The staff at Dog Gone Crazy is passionate about offering an elevated level of service to people and their pets

By Beth Newcomb

Sandra Jenkins, owner of Dog Gone Crazy, a Medina-based boarding facility for dogs and cats, is a stickler for quality. It starts with an elevated level of service during the first phone call and continues throughout your pet’s stay.

“This isn’t just a job for me,” she says. “This is my passion.”

With a background in construction and project management, Sandra knows how to run a tight ship. But she’d always had the dream of owning and operating her own pet boarding facility. When the opportunity for her to purchase an existing kennel operation in Medina—complete with a residence and six-and-a-half lush acres—arose nine years ago, she jumped at the chance to take her dream and make it a reality.

“Over the years we’ve expanded on what was originally here, and currently have suites for just over a hundred dogs,” Sandra smiles, noting that dogs from the same family enjoy quality time together in family suites.

She’s added top-notch grooming and a special retreat for cats. Additional play yards were created, and the facility as a whole receives regular updating and a thorough daily cleaning—all while keeping rates affordable.

With stays starting at just $28, choosing Dog Gone Crazy to care for your pet is an easy call to make. Sandra and her husband, who have two furry family members of their own, live on the property, which is open year-round.

Dog Gone Crazy is generously staffed, allowing for undivided attention for each pet. In fact, throughout the day and into the night, the 22 members of the team, under Sandra’s guidance, are always on-site.

“We’re one of the few kennels where the owner lives and works on the property, and there are people here caring for the animals 24/7. We don’t ‘go home for the day.’ We’re at our home. 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.”

A rarity in the biz, Sandra employs a full-time customer service manager, Christie Benke, who does nothing but cater to pet owners.

“Our pet parents really appreciate our dedication to providing excellent customer service,” Sandra notes. “Christie has been with us for years, and our customers love her. Hers is the friendly voice you’ll hear on the other end of the line when you call us.”

Sandra’s facility is in such high demand, planning your boarding in advance is as important as planning your vacation. “If you’re scheduling a fall weekend getaway, or you’re firming up your plans for Thanksgiving, now is the time to reserve space for your pet,” she advises. “We’re gearing up for our busiest time of the year and typically have a waiting list during the holidays.”

Services for your pet can include playtimes outside the five-six times your pet goes outside each day, grooming, or a high-energy trek through the back six. You can even opt for a day of play only while you’re at work.

“Some dogs really like to walk, or they like to explore,” she says. “We can provide that enrichment right here on our property, where the dogs and cats are safe and secure.”

If you elect to have your pooch groomed by one of two full-time groomers, there is no charge to leave your furry friend in the care of Sandra and her staff for the day. “A lot of people drop their dogs off in the morning before work and then pick them up after,” she says. “We don’t charge for that.”

Grooming is available seven days a week and can be added on to a regular stay.

Take a Tour
“We welcome dog and cat owners to visit us for a tour seven days a week, any time between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary,” she says.

What it Costs
Boarding at Dog Gone Crazy starts at modest $28 per night, with police, fire and military personnel enjoying a 20 percent discount. There are 84 individual heated and air conditioned kennels, four family suites and nine cat condos. During the heat of summer, kiddie pools filled with water provide a fun opportunity for every pooch to chill out, and all pets get a treat at bedtime.

“There are three main reasons people choose us,” Sandra explains. “The first is our quality, the second is the beauty of our property, and the last is that I’m an on-site owner.”

Want to take Dog Gone Crazy for a test-drive to see if it’s the right fit for your pooch or feline? Enjoy a free overnight or daycare trial, any day of the week.

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. 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.