About The Ultimate Pet Lodge
The Ultimate Pet Lodge’s mission is to provide an exciting social experience for dogs: to create a new standard for dog care, which includes measures to ensure the health and safety of our four-legged companions and an environment that is a retreat for dogs that exemplifies trust, love, and affection. We commit to providing additional services for dogs of all breeds and sizes to enhance further the bond between dog owners and their beloved pets. A lifetime dream of owners Michelle and Marc Thomas has been to create a safe haven for their best friends in life…dogs. Michelle has over 21 years of grooming dogs, owned her own grooming business (Michelle’s Grooming) for 5 years, and was previously an independent groomer for West Spartan Animal Hospital for 11 years. She also was a vet assistant for West Spartan Animal Hospital during that time. Marc was the owner of his own business, specializing in building hotels for over twenty years, with extensive knowledge of all aspects of air quality, sanitary requirements, and the usage of innovative materials such as autoclave aerated concrete. Marc grew up with dogs and had many childhood pictures, with one under each arm. So, it is appropriate that he has now built a hotel for four-legged guests.
The Staff
Marc and Michelle have had several dogs over their years together, and currently, you may be greeted by Minnie, their not-so-small Bernese Mountain Dog. But she is very lovable. Both Michelle and Marc have received their Pet CPR and First Aid Certificates. The other staff has been selected based on their experience working with various dogs and their desire to give love and joy to their many dog friends.
Darlene Houlihan is the Lodge’s trainer. She has been involved with dogs all her life. She is a registered veterinary technician and has spent many years teaching clients proper health care for their pets at veterinary clinics. Darlene and her dogs have earned several AKC titles, including two Obedience Trail Championships (the highest level in Competitive Obedience and numerous High-in-Trials awards and blue ribbons.) She teaches you how to develop a partnership with your dog based on mutual respect and admiration.
The Facility
The Ultimate Pet Lodge is an all indoors, climate controlled facility designed with an environment for dogs and their natural instincts. The Play area has K9 Grass, which is plush and soft like a field of grass. This surface provides a safe alternative to hard concrete, abrasive rubber matting or slippery Epoxy floors. The K9 Grass is sanitized every night so it is fresh for the next day’s play. This surface reduces stress on dog joints and paws. Since it is made of inorganic material, it can potentially mitigate insect concerns, including ticks and fleas. Unlike natural grass, it is made of nothing that interests bugs. It is also hypoallergenic, which means that dogs with allergies, especially those that sensitive to grass, can enjoy the K9 Grass without the concern of having allergic reactions.
We have incorporated non-combustible materials such as metal studs and autoclave aerated concrete blocks in the facility to provide a superior fire rating, sound reduction, and security.
The thirty dog suites are designed to reduce noise and provide a more stress-free environment for the dogs. They have full 8-foot tile walls and solid doors with a ½ glass window for staff observation. Each is equipped with a variety of beds that are easy to clean and sanitize and provide soft, off-the-floor or posturepedic comfort along with cozy blankets. Soothing music is provided, and 24/7 security monitoring is available.
Most importantly, we believe in having fun and providing you with peace of mind while your dog is at its home away from home. The Ultimate Pet Lodge is “a place to stay and play.”
