Introduction To Me, My Philosophy and How I Operate My Camp

My name is Nancy Wade.  I moved to Johnson City from Asheville, NC in January of 2006.  My goal was to provide my animals a fun place to live as well as to provide the community a wonderful place for their dogs while their people are working or on vacation.

My interest in this work began in the early 1990’s.  I adopted a week old orphan pup that I hand raised.  I became so attached to her that I could not imagine leaving her in a traditional “boarding” facility.  

I began working on an idea for a different kind of dog care facility that emphasized the emotional comfort, psychological enrichment as well as physical activity and safety.   

In 2001 I started Mountain View Canine Bed and Breakfast in Mars Hill, NC.  I found the work to be satisfying both emotionally and physically.  I loved working with happy dogs who were enjoying their stay with me. 

I decided to move to Tennessee for the flatter land where dog walks would not be such a work out for me and my animals could have more freedom to be themselves.

I love it here and look forward to getting to know your special furry friends.    

My philosophy is that dogs are dogs.  Please, do not misunderstand me.  I believe dogs are special and deserve the very best in love, attention, nutrition and social interaction but they are not human (better than humans in my opinion – ask me and I will tell you how!!) and they have needs that we as humans may not understand.

For instance – dogs need to walk – not just exercise like fetching the ball but they need to go on walks. They also need social interaction with other dogs.  People and dogs love to play together and it is good for everyone but a dog playing with another dog has its own unique benefits.

I take two walks each day and vary where we walk … sometimes we go for a walk in the woods and sometimes we walk through a field.  I like to walk dogs in groups and allow them to be dogs. 

I encourage dogs to interact with one another and provide a safe, supervised environment where dogs can be dogs and do doggie things – romp, wrestle, and chase each other.   

I believe low stress is key to a happy camping experience. I work to keep stress levels low here at Valley View. I try not to allow campers to get over stimulated. 

A typical day is fairly structured.  For an overnight camper they are up and out of the dog house first thing in the morning with free roaming exploration and interaction with other campers and myself, breakfast, a group walk followed by some free time doing doggie things.  In the afternoon we sit around on dog beds or sofas and get love and affection with opportunities for indoor play if it is particularly hot or cold outside. In the late afternoon we have free play outside then dinner and our evening walk followed by more opportunities for free play with friends.

Day Campers can expect much the same routine.

I have a limited amount of space to accommodate campers ensuring a good deal of time spent with me – walking, sitting or playing - as well as time to run, play and interact in a positive way with other dogs.

I am discerning about my campers at Valley View.  All campers must be social and get along with other dogs.  All campers should be family members in their homes and will be treated as family members here. 

You must visit Valley View with your dog prior to their stay.  This allows me to assess their social skills and compatibility and it also introduces your dog to the camp.  When they arrive for their stay at Valley View it will not be a strange and foreign place.  New places, new people and new “friends” cause stress. I want to keep stress at a minimum.     

I am here to accommodate my guests and their needs as well as their people’s needs.  I operate strictly by appointment.  If you would like to tour the camp you must call and make an appointment.  My property is maintained for the exclusive use, pleasure and safety of the animals here and I need to know when someone is coming so that the animal’s safety is never compromised. 

I do not have hours of operation … if you want to pick your dog up at 6 am on a Sunday morning I am usually happy to accommodate you.  I do prefer that drop offs occur during daylight hours as it is nice to get settled in and introduced appropriately prior to bed time. 

I provide for individual feeding schedules and diets.  I ask that you provide your dog’s food (bring what you feed your dog at home) and any special treats, supplements or medications.  I believe that for many dogs a change in diet causes stress – on both their intestinal system and emotionally.   

Feel free to bring your dog’s favorite blanket or bed.  I also recommend that you sleep in a tee shirt for a few nights and bring that along so your dog has something strongly scented with you.  You may also bring a special toy or two.  Whatever you would like to bring for you dog that will help them feel at home is welcome.

I do not recommend bringing for your dog chewy items such as rawhides or yummy, chewy animal parts.  These can cause guarding behaviors and tend to start fights. 

I avoid using crates to contain dogs.  There are exceptions made for safety issues such as meal times or sometimes for sleeping overnight.

I am on the property nearly 24 hours a day and supervise campers closely.    

A dog is not "almost human" and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such.  ~John Holmes