Holiday Boarding with Purpose:

Cody OKelly
5 days ago
4 min read

Why the Busy Season Is When Real Dog Care Counts

By Cody O'Kelly — Owner HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch

The holidays are a whirlwind: family gatherings, travel, and long to-do lists. And right now, with Thanksgiving and Black Friday kicking off the season, things are already moving fast. But for your dog, it can be a time of confusion, change, and sometimes stress—unless they're in the right environment. That's why I don't treat holiday boarding at HHH like just another kennel stay. I treat it like an opportunity to deliver care that makes a real difference.

We built HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch to be something different—a place where your dog doesn't just get by while you're gone, they come home better. And this season, we're leaning all the way into that mission.

Why Holiday Boarding Is a Big Deal (and Big Opportunity)

Let's be honest: this is one of the most significant revenue periods of the year for businesses like ours. But that doesn't mean it's about packing kennels and cashing in. For us, it means:

Keeping dogs safe and engaged while their people travel
Helping owners reduce guilt or stress about leaving their pets
Providing layered care—nutrition, grooming, enrichment, and training support

The truth? Most places don't do this. They offer space, food, and supervision. We provide an intentional experience that matches how we live and work with our own dogs.

What We're Offering This Season at HHH

This Thanksgiving week and throughout the holiday season, we're running a few targeted offers and support systems because we know what our community needs:

Holiday Boarding + Grooming Bundle — Add a groom or skin-and-coat consult to your stay at a discounted rate. We keep your dog looking and feeling great during the busiest time of year.
Training Touchpoints — Every boarding dog gets a behavior and structure check-in. Is their recall holding? Are they holding tension or showing stress? We'll give you insight.
Nutrition Snapshot — Not sure your dog's food is cutting it for the season? Let's take 15 minutes to look at what you're feeding and see if a few minor changes could help.
Priority Booking — Our kennels fill quickly. Early booking ensures better placement and grooming time slots. If you're traveling, now's the time.
Black Friday Specials — Whether you're booking your dog's next boarding stay or stocking up on supplements, nutrition consults, or recovery support, there are real savings to take advantage of. Stay tuned to our social channels and emails for details.

How We Make It Happen at HHH

None of this happens by accident. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how we actually deliver these results:

Structured Enrichment — Dogs aren't just let out for bathroom breaks. They rotate through mentally stimulating activities, supervised play, and decompression time based on their temperament.
Tailored Feeding & Monitoring — We don't just scoop and serve. We portion based on your dog's individual needs, monitor food intake, and adjust if we notice changes in appetite or digestion.
Integrated Grooming Support — Our grooming is more than cosmetic. We focus on coat health, skin checks, and stress-free handling that supports your dog's well-being.
Mini-Training Sessions — We use simple commands and reinforce calm behavior throughout your dog's stay. That might mean practicing place, recall, or loose-leash walking—depending on their experience level.
Staff Who Know Dogs — Our team is trained to spot stress signals, redirect behavior safely, and communicate clearly with dogs of all ages and personalities.

Thanksgiving Don'ts for Your Dog

Whether your dog is with us or at home this Thanksgiving, there are a few things you absolutely want to avoid:

1. No bones from the table. Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injury.

2. Skip the rich scraps. Fatty foods like gravy, buttered rolls, and stuffing can cause GI issues or pancreatitis.

3. Watch the doors. With guests coming and going, it's easy for dogs to slip out. Always double-check that your dog is secured.

4. No chocolate, onions, or grapes. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and are found in many holiday foods.

5. Avoid overwhelming them. Some dogs don't enjoy big crowds, loud environments, or overstimulation. Give them space, and consider boarding if the home environment will be too chaotic.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

This time of year is when dogs often get the short end of the stick. Their routines change, their people are busy or gone, and their needs get overlooked. But they don't have to be.

Dogs thrive with structure, attention, and clear communication—and that's what our facility was designed to deliver. This season, we're not just providing a service. We're helping your dog stay grounded, healthy, and even gain ground while you're away.

I learned from my own mentors that authentic leadership is about lifting others and delivering value with purpose. That's how we operate here. Whether you're with us for a day or a week, your dog is treated like part of the team.