Where to find current pictures

We are not currently using this blog for ongoing pictures of our dogs. To see current pictures, friend us on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/smilindogs

Smilin Dogs Halloween

Twitter

I'm testing out posting pictures of the dogs via twitter and twitpic. See it at: http://twitter.com/smilindogs

Daycare Dogs

We're Open!!

We moved in this weekend. We're still unpacking and figuring out the flow of things but we're in. Here's some pictures of the new facility.
Our Front Door:



















Our Small Dog Yard:














Our Lobby with windows into the small dog room:














Our Lobby:

We're almost there

We're almost there. The floor is being finished today. Rubber in the dog room, tile everywhere else. The HVAC guys have finished the registers and thermostat. The plumber put in toilets, tankless hot water heater and the kitchen sink today. Now we just need the bathroom sinks. The electrician put in the low voltage, high tech 12V LED lights today and is busy trimming out all the outlets. The locksmith put in all the doorknobs today.
I'll add pictures as soon as I can.

Moving day this weekend!

Color

It's getting close to move in date. We have color on the walls.

Missed posts

I've missed a few steps along the way on this blog so here's a few pictures from the
last few weeks.

Insulation - We used blue jean insulation so putting it in was like stuffing in cotton balls rather than itchy, yucky fiberglass.

















The outside of our building is done in HardiPanel. It's cement board in 4 x 8 sheets. It went up quick, looks ultra modern and is supposed to be durable. We used it inside in the dog room also so that the walls will be more scratch and water (pee)proof.

Grass!

Things are finally starting to look finished. We just covered our small dog yard in artificial turf. It will be pesticide free and water-saving. The dogs will love it because it's just like real grass and the customers and employees will love it because it doesn't get muddy. I'm so excited.

Construction Update

It's been forever since I've posted but construction has been keeping me really busy. We're getting close to opening now. The walls are being textured as I type. Then comes the painter, floor guy, and the finish work by the plumber, electrician and hvac guys. We hope to move in in 3 weeks.

Progress

We've finished foundation work and are almost done with framing the front part. We had to do foundation work since we're removing bearing walls to create big open playrooms for the dogs. Our plan is to finish the front part first and move in then keep working on the back half. It's starting to look a lot less dark and a lot more open. Here's a few shots. 1. a foundation waiting to be poured. 2. new windows from the hall to the small dog yard. 3. new windows from the lobby to the small dog room.

Coming Soon

Here's a fuzzy iPhone picture of Konrad on Thanksgiving day hanging up our "Coming Soon" sign.

Deconstruction continues

Here's all the old metal dog crates and chain link fence off to the recycling station.

Here's our kids hanging out at the construction site. I wonder if they'll remember this.

And last but not least - Konrad removing nails from 2 by 4's so that we can reuse them. Reduce - Reuse - Recycle.

Demolition errr. Deconstruction

We're turning an old boarding kennel into a state of the art, 'green' dog daycare and group boarding facility.

Step 1: Remove all the kennels - indoors and out.

Deconstruction started this week. All materials possible are being recycled - including wood, sheetrock and metal.

New Facility

Smilin Dogs is happy to announce that we are expanding! In addition to our current dog walking service we will open a dog daycare and cage-free boarding facility. Current service will stay exactly the same. The new space is 17,500 square feet of outdoor and indoor space located in San Carlos. We hope to open in about 4 months.
In the next couple of months we will be providing more information here as we get the space ready to open.

The folks that make Greenies - a special favorite of Smilin Dogs dogs - have reformulated their treat and are offering Free samples. Free is good.

http://www.greenies.com

From their website. We could go on about the science behind the new Greenies® dental chews forever - after all, it is our favorite topic. But we'd rather let you, or rather your dog, try it first-hand. Once your dog starts chewing, he or she will be sure to love every little teeth-cleaning, plaque-reducing bit… and you'll love your dog's fresher, more kissable breath.

Happy Thanksgiving

Don't forget to give thanks for all the joy our dogs bring us. And don't forget to let our furry friends take part in the feasts leftovers today - but no cooked turkey bones for the dogs as they can splinter and cause serious damage in the stomach.

Schoolhouse Creek

For more information visit The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

Whether you're longing for a romantic weekend, an outdoorsy adventure, or some relaxing one-on-one time with your pup, check out The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek is located on the Mendocino Coast and has cottages and rooms on over 9 acres of land.

In 2005, the Inn was given the "Golden Bone Award" for one of the best dog-friendly accommodations in America. The Inn even welcomes you and your best bud with a pet goodie basket!

The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek offers in-room spa treatments and messages for all of its guests. You can also request a prearranged picnic basket and walk down to Schoolhouse Creek's private off-leash beach to enjoy a beautiful afternoon with your pooch. And just in case your doggie gets a little messy down by the water, a pet bath is available on site.

Dogs are welcome in all rooms at the Inn and there are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants for you and your best bud to explore in Mendocino.

7051 North Highway One, Little River, California 95456
(800) 731 5525

Trail Manners Class

Trail Manners - Thursday November 30, 2006 - Novato, CA

Learn proper dog etiquette on the trails by attending a workshop put on by the Marin Humane Society.

From 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Trish King, Director of Behavior and Training, will answer questions and demonstrate how dogs should properly meet and great one another and how to manage chasing behavior. Although a little far, this would be a great class for all Smilin Dogs dogs since they're obviously out on the trail often.
The seminar is open to the public (humans only unfortunately) and costs $35.

Please register in advance by visiting Marin Humane Society or calling (415) 506 6280

Starting Out

This is a blog to talk about the dogs of Smilin Dogs.