Char Lyn Kennels

01/05/2024

Happy New Year! We want to thank all of you for the privilege of caring for your dogs.

2023 like in years past was an emotional year. Some of our senior boarders passed away which is always heartbreaking to get that phone call. I can recall memories of their quirks, the way they made me laugh, even the muddy paw prints on my shirt.

Sometimes I get to hug and love them one more time before they pass away. I have grown older with many of them, which makes their passing harder. They take a piece of my heart with them.

I often ask myself “is it time to retire”? Can my heart take another passing? The answer comes with the memories that were created and I hold in my heart. The joys, laughter and love is greater than the heartache.

One of my favorite seniors “Rocky” passed away last year, I was able hug and say goodbye. His wonderful owners gave me a very small cutting from Rocky’s bush. It sits on my window space, I water and talk to it. It didn’t die but it wasn’t growing. Just shortly before Christmas, I looked at the small plant and was amazed…it had a beautiful blossom. Who would have thought this would happen…Rocky sent me a blessing and hope.

May your lives be filled with days creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Rocky’s plant

11/09/2023

To our pet owners and anyone who boards their dogs.
Cumberland county has a new dog warden that inspects the kennels.
Yesterday during inspection of our kennel I was told that ONLY a copy of the RABIES CERTIFICATE is acceptable. He will not accept an invoice that shows when it was given and when it is due. He will not accept a health certificate showing the current rabies. He will not accept a rabies tag.
Please make bringing your dog to the kennel easier and not having to scramble to get one from your vet.
In the 23 years of owning the kennel this has never been an issue but with the changing of inspectors, we can only accept Rabies Certificates.
Please bring the certificate as well as a health or invoice showing the other vaccines.
We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your patience and understanding.

07/27/2023

Update on Crimson:
An email was sent out an email inviting Crimson’s team excluding his handler and the person who wanted to adopt him to his “killing”.The one person who Crimson loved the most.
Then announced “Crimson crossed the Rainbow bridge today surrounded by people who love him. Run free sweet boy. We love you.
Sincerely CRCPA Board of Directors

I call BU****IT! This was sneaky and cowardly. His favorite people Diane, Felicity and Amy were not invited. So many volunteers fought for his life but the power egos of the board dictated his death. Once again Canine Rescue volunteers have no voice in this rescue.

Crimson had a loving home lined up with his handler to live the life he deserved. He came to the rescue at 6 months and in 2 years, they didn’t help over his issues but set him up to fail. More than half the board originally resigned but was then replaced with women who sided with them to take another vote.

Today the board of directors killed a healthy young dog who had not 1 but 3 people who wanted to adopt him. They pick and choose who will die. You will hear about liability and insurance, just remind them they have a dog being fostered by a board member that had to go to court after biting a neighbor. That special insurance had to be found for his coverage.

Crimson, I can’t express my anger nor my sorrow for what they did to you. I promise your death will not be brushed under the rug.

07/27/2023

PLEASE SHARE

With the permission and blessings of the property owner Pat and on behalf of her deceased husband who’s dream was to save dogs. He closed the kennel business and rented the complete kennel for rescues. As she stated, get the word out. The rescue is Canine Rescue of Pa.

I asked the previous question for a reason. By law, a no kill shelter/rescue can put down 10% of intakes and still be able to say no kill rescue. The public is given a false impression by rescues using no kill.
A local rescue is putting down a dog today because of bite history.
I personally have seen and observed their rescue kennel approx. 2 years ago to evaluate a dog who was to be euthanized. While waiting for the volunteer, I watch every dog over reactive to me and each other (this was outside). There was a puppy in the 2nd run and older small dog in the first….they were scared and overwhelmed.
Inside the kennel was worse, no privacy barrier between the runs, even the center walk way were only a few feet apart. I also noticed quite a few return dogs.
I met with the dog I was to observe and went for a walk thru a wooded area. I put her thru some exercises. Once back to the kennel, she was put into a long fenced in area. Just a long yard. Another dog was brought out and put into the adjoining yard. Then action or I should say reaction running started. Up and down the yard…all reactive running.
I put together a case file on her after talking to the ppl who were bitten, trying to get prior history from the rescue was almost impossible.
Her advocates even took her to UPenn to be evaluated by a vet behaviorist and paid for it.
Both my assessment and the vets were the same…she could be rehabbed once in a non reactive environment, change in medication, finding her triggers she could be adopted into the right home.
I then attended a board meeting where they were going to tell everyone that the dog needed to be euthanized even after 2 extensive evaluations from behaviorist. Trying to reason was impossible so I stepped up and said I would take her..this was the only way to save her. Almost 2 yrs later, she is leading a happy life with her trigger which we know.

Today another dog at the same rescue is at threat of being killed for the same reason. His handler wants to adopt him, the trainer would work with him but again….NO. Their excuse is liability and insurance.
No mention of liability or insurance was told to me when I took Daisy. This dog came to the rescue as a puppy because his owner used a shock collar on him and he reacted. This dog has been at the rescue learning and becoming more and more reactive. The rescue created this.
When I first became involved with the rescue, I have repeatedly said that the rescue is creating reactive dogs. I have volunteered several times to help create a less reactive environment and a way to help decompress the dogs. My offer was never taken up. I was also told by a couple volunteers that the rescue is not a rehab but placing dogs into homes. That’s so ridiculous…why do you think they are in shelters and rescues…they have issues. It was SO wrong, unfair and sometimes dangerous to place a dog into a home without evaluating and rehabilitation.
The almighty board is the only voice in the rescue and volunteers have no right to opinions. If you expressed them, you are accused of creating an hostile environment. This is what’s happening now. A volunteer who’s been with the rescue close to when it was created, one board member wants her out. This gentle woman is fighting to give this dog a chance to live as he has a home to go to. Many volunteers have resigned because of the board’s decision.
Interesting note, a dog being fostered by a board member who has a history of bites, bit a neighbor, went to court to fight not to be labeled “dangerous dog”. This dog isn’t being threatened of being put down.
In my many years working with dogs, I have never been so angry and hurting so badly for this dog. There is no reasoning with the board as they are the power. Power vs compassion…compassion lost.
There are a few in danger dogs in their facility.
So when donating money to a no kill, be sure to ask how many dogs were put down.
I’m so very, very sorry Crimson…humans have failed you.

07/16/2023

IMPORTANT
Dogs being boarded at any kennel MUST bring a current copy of vaccines, especially the rabies. The copy must show the vet clinic, address and phone. It must show when the next vaccine is due.
This is particularly important for the rabies vaccine. The Pa dog warden/kennel inspector will accept rabies vaccine certificate as well as the invoice from the vet showing at the bottom of page when rabies are due. A paper copy must be shown to the inspector as proof during inspections, minimum 2x surprise inspections per year.
During inspection, the inspector will ask us to pull the proof of rabies for each dog in boarding.

We do not require but encourage you to make sure your dog licensed is current. We are asked random dogs to check. If no proof, inspector will call you to send proof. No license equals a $50 fine.

We are working with a programmer for the kennel so that we can keep all records of dogs on file.

01/27/2023

Barry made us a better kennel.
We will truly miss his caring, kindness and guidance.

My heart hurts and in total disbelief. Barry was my kennel inspector and friend. He recently came to the inspection and as usual there was a lot of discussions.
For Barry, being a Pa Dog Warden was not just a job but a passion and love for dogs (all creatures). Whether picking up strays, doing inspections, following up on dog bites…he did so in the best interest of dogs.
He believed “there are no bad dogs, just bad people”. Whenever I received a call from him and he would say “Miss Lynda”, it meant there was a bite incident but believed the dog deserved a chance to be evaluated. He would ask me to help the dog by working with its owners. Of course I never could say no.
He was months away from retiring, looking forward to spending time with his family but still be involved with dogs in some capacity.
I will miss his smile, the laughs, comparing thoughts….his gentle soul.
I’m sure Barry is going to be pretty busy in heaven as many dogs have greeted him with balls in their mouths.
Until we meet again my friend…..thank you for being the best advocate for our dogs.

When you doubt that one person can make a difference in the world.
When you doubt that a single voice can’t be heard.
When you doubt one action can change another’s reaction.
When you doubt kindness and compassion is power.
Barry leaves no doubts.

View Barry J. Hockley Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

09/03/2021

2nd UPDATE: It seems that hurricane Ida took out one of Centurylink stations (of course it had to affect us). The station was flooded. No time frame as to when it will up and running. Please call 717-249-4999 until then.

UPDATE: As of today, Centurylink still has not fixed our voice mail issues. I have been on hold for 20 minutes, determined to talk once again to a service agent.
I have also discovered caller can’t even leave a message. If you can’t get us via the kennel line, please call 717-701-0074. Thank you for understanding and patience..

Once again….Century Link has officially become a necessary pain. If you have tried to call, it may or may not ring on our end. If you have left a voice mail and we have not returned your call…we cannot access it. We were told that Pa, NJ and De customers are having issues due to the storm yesterday. They didn’t know when the work would be done. We are trying to access by remote.
For emergencies or you have not received a return call, please call the number provided on the kennel line greeting.

08/19/2021

Hi everyone. I wanted to share an experience and surprisingly not dog related but one of encouragement.

With so much negativity in our world today, I wanted share my recent experience.
Yesterday, it started off really bad, even said to a friend.. I’m so tired of people and the lack of just being kind.
I went to Giants in the afternoon and as I was leaving, it started to storm, heavy rain. Could my day get any worse? I along with about 6 other people stood around debating whether to make a wild dash with our carts or wait it out.
A couple of young men came out, one stayed with the cart, the other with umbrella ran to their car. The young man who stayed with cart came up to me, handed me his umbrella and said “take this, I don’t need it”. I told him I was fine but he said please use the umbrella.
I told him I would drive it back to him.
As I was getting ready to drive around to him, they left. I tried to follow them to give back the umbrella but lost them at the light.
If anyone knows a young man driving a blue Edge SUV, please pass on this. ..
Young man, your act of kindness not only protected me from the rain but renewed my faith in people. Your gift could not have come at a time when I needed it the most. Amongst all the negativity we see every day, your light shined through.
I wish I could have expressed myself to you personally and maybe someone will relay this to you so that I could.
Thank you is not enough but I will continue passing it forward. Many blessings.

08/09/2021

We missed seeing our boarders last year but we didn’t miss kennel cough!
We have been lucky through most of the summer…until recently. Char-Lyn kennels have always try to maintain transparency in regards to any kennel cough or GI viruses.

We have received phone calls from people who are upset with the kennel they have been using as their dog contracted KC. We will NOT disparage other kennels especially for an airborne virus. No kennel, groomer, daycare, dog parks and even vet offices (where sick dogs go) are 100% protected from this virus. Vet offices have reported a large increase in KC. Char-Lyn kennels has a very large air filtration system, sanitizing kennels and do not do large group plays and we still have KC. The spread of KC can be transferred by the staff who play with dogs. Just remember before changing kennels…ask yourself, prior to KC..were you happy with the care of your dog? Was your dog happy?

Bordetella vaccine your dog is given does not prevent 100% as like the flu vaccine, there are many strains of the virus. It does give protection and also recovery time is quicker.

As policy, we will notify you when we are alerted to KC or when we suspect hearing the cough/gagging.
We have been alerted by owners a few days after taking their dogs home that they are showing symptoms. Kennel cough has an incubation period and dogs show symptoms after going home.
If we see any signs while in our care, we immediately start medication and honey.

If you suspect your dog has contracted KC while staying in a kennel, please let the kennel know. If your dog stayed with us, please give us a call. We are keeping track of who and when. If you need help with your dog’s care, let us know.
IMPORTANT….if you are taking your dog to your vet, please, please inform them that they may have KC. This will allow the vet’s office to take precautionary measures for the health of other dogs.

06/26/2021

**REUNITE OF THE WEEK**

"Holly’s" Journey
5/31/21: First reported sighting in Mt Holly Springs
6/24/21: Secured in Mt Holly Springs by Find Toby Field Support Team

This journey began for us when sightings were reported of an Aussie/Blue Heeler type dog being seen in and around Mt Holly Springs on May 31st. The dog was on the move, not stopping long enough for any type of food station to be established.

As more sightings came in (and there were so many!) we determined that the dog was traveling a very wide circle of 15+ miles almost every single day. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, so many places traveled, never slowing down.

At one point we set up a food station and camera at a pond near Pennsy Supply on Mountainview Road where she had been sighted multiple times, but sadly the dog did not return.

Hundreds of printed flyers were posted, resulting in multiple sightings almost daily from the Mt Holly Springs community! We didn't feel alone in this mission and we cannot stress enough how important these sightings were to our ultimate successful capture of this dog!

Finally, our luck seemed to change; we received a call on June 13th from a family that had spent a weekend at their cabin which was on Pine Grove Road, beyond Laurel Lake. They reported having seen the dog a couple of times over the weekend. Miraculously, this family permitted our team (total strangers to them!) to invade their cabin property while they were not there. A food station and camera was immediately put into place.

Days went by, more sightings came in, all varying from the same area or miles in the other direction beyond Mt Holly.

On June 18th we got her on camera eating at our food station! We were so excited! Our humane trap was set up, and then we watched and waited for our prayers to be answered. On a couple of occasions we would catch a glimpse of her but it wasn’t until the night of June 24th that we were finally able to safely trap her.

This was a particularly difficult dog to secure – we had no history on her, only that she was out there and needed someone to save her.

As always we want to thank the many truly kind and caring folks that helped along the way of this 25 day journey:

🐾First of all, the park rangers, especially “Lizzie” who even assisted with helping with the trap.

🐾Next, the many many people and businesses in the Mt Holly Springs community that reported sightings, followed up with calls of concern and offered help.

🐾The support of Bobbie Jo Wilt who had called with a sighting but then assisted with posting flyers, monitoring the trap and then she and her husband giving up “date night” to help transport her to safe keeping.

🐾Finally, special thanks to Lynda Martin (Char/Lyn Kennels) for giving her safe keeping until the dog warden can pick her up. This included removing many ticks, bathing and providing her with so much love.

We do not know if she has a family looking for her but here is what we know about her so far: She is incredibly sweet yet timid, definitely a female, around 2 years old, she is not spayed or microchipped. She gives kisses, gives paw, and was so kind and tolerant of all that we put her through the night of her capture.

If there is no owner found, we will advocate for her to find a wonderful and loving home that is deserving of her.

We have named her “Holly” AKA Miss Mt Holly 💕💕

6/28/21 UPDATE: "Holly" is now at Adams County SPCA 717-334-8876

Link to video of her capture (apologies that the recording cut off right before the door closed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5ygLKHjAxs

Find Toby in Pa is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers for all of our rescue efforts. If you'd like to make a monetary donation, please visit this link:
https://www.facebook.com/findtobyinpa/posts/4705768432772687

04/07/2021

A bittersweet update...Emma and Cooper have found a wonderful home. Previous owners met with current owners and knew their babies will be happy. It eases the pain a tad leaving them

Meet Emma and Cooper. A bonded pair of a Jack Russells who are looking for a loving home. I know these two personally, they are boarding clients. Their owners are heartbroken to have to find a home for them. They are moving for work and after extensive search, cannot find a place that allows dogs. They are facing a deadline.
Their owners reached out to me to help them and I have promised to help or keep them safe until one is found
Know that any interest party will either meet with the owners or me or both. You can contact the kennel if you are interested.

Below is from the owner.

Circumstances in life change and sometimes, heartbreaking choices must be made. Finding a new home for Emma and Cooper is one of them right now for us.
They are Jack Russel; Emma is 8 and Cooper is 7. They do everything together -bathroom, dinner, treats, walks, and they always look up to each other. They love to play together, so it's very important that they won't be separated.
Emma is more independent. Sometimes she reminds me of a teenager that wants to be left alone, until she needs something. She doesn't like to be picked up. She loves kisses, belly and back rubs.
She has the most expressive eyes, and when she gives you those looks, she can melt your heart.
She loves to sit outside and just look and sniff around.
Cooper, on the other hand, is the needy one. He won't stay outside by himself. He loves to sit on your lap and is constantly paying attention to your moves. He gets excited very easily and he's very good at communicating what he wants. If they run out of water, he'll drag the water bowl to you and whine.
Sometimes if you talk to him, he will respond and then start howling, then Emma joins him. It's so funny to watch. He is very territorial.
They are not very good with other dogs, and they are OK with kids if they don't get them super excited.
A tightly fenced yard is a must. If Cooper gets loose, he will come back when called, but Emma WILL NOT! She is drawn to open spaces and will walk away. She is also very afraid of cars, although she loves to get in the car with us.
They are both up to date with all their shots.
I hope that someone out there will love to have them to be part of their family. They certainly bring so much joy and love to ours.

01/21/2021

If you have called, no one answered or returned your call, it is because Century Link has 2 fiber optics that were accidentally cut. We have had no access to retrieve messages from our voice mail directly but are working on retrieving remotely. Also if your phone number starts with any area code outside of 717, we unable to answer your call.
Century Link (service rep was courteous) assured us that the repairs should be completed by this afternoon.
Side note, many of you may have also phone problems, be patient.

01/01/2021

It has come to our attention that a couple dogs have had allergic reaction to the shampoo or spray we use in the kennel. Our policy is a dog staying with us for a week or longer receives a free bath before going home. Both dogs received baths.
Please contact us if your dog had an allergic reaction to their bath recently.

12/31/2020

Well 2020 is almost over. What a year it has been! Not much activity happened in the kennel in regards to boarders but we were blessed to witness many acts of kindness.
We remained open throughout the pandemic as allowed by the Dept. of Agriculture. We were able to help some who had emergencies, the Sherrif Dept., hospitals for medical staff and patients.
Our customers called and checked on us. Some offering to pay for cancellations that were completely out of their control, one person came to the kennel to pay for the cancellation. Though we didn’t take the payment, what we received is worth more than any monetary amount. This act of kindness will stay in our hearts and remind us during bad days how much our customers care.
When our offer to help provide food or vet expenses for those who have suffered during the pandemic, our customers and non customers extended their help. It warmed our hearts to witness such generous act of kindness. It gave us renew hope to see the community come together.
As tradition, we recognize the passings of cherished family members, never forgotten.
Zeva Bretton
Bentley Machado
Serenity Green
Jackson Blaine
Topper Norris
Bear Terry
Sally Turner
Magnolia Anderson
Mia Whitcomb
Freida Bogden
Rico
Razzle Yingst
Paisley Sand
Abby Warne

Our wishes and prayers for all in 2021; to be safe, healthy and never lose the positive and hope. Make a difference one person at a time, share a smile, a greeting, be kind to all you encounter.

12/25/2020

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We hope that Santa Paws brought all good dogs presents under the tree. May you and yours have a very blessed Christmas. With joy and love...Lynda, Jodie, Noelle and Nikki.

12/23/2020

Get ready to take those holiday pounds off!

12/13/2020

We are a tad behind on our giving posts but never too late!

This country has gone to emergency levels in regards to financial or simply feeding our families. So many families are struggling just to pay their bills, keep their homes and buying food. This means that some pets are also in need.

We are extending help to anyone who needs food for their pets. If you or someone you know has lost income due to the pandemic, please reach out to us. This means not just dogs. Give a call or message us with what they need, brand, size, etc. We can have it shipped directly to you or you can pick up here. No questions asked and kept private.

We are also trying to set up direct payments to your vet if they are in need of their vaccines. We will try to coordinate with Tractor Supply, Pet Clinic schedule for those who need help with vaccines.

Our philosophy is simple...we are all of one community, make a difference one person at a time. Everyone can make a difference; extend a smile, a greeting, an appreciation...simply be kind and caring.

11/25/2020

It’s a beautiful, blessed day! The start of the holidays and hopefully....good cheers.
Unexpected gifts were given to us yesterday, warming our hearts and renewing our dedication in giving our best.

Gift #1. A customer stopped in last night, canceling a reservation for this Thanksgiving week. He came in person so that he could pay for the days even though Prince would not be boarding. As our policy, no dog, no payment. Prince’s owner was concerned about our business during these times of COVID that he wanted to help us.
Wow! We didn’t take payment but the caring started my holiday season with a warmed heart and huge smile. I call this pay forward #1

Gift #2. Same customer posted on a FB group about the interaction with me on the cancellation. Another Wow! He posted as his pay forward from us. To read his posting, his appreciation and how his dogs like us...reaffirmed of why we do what we do. With this posting, other customers posted on it. Reading each post, we knew each dog, smiling and sometimes laughing at a quirk or memory of a certain dog. What an amazing gift we received, a gift of trust and caring, that we are part of a wonderful community. Pay forward #2.

We give thanks for all of you for the privilege of caring for your 4 legged family. We are so blessed to be a small part of your lives.
We pray that everyone stays healthy, never lose hope and take the time to see even the smallest blessings and simple joys

Happy Thanksgiving!

05/20/2020

I was recently in a discussion with a fellow behaviorist. Question was...when people go back to work, how will pets handle and adjust to the new/old norm of life? If you were working prior to the pandemic, your dogs learned the routine and it became a part of their instincts. Instinctively knew what time to get up, go out, eat, walks and even knew when you were coming home. They learned they were safe, they were content to be alone knowing when you would walk through the door. Pandemic changed all that...they had to change their norm. Now it may be sleep a bit later, cuddled more, played more, walked more, owners were with them more! This became their new/old norm. Owners going back to work will be changing the norm once again. As any creature of instinct..change is not always easy, especially when it’s a separation from their humans. How and what are you doing to prepare your dogs? What steps can you take to help dogs adjust? Let us know your thoughts.

04/06/2020

We thank all of the customers and clients that have reached out to check on us. It has warmed our hearts knowing we are a community, a family. We are so blessed.

We are doing well but we really missing the dogs. Though we remain open to help anyone, it’s been too quiet. Not much p**p scooping, treat canisters full, toys waiting to be dog handled. It has given us time to deep clean each run. Repairs and painting done. We will be ready for our four legged clients with extra kisses and hugs.

We pray that everyone remains healthy and safe. We look forward to seeing all the dogs once this pandemic is done. In the meantime, spend extra time with your dog, it’s a great stress reliever and they will love it.

Affectionately....Char-Lyn family

04/02/2020

For much needed smiles

A parody of "I will survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Performed by Cooper.

03/26/2020

Coronavirus and Char-Lyn Kennels. We are committed to remain open to assist anyone who needs help.

Per Dept. of Agriculture/Dog Law

In recognition of the critical role boarding kennels, doggie daycares, shelters, sanctuaries, and rescues play in ensuring essential workers and at-risk individuals have a safe place to house dogs and the need for continued care for Pennsylvania's strays, the Department of Agriculture today issued guidance for protecting staff and volunteers of such facilities. Advice was also offered to pet owners to protect themselves and their furry friends during COVID-19 mitigation.

03/18/2020

Update: so many has offered their assistance to help others. Please repost/share so others know. Someone just may need help! Thank all of you!

We will remain opened during these difficult times, even if it’s only one dog. As our normal policy for our customers, emergencies such as illness, we will care for your dog(s) at no charge.
We understand the risks for many senior citizens or the anxieties that many are suffering during this crisis. We are offering whatever help we can such as delivering dog food (people food too) or have it shipped directly to you. We will personally drive your dog to vet appts if you are unable to do this. There is no charge for this service even if you are not our customer.
Be kind, caring and compassionate to each other...
Please call or message us if we can help.

02/01/2020

Valentino waiting for visiting sweethearts!

12/31/2019

Another year, another decade coming to a close. We want to thank all of you for the privilege of caring for your fur kids. A year full of love, laughter, friendships but also one of heartaches.
One of the best benefits of being a family run kennel is that we share with each other stories about the dogs and their antics. We smile..we laugh. Sometimes it becomes a competition between Lynda and Jodie as to who gets that first kiss from a shy dog or who does the dog come to...but it’s always a small victory.
This year has been exceptionally heartbreaking as to many have passed over the rainbow bridge. We thank the owners for sharing a part of their lives with us.
Nell Storer
Mitchell Hishmah
Zoey Moyer
Lizzy Beasley
Sophie Zell
Brutus Miller
Winston Oswald
JoJo and Patches Southerland
Reese Green
Toby Franklin
Woden Dodge
Carrot Thompson
Bubbles Morelle
Molly Zukowski
Sligo Gilroy
Blu Foster
Zoey Donovan
Oakley Mariano
Lucy Bower
Issy Hess
Jackie Reed
Huggy Rea
Junior Leitner
Champ Wenger
Brody Burkholder
BooBoo Fair
Ally Bennett
There may be a few we don’t know about. As the saying goes “smile through tears.
All of us here want to wish you a very loving and blessed New Year!
Lynda, Jodie, Mike, Noelle and Nikki