Jack

Jack was our assessment from today! This Labrador Retriever weighs seventy pounds, and is one in a half years old. Jack joined our Large Dog Program bright 'n early this morning, with curiosity and wonder in his eyes. He had a good overall day, and even made a buddy; what's funny about his new friend, is he looks just like him! Check out Chedder, who has been coming to The Fort since 2014.

Jack is welcome to come back whenever he wants! Have a good evening,
~Shaunte'

Abby, Oskar, & Agnes

Abby was our teeny tiny, cute little assessment from Thursday! She's only three months old, and has a lot of personality and spunk. Abby is a Shih Tzu that only weighs two pounds... We knew from the moment she entered our Small Dog Program, that she was going to make a great addition to The Fort. She had some pep in her step, as she playfully trotted over to Maisy; the first dog we introduced her to. Her tail was wagging up a storm! We were able to catch her Dog Speak on video, check her out below!

If your heart didn't melt from watching that video, these photos should do the trick!

We will be seeing Abby again for boarding next week! She's also going to come in certain days out of the month, to bring her in for some daycare fun, and socialization! We look forward to seeing her return.

This adorable Dachshund  was one of our assessments from today! He's six years old, weighs around nineteen pounds and joined our Small Dog Program. It was clear that this wasn't his first time at the rodeo... Oskar has had previous experience with being at other Daycares before. He was quick to explore our picnic table and scope out the place!

Agnes also assessed and joined our Small Dog Program today- as she's Oskar's younger sister... This little girl is only ten months old, and weighs a whole of six pounds! Can you guess what type of dog she is? Agnes is a Chinese Crested, having more hair than this breed typically does. She was a little nervous at first since she hasn't really had much interaction with dogs her size, besides her brother. As the morning progressed we noticed her opening up a bit, and start to gain confidence as she was greeting dogs by sniffing their butts. In the dog world, sniffing another dog's butt should be the first thing they do when they greet each other. It's how they pick up on scent the best, and remember who the dog is if they've met before. It's proper dog etiquette; just like shaking someones hand when you meet them for the first time, is expected.

All three of these dogs are welcome to come back for more Fort Fido fun, whenever they want.

Happy Friday all,

~Shaunnte'

The Dashing Dalmatian

Dalmatians are such good-looking dogs; I wish we had more of these guys attending The Fort every now and then... They seem to be more rare, and not as common of a breed, as they used to be.

 It's hard to break down the origins of this breed because they're unknown; it's unclear when Dalmatians first came about. The only real information we have, is that they traveled with Gypsies from Romania. This magnificent breed earned its name while staying in Dalmatia: which is a Province, on the Eastern Shore of the Adriatic Sea.


On average, this breed stands between nineteen, and twenty four inches tall, and weighs anywhere from forty eight, to fifty five pounds. Males are typically larger.

These guys are natural born runners. They may look cute, but they're a very high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise. Make sure you're up for all the playing and commitment it's going to take to wore these guys out- before you purchase one. Other than being high energy, Dalmatians are often known as the "Comedian"  of the dog world; they'll do anything to put a smile on your face. Because they'll do almost anything to please you, Dalmatians make great "Watch Dogs", being as alert and aware of their surroundings, as they are. 

The distinctive coat on this magnificent breed is almost satisfying to touch- as it feels like velvet. Typically you see Dalmatians with a white undercoat, and black spots that range anywhere from a quarter, to a silver dollar in size. 

Did you know Dalmatians can have brown spots as well? 

Check out this video to see what I was talking about when I mentioned how comical this breed is. I now have a permanent smile on my face, after watching it!

Fun Facts

• Dalmatians are born spotless! Their spots don't start coming in until around 10-14 days old.
• Up to 12% of Dalmatians are Deaf
• This breed can also be known as the Carriage Dog (probably because they traveled with Gypsy all over the place), or an English Coach Dog.
• Dalmatians were bred to follow coaches and spent a lot of their time around stables in the past- so they get along really well with Horses, surprisingly! They're the perfect dog to get if you want to go trail riding with your pup, and horse at the same time.

I hope you learned a thing or two about this glorious breed... Try to stay warm tonight, I'd say it's almost fireplace season! 

~Shaunte

Penelope

  Penelope was yesterday's high-spirited assessment. She's a one year old, fifty one pound Boxer. This gorgeous girl fit in with our Large Dog Program perfectly... This honestly didn't surprise me though because her "dog cousin", Tucker, already comes to The Fort and has been for years. It probably feels like home to her already!

  She mingled with the pack, and made friends instantly. One of the dogs she ended up playing with quite a bit was another boxer like herself, Maximus . Check them out romping around below! 

  Have a good rest of your night,
~Shaunte'

Ollie & Winnie

Ollie is a handsome, two year old Havanese that weighs only twelve pounds. He arrived at The Fort super early Tuesday morning and joined our Small Dog Program, with curiosity. He wandered his way around the play area and showed great Dog Speak!
 

This little cutie was today's assessment! Winnie is a ten pound, nine month old Miniature Dachshund! She had a fun time scoping out all our cool toys up in our Small Dog Program today. It was super cute to watch her get all giddy and silly as she wiggled around and played with some balls. I can tell that she's going to blossom the more times she comes here!

 Have a marvelous evening,
~Shaunte'

Rigby & Rome

  Say hello to this handsome guy, Rigby. He's a little over three months old and weighs only twenty pounds; this boy has some growin to do! Rigby entered The Fort with confidence and ease when we met him Thursday morning. He was a very curious and young-spirited little puppy that was ready to burn some energy! One of the first dogs he met was a year old Goldendoodle  named Maile that joined us around this time last year. Check out the two of them meeting for the first time in the videos below.

This video was filmed right after Maile arrived for the day. As you can see, it didn't take them long to become buddies.

 Here they are goofing off and being silly with each other.

 

  Rome was today's assessment. This sweetie is a two year old, sixty pound, Labrador Retriever. She joined our Medium Dog Program  a little shy; she wandered around the play area and sniffed everything she could find but once she became familiar with her surroundings, she defiantly came out of her shell. She particularly took a great liking to one of The Fort's regulars, Petey.
Check em out having a blast together below!

 

Here she is mingling among the pack- but ends up going back to playing with Petey in the end. Lol

Both Rigby and Rome are welcome to come back anytime! I hope you all enjoyed your Fridays,
~Shaunte' 

Leah

  Leah is a well socialized three in a half year old, thirty seven pound Beagle/Fox Terrier mix that joined our Medium Dog Program early Tuesday morning. She was very curious as she first entered her new play area and began to meet her new daycare friends.

  Leah's family found her at the Purdy Prison Pet Partnership Program five months ago. The program is a non-profit organization located at the Women's Correction Center in Gig Harbor. 

Their goal as an organization is to help train and prepare their inmates for pet-industry related jobs once they resume their lives outside of the prison. Leah was there for a whole year before Char and Bob adopted her. 

 Fort Fido completely supports the program and  thinks it's a great idea. In fact, we've actually helped them in the past with donations!



  All in all, Leah had a great first day at The Fort and is welcome to come back anytime.

Have a wonderful evening,
Shaunte' 

Tigger

  Today's assessment is the newest member to the Garrett family, who have been customers of The Fort since 2013 when they brought their first dog, Roxy, here for her assessment. Much like Roxy, Tigger is an energetic eight pound, five month old Jack Russell Terrier. He joined our Small Dog Program with ease and curiosity. Tigger is a cute little guy with a whole lot of life and personality in him. 

We look forward in seeing Tigger return here and join his big sister in on all our daycare fun!
Enjoy your evening,
~Shaunte'

Eva & Maximus

   Eva joined our Small Dog Program yesterday morning with grace and ease. She's a three year old, Maltese/ Yorkshire Terrier/Poodle Mix that weighs ten pounds. When she first entered her new play area, she romped around with the other dogs, scoped out her surroundings, and discovered one of our cool benches where she then jumped onto and hung out; looking all pretty. I think her name definitely suits her. She's just about as graceful as the famous, Ava Gardner herself.

  
  This morning we welcomed Maximus into The Fort for his assessment. He's a very handsome one in a half year old Boxer that weighs forty five pounds. We noticed right away that this one is a social butterfly. He had a lot of fun meeting and greeting his new dog friends, and played quite a bit. He fit right in with all the other dogs in our Large Dog Program just as if he was the missing puzzle piece.

  Both Eva and Max are more than welcome to come back whenever they please.

Have a wonderful night.
~Shaunte

Elsa

   We welcomed this beauty in our doors this morning. Say hello to Elsa, the one year old, fifty pound Husky/Cattle Dog mix. Her brother Bear, has been coming to The Fort a little over a year now and he's a pretty awesome dog, so we were excited to meet Elsa. She sure knew how to "leeeeet it gooooo" and have a fun time here on her first day. She greeted her new playmates by sniffing them, and mingling with the pack. She already fits in with everyone wonderfully and we think after several other visits she'll make this place her second home.

Elsa is welcome to come back and hang out alongside her brother any time she pleases.
Have a nice and relaxing evening everyone; you're halfway there to Friday! Yay!
~Shaunte

Daisy & Snickers

On Tuesday we had the pleasure of meeting Daisy. She's a Golden Retriever/Labrador 
mix that is eight years old and weighs forty nine pounds. Daisy just moved here not too long ago so she was a little cautious and shy at first- being in a new place and meeting all these new faces can do that to you. But once she got more familiar with the Medium Roll and started mingling amongst her new friends, she realized that Fort Fido is a fun and safe place for her to hang out. 

This little cutie above joined us this morning. Snickers is a confident, two year old, Jack Russell Terrier Mix that weighs thirteen pounds. As dogs were arriving for daycare this morning, he was quick to make sure that he met all of them; sniffing away and wagging his tail, he showed great dog speak. 

Daisy and Snickers are both welcome to come back  to The Fort whenever they like.
Enjoy the rest of your evening everyone! 
~Shaunte

Tanner

 We assessed another Goldendoodle yesterday morning. Meet, Tanner! He's a spunky ten month old, that weighs fifty five pounds. Tanner walked into our Large Dog Program with lots of curiosity. He was very eager in wanting to scope out the place and meet all of his new daycare buddies. Once he became more familiar of his new surroundings, he was ready to get his play on! He particularly fell in love with one of  The Fort's regulars, Sage.We were lucky enough to capture the two playing one on one together, check it out below!

I enjoyed watching Sage and Tanner romp around. They're such an odd match- but I think that's why they fit together so well. Tanner is welcome to come back anytime he wants, we're excited to see him soon and I'm sure his new girlfriend pup will be as well! Lol

 Have a great night

~Shaunte

 

Gigi, Mundy, Cedar Rose, & Tucker

We started Tuesday morning's assessment with three Dachshunds trotting through our door; our hearts melted instantly when we caught site of them. Gigi, Mundy, and Cedar Rose are all very unique, happy dogs that were all rescued by their owner five or more years ago. 

    Gigi is eight years old and weighs eleven pounds. 
We instantly noticed her 
very sweet, relaxed
personality and how much
she loves her sister, Cedar Rose. Those two were like peas in a pod.

Mundy  is sixteen years

old and weighs thirteen pounds.

This sweet little guy 

has the cutest button eyes,

 and loves to lick and show 

his affection. 

And last but not least, let me introduce you to Cedar Rose. Cedar Rose weighs  nine pounds and just turned tweleve years old. This confident girl was the one I was talking about earlier, who Gigi adores.

Gigi, Mundy, and Cedar Rose are welcome back to The Fort any time. 

Have a good evening,

~Shaunte

Today, we got a chance to check out Tucker. Tucker is a 4 month-old schnoodle (that's Schnauzer & Poodle mix), not to be confused with schnitzel (lol). Tucker is a happy little pup whom is just beginning to learn how to play fair and socialize. We found him to be a quick-study. We hope to see Tucker again soon.

Enjoy the rest of your day,
- Zach

Moon & Shamus

 Our first Egyptian Pharaoh Hound came and joined The Fort on Tuesday. Moon is 1 year old and weighs 38 pounds. She did exceptionally well on her first day and hit it off with one of our regulars, Max . We were able to capture Moon and Max playing as they galloped around our large roll, looking majestic as can be.  

 One of the first things we noticed about Moon was her super tall, pointy ears. Did you know that Egyptian Pharaoh's ears are all natural? There is no clipping involved like other breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher.Sometimes breeders will use tape to help hold up a floppy ear when the puppy matures. Take a look at the clip below to see Moon playing with her new buddy.

 

 Check out this cutie, Shamus. Shamus came in this morning bright and early, ready to see what The Fort is all about, and meet his new daycare buddies in our Small Dog Program. He is an eight year old, twenty-one pound King Charles Spaniel. Once it was time for us to start throwing our balls around with the pups, Shamus got very curious and instantly went over to inspect these new, exciting toys. 

 Moon and Shamus are both welcome to come back any time they want.

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful weather, because I sure am!

Have a good night,

~Shaunte

Harrison

Yesterday we Assessed Harrison. He is a sprightly, ten year old, forty-nine pound, Apricot/Cream Colored, Labradoodle. Harrison did a fantastic job fitting in to Fort Fido's Medium Pack. This "mature" fella, is one spry canine... You would never think he was ten years old. He's still got it lol, sprinting, jumping, wrestling, Harrison did it all. Almost all of the pack members he played around with, were only a quarter of his age, yet he kept up with all of them easily! It's obvious that "Harry", is a Dog Daycare Veteran. He hung out here, and acted as though he'd visited 100 times before, it was really great. Harrison plans to give our Overnight Boarding a go soon, and we thoroughly look forward to his return, Firs-rate job my man, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself at The Fort.

Take a look at Harrison, meeting up with Winnie for the first time... Those Labradoodles like to stick together ya know. ;)

Enjoy your weekend,

-Grant

Our latest members!

Here's a glimpse of our latest Fort Fido Members.

Tommy had his assessment yesterday, he is a regal Jack Russell Terrier, that fits nicely into our Medium Roll. We hope to see some more "play" out of him, but he is doing good.

Today we met Yabisi, or "Yabby". She is a sweet and curious Doberman Pinscher Mix, that is chock-full of energy.

Both Tommy and Yabisi our taking advantage of The Fort's awesome Overnight Boarding soon. If you haven't already, you and your canine companion should give it a go the next time you are out of town. It's really nice, because the dogs get to stay in their play groups throughout the night, and, are monitored by a real-live-human around the clock, 24/7, 365.

Also, remember that our hours never change. No matter the holiday, we are here for you with the same hours, 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM Daily. That is our "13 Hour Daycare Day" and your window for boarding pickups and drop-offs... Talk about convenient!

Have a wonderful weekend,

-Grant
P.S. If you are looking for some spring fun this weekend, don't forget that tomorrow is the 82nd Annual Daffodil Festival Parade. Drop Fido off here and go check it out! :)

Tuesday Four Playfulness

Life at The Fort is exciting and fun for all dogs. Everyone has a good time here, playing and making friends as well as bonding with the pack. Enthusiastic about the playing today, we got some great video clips of some pack members playing.

As seen in the video below, we got a snapshot of Jude sneakily playing with Brix. They snuck more playing in before we could snap some videos of them.

Having a tremendous amount of fun, Blue and Reilly play it up in the large roll.

Reilly and Theodore are tearing the large roll apart, having a grand ol' time.

After requiring a few seconds of convincing from Theodore, Brix relaxes and begins to play with Theodore.

Hope everyone is enjoying this break from the hot weather, stay cool!
- Zach