After more than a decade in business, Sandra Jenkins is still Dog Gone Crazy

By Beth Newcomb

Sandra Jenkins is crazy about dogs. So much so that more than a decade ago she left her job in construction and purchased a dog boarding business in Medina, renaming it Dog Gone Crazy. She and her husband, Tom, currently live on the property.

“For 40 years there was another kennel here,” Sandra says. “When we took over, we made a ton of improvements, like enlarging the doggie doors and adding bigger kennels. We also added space for more furry family members, including cats.”

What she didn’t do was skimp on staffing.

“One of the reasons we’ve been so successful is because we have plenty of staff members to do everything from taking phone calls to walking and playing with the dogs,” she notes. “Another plus is that my husband and I are always here, so you never have to worry about your pet being left alone.”

In fact, the kennel is open every day of the year, with holidays being the only time they don’t allow pick-ups or drop-offs.

Affordable rates starting at $31 per night coupled with the team’s devotion to ensuring the safety and well-being of every pet entrusted to them have been such hits, people from across Northeast Ohio regularly make the trek to Medina for boarding.

“The services we offer make us the best value around,” Sandra proclaims.

In fact, so many people recognize the fact that exceptional pet care offered at an affordable price isn’t so easy to come by that Dog Gone Crazy is regularly sold out during peak times of the year.

“The holidays are particularly busy, so it’s crucial to make your reservations in advance,” Sandra suggests. “And with more people planning vacations these days, we’re often booked to capacity. Having a safe, loving environment for your pet means you get to enjoy your away time without the stress of worrying about your furry family member.”

Dogs and cats, as well as their people, are also crazy about the long-term care the boarding facility offers. “One couple had to move into a condo for two months while they waited for their new home to become available, but pets weren’t allowed,” she recalls. “We took care of their cat the entire time. Now they come back to us every time they go out of town.”

Sandra admits she’s guilty of having fallen asleep a time or two inside the kennels while snuggling with the dogs. “We give them a lot of love,” she inserts.

In addition to individual kennels with access to the great outdoors, outdoor playtime or a vigorous walk on the trail that meanders through Dog Gone’s six-and-a-half-acre property (available as add-ons), Sandra and her team also offer doggie daycare. Daycare is just $18 a day for three or more days, or $20 a day for less than three days.

Dog Gone Crazy has 81 indoor/outdoor suites to accommodate any size pet. A cozy cat building is separate. Sanitization is crucial, and Sandra says she and her staff are meticulous about keeping things clean. Bedding is changed and laundry is done every day. “I tell people to visit five different kennels before they make their decision about where to board,” she says. “They always come back here. Part of the reason I started in this business is that I wanted people to have a quality place to leave their pets. I know how hard that is to come by.”

“We specialize in individual care,” adds Sandra. “No two dogs are alike and no two dogs can be cared for exactly alike. Maybe your dog gets a treat after he or she goes potty, or maybe it needs a long hike to work out some of its energy. We can provide that.”

Sandra and her team warmly invite those interested in touring to visit anytime of the day. Appointments are never necessary. It’s important to note, however, that vaccines are required prior to your pet’s stay. Those include distemper, bordetella, rabies and lepto. Discounts are offered for stays over 10 days as well as for families with multiple pets.

“When a dog jumps out of the car and runs inside to greet us, we know we’re doing something right,” she smiles.

Dog Gone Crazy is located at 4070 Foskett Road, in Medina. The phone number is 330-273-1777. Office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Take a tour during business hours, no appointment necessary. Visit the website at DogGoneCrazyKennels.com and find them on Facebook at the same name. Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel and service personnel.