Hey Dogsters! Ever wonder what it would be like to get away from it all for a few relaxing days with your dog? Not just to travel somewhere new,but to go to a place together that was truly welcoming for both two-leggeds and four-leggeds? How about going back to that rustic summer camp in the countryside that you attended as a child—but this time, with your best canine bud? And how about if it were a safe place where your pooch pal was free to be off leash, in nature, in a pack with other social dogs?
Heres a contest to help you get there! Post a comment below about why you and your dogshould win a full scholarship ($800 value) to an amazing four-day experience together atCamp Unleashed (travel not included). Its easy. Just leave a comment below telling us how you would and your dog would benefit by attendingyour choice of one of the following sessions:
September. 22-25, Asheville, NC
September 29-Oct 2, Sequoia Lake, CA
Enter by Monday, Aug. 1, 5 pm PDT. The directors of Camp Unleashed will go through all the entries and select a winner and two alternates (in case winner cannot attend). I’m sure it won’t be an easy job, and I’m sure glad I don’t have to be the one to judge! We will announce the very lucky winner on Thursday, August 3 and contact the winner via email, so be sure to leave a real email address.
A little more about the camp: Founder Annie Brody started Camp Unleashed in 2004 to give dogs a vacation from the constraints of living in the human world with all of our rules– a place where dogs can be off leash, in nature, where they and their people can enjoy their dogness. The Camp Unleashed philosophy is based on people deepening their relationship through observing their dogs nature and learning to think like a dog. There are lots of fun activities led byprofessional trainers. Choices include dock diving, agility, nose-work, freestyle, treiball, and more. Or you can just hang out with your dog at the lakefront, attend educational presentations, or relax with barks and crafts, etc. And yes, dogs and their people bunk together in rustic cabins.
Dogs are barking for Camp Unleashed and people are loving it too! There are somebeautiful videos and stories here, and also on theCamp Unleashed Facebook page. Dog lover and chef extraordinaire Rachel Ray shares her insights about Camp Unleashed in the video below.
Camp Unleashed featured on “Rachel Ray Feeds Your Pets Special” from Camp Unleashed on Vimeo.
If you’re the lucky winner and you choose to attend the California camp, youll even get to meet canine music expert Lisa Spector. Dogsters, you might remembermy interview with Lisa about her creation ofThrough a Dogs Ear, the first music clinically demonstrated to relieve canine anxiety issues. She is the local director for the new California camp and will begiving a presentation on using sound therapy to improve your dogs health and behavior.
RULES OF CONTEST:
Winning iscontingent on your dog’s acceptance(from camps behavior questionnaire).
Each Camp Unleashed session is limited to 50 dogs and their people to ensure a high-quality experience and maximum freedom for the dogs.
Safety and a relaxed ambiance for everyone are the number one priority, therefore:
Campers must be over 18 years of age and may bring one dog.
Camp Unleashed is forwell-socialized dogsonly.
Dogs must be at least six months old and have received all required vaccinations.
Dogs that have demonstratedANYaggressive tendencies towards people or have bitten another dog areNOT PERMITTED.
No intact dogs are allowed.
A Health Certificate signed by your veterinarian within 30 days prior to camp session and proof of current rabies vaccination is required for all dogs in attendance.
An alternate and second alternate will also be chosen, in case the winners dog is not accepted or winner cannot attend.
You don’t have to be a registered Dogster to enter.
Judges for the contest are the directors of the three camps:Annie Brody,Kay Loveland, andLisa Spector.
Click for a complete list of camp rules.
Good luck! The winning human and dog will have a chance to immerse themselves in nature, celebrate the full free expression of their dog’s dogness,learn to think like a dog, and will leave camp with a deeper bond with their dog. And dogs and people alike will make wonderful new friends.