arch above you. Feelings of peace and tranquility immediately take over as you pass Wagger’s Field and arrive at the front buildings. It is breathtakingly beautiful, just as a day spa should be.
The grooming building consists of several rooms, complete with painted walls and classical music to calm nerves. The staff is kind and knowledgeable, with years of experience working with and/or showing dogs.
They even attend dog show competitions together in order to further educate themselves on breed standards and specifics in both physical appearance and personality. Green says, “The dog show world sets breed individual standards; our job is to make the dog look like that, but also tailor cuts to the clients’ specific needs.” Sycamore is one of the only local groomers who can and will work with aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, chow chows and German shepherd dogs. Sometimes it will take two or three staff members to groom a large, aggressive dog, but that’s OK.
They do what is necessary in order to make the dog feel safe and comfortable. They believe in one simple philosophy: “Dogs before clients.” They would never force a dog, or stress one out, in order to gain a client or make money.
It’s all about the dogs’ comfort level and enjoyment. It is this personalized attention that sets Sycamore above and beyond the competition.
The grooming occurs in stages. First is the washing room, full of large tubs with warm water coming through hoses in order to give the dogs a nice scrubdown that mimics a full body massage. The dogs just howl over it! Sycamore Lane has a full salon range of products that are also used on show dogs.
Each dog gets two shampoos from one or more of the following: hypo-allergenic (the most commonly used), medicated, whitening, darkening, etc. Some breeds are followed up with a cream rinse to soothe their skin and protect their coats. Immediately after their bath, each dog receives a blow dry and fluff.
The finishing touches include the eyes, ears, nails and any hand scissoring needed. The groomers top it all off with a finishing spray that not only makes your best friend smell good, but also makes hair easier to brush and keeps dirt from attaching to the dog’s coat. Talk about a nice, relaxing day at the spa!
Your dog is sure to come home calm, relaxed and smelling delicious!
Sycamore Lane Kennels and Farm is affiliated, recognized and awarded five stars by the ABKA (American Boarding Kennels Association), the governing body of kennels that adhere to a standard of care.
Sycamore Lane Kennels
209.334.1316
www.sycamorelanekennels.com