Santa Paws Ultimutt Retreat

08/31/2024

📣We no longer have a date restriction on requesting services.📣

If you have any winter vacations make sure to get your requests in. The Christmas season is already filling up!

Photo Credits: Tim Foster

08/29/2024

It's 8:30am!

If you have a pit mix or large dog, this is the time to get them fixed for just $10!
Income-qualified pet owners pay $10 per surgery, utilizing vets in Pet Friendly Services’ statewide network- including the DCHS Spay and Neuter Clinic!

Apply Here: https://petfriendlyservices.org/spay-neuter-services/pit-mix-fix-pilot-program/

08/29/2024

08/26/2024

We share pics of your dogs while they are here all the time. Since it’s NATIONAL DOG DAY we ask that you share pics with us!!

Meet two of ours, Quinn and Cinch!!

08/23/2024

“Good things come in small packages” 🐾❤️🐾

08/23/2024

For those who have called and asked about weekend openings, this is what we have left for September.

08/22/2024

We’ve been a little behind on posting, but man we have had a full house!! The dogs are loving this nice weather.

08/13/2024

Fun in the ☀️today. We are loving this beautiful weather!

08/10/2024

“Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness?” - Jonathan Foer

Hoping these pictures bring a little happiness to our community after this tragic week.

08/09/2024

Please continue with all your prayers for strength and guidance for Amanda's family.

🚨 Support Request for Huntingburg Police Corporal Ted Klem and 7-month old Madison🚨

On Monday, August 5, Huntingburg Corporal Ted Klem’s wife and former Spencer County Deputy Amanda Klem suffered a tragic accident. Despite all life saving measures, Amanda succombed to her injuries on August 7. Amanda leaves behind their 7-month-old daughter, Madison.

In response to this tragedy, the Fraternal Order of Police stands in solidarity with Brother Klem and Madison in mourning and extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. The loss of a loved one is never easy, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this period of grief.

In the face of unimaginable loss, we are reaching out to our community for support. Amanda, a loving mother and former Spencer County Sheriff’s Deputy, leaves behind her infant daughter, Madison. Amanda's sudden departure has left her family and friends heartbroken, but it is Madison who will face the most challenging journey without her mother.

We are asking for donations to help secure Madison's future. Your generosity will go towards ensuring that she has the opportunities and support she needs as she grows up. Whether it’s for her education, daily care, or future endeavors, every contribution will make a significant impact on her life.

If you are able, please consider making a donation, no matter how small. Every bit helps and is deeply appreciated.

Let’s honor Amanda’s memory by ensuring that Madison is surrounded by the love, care, and support that Amanda would have provided. Together, we can make a difference in Madison’s life and help carry her through this difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

https://venmo.com/u/FOP-WoodCapitol

Venmo iD: -WoodCapitol
Last four digits of Venmo account holder phone number: 5495

For those who wish to contribute, please follow the link above. The FOP Lodge 138 will present a check with these donations to Ted and Madison.

Checks may also be mailed to the following address, with “FBO Madison” as the memo. Cash donation points have been established at the Jasper Police Department, Huntingburg Police Department, Ferdinand Police Department, and the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office.

Huntingburg Police Department
PO Box 10
Huntingburg, IN 47542

08/08/2024

🍂Fall is right around the corner🍂
Heads up to all our clients. September and October are filling up quickly, so make sure your reservations are requested soon!

Photo credit: Rachel Ries

08/07/2024

We ask you all to please keep the Klem/Haycox/Durcholz family in your prayers. Our community has truly lost a beautiful soul, one that I’m sure most of you have had the pleasure of knowing and loving. I was so blessed to be able to work beside Amanda for a short time during our transition. It was obvious her love for the dogs here at Santa Paws, and even more her love for her sister Tracy. Amanda we will never forget you and your legacy you left here.

We are sending our deepest condolences to Tracy and the family and friends of Amanda. May God be with you and give you the strength to make it through this devastating loss.

08/07/2024

We are so very thankful for the Santa Claus Police Department for always keeping an eye on our place 💙💙

08/01/2024

I’m certain we are currently in the dog days of summer. It sure doesn’t stop these dogs though!☀️

07/31/2024

UPDATE: We stayed here at Santa Paws during the storm to ensure the safety of all our guests. All pups are safe and sound, our sign on the other hand did not survive 😭

07/30/2024

The rain showers didn’t stop us from having fun today!

07/30/2024

Welcome to Santa Paws Cash! We absolutely love this handsome boy 💙

07/25/2024

That’s it for us folks!! ❤️

Beth is now the official owner of Santa Paws Ultimutt Retreat and will be taking over all operations. Amanda and I will continue taking care of all your pups until Monday morning, July 29th. After that, all business, messages, and calls should be directed to Beth and her team. The website, phone number and your online accounts will all stay the same so don’t fret!

Many of you have already had the pleasure of meeting Beth and introducing her to your pups. For those who haven't, she is excited to meet you and your pups soon.

Please join us in congratulating Beth on this new chapter. We wish her all the success and happiness in her new role.

Warm regards,
Tracy and Amanda

07/25/2024

Happy Thursday! Don’t forget to take your pup on a “jaunty trek about the neighborhood” today! 😆

07/24/2024

Photo dump!! 🐾❤️

07/23/2024

Our heart is heavy with the passing of another wonderful pup that we were blessed to take care of throughout the years. Hugs of comfort go out to Ryder’s parents. It’s never easy to hear of this news no matter the pups age. We will cherish the fun memories we got to have with him. He was such a sweet boy and will be missed deeply. ❤️🐾 Fly high sweet boy.

07/19/2024

Welcome to Santa Paws, Bella! Look at her cute little toe beans! 🐾 ❤️

07/18/2024

To my wonderful clients,

The time has finally come for our transition with Beth!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your trust and loyalty over the years have been the foundation of Santa Paws success. It has been an incredible journey building this business to where it is today, and I am humbled by the support you have shown me. Because of you, I was able to create a facility that I am immensely proud of—a place where your beloved pups could not only stay but thrive and enjoy their time away from home.
I introduced the new owner, Beth, in a facebook/email post back on April 2nd when I announced we would be selling Santa Paws. For those who didn’t see that announcement, I will give you some of her background. Beth Brown comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary and pet care industry, spending most of her tenure at East Pines Animal Clinic and running her own pet care business, Pioneer Pet Services. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure your pups continue to receive the best care possible. We did not take the decision to sell lightly and offered this sale to Beth personally. I am confident that Beth will continue to uphold the high standards of care and service that you have come to expect from Santa Paws Ultimutt Retreat. She is dedicated to the well-being and happiness of every dog that walks through the doors, and I am certain that under her leadership, the business will flourish even further.
As my journey with Santa Paws comes to a close, please know that I will cherish the memories we've made together. Each wagging tail, playful bark, and each pup that has become a part of our extended family here has brought joy to my heart. We will start the beginning of the transition next week. Beth has been coming by to get up to speed on how we operate and is committed to providing the same type of care that your pup is used to. Once we ensure she’s settled in, she will take the full reins.
As for the next chapter, my husband Jason and I will be opening up our Reindeer Farm, Santa’s Reindeer Ranch to the public for Reindeer Encounters starting this holiday season! Amanda, Jason and I hope to see you at the farm in the future! You can stay up to date on our progress with that on our page, Santa’s Reindeer Ranch or our website www.SantaClausReindeer.com.
Thank you once again for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for entrusting your pups to my care. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all. I hope that you will extend the same warmth and support to Beth as you have to Amanda and myself.

With a grateful heart,
Tracy Haycox

07/12/2024

Clients:

There is a mild upper respiratory cold spreading through the area. This upper respiratory cold seems to be presenting as excessive sneezing. Some may even mistake it as seasonal allergies.

If your dog is sneezing excessively please consult your Veterinarian and do not bring them into places where other dogs congregate: Dog parks, Dog Daycare, Boarding, your Groomer or out on walks where you come across other dogs. Keep them home until they are symptom free.

The health and safety of your pup/s is our top priority and we are making you aware so that you can keep a close eye on them at home. Although we are always diligently cleaning and thoroughly disinfecting our facility and ensuring all vaccinations are current for each dog in attendance - there still remains a risk for dogs who are with other dogs in a group setting, just like children at school. We do not “make” viruses/colds, dogs can be asymptomatic and spread it to other dogs through the air or nose to nose contact unbeknownst to us until symptoms present itself.

We will continue our stringent cleaning protocols and have our air purifiers running 24/7. To help prevent the spread of any illness, we ask that you keep your dog home if it is exhibiting any symptoms and to reach out to your Vet.

Please know that we take viruses/colds very seriously and we do everything in our power to make/keep our facility a safe and clean environment for your fur babies. 🐾 - Tracy

07/12/2024

Welcome to Santa Paws, Moose & Harley! 🐾

07/11/2024

Heads up Clients: Doggie Daycare books in advance, especially during summer time. We currently have daycare openings starting July 29th. Any dates before that are no longer available.

07/05/2024

Welcome to Santa Paws, Ozzy! 🐾 ❤️

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July!! 🇺🇸 💥

Reminder that our Lobby is closed today in observance of the Holiday.

🐾 All of the pups in our care will be safe and cozy indoors in their suite’s with the music volume up a little louder than normal to help drown out any possible noises from fireworks tonight and over the holiday weekend. ❤️

06/26/2024

Some happy pups to get you through that mid week slump! 🐾 ❤️

06/26/2024

I AM A DOG BOARDING/DAYCARE FACILITY OWNER
I meet your pup. I fall in love with your pup. I get to know you. I share your daily struggles, going to work and after your day is done. I know your loves, your dislikes, your struggles, your happy times and your sad times. I listen to you boast with pride and I am here for you when something doesn’t go right.
I play with your pup, I feed your pup. I make sure his poo is healthy. Is he eating? Is he drinking? Do I need to add pumpkin to his food? Chicken and rice? Wet food so he will eat? Does he have allergies? Let’s check.
Did he take his meds? Do I add them to wet food? Peanut butter? Cheese? As a treat? Do I need to put the meds down his throat at the risk of being bitten? He needs his meds. Did he take his meds?
Did he play nicely? Did he get scratched? Is he limping? Where did that blood come from? His toe, his tooth, his ear? Is he a puppy? Is he teething? Is he in the right playgroup? Too calm? Too active? Too big? Too small?
Did he eat his lunch? Is he drinking enough? Did he throw up? Have diarrhea? Why? Is he nervous? Shy? Confident? Does he have separation anxiety?
I comfort him, love on him, redirect him when he misbehaves. Is he too tired? Too old? Too young? Does he have the correct vaccines? Do I have the owner’s phone number? Emergency contact number? Do I take him to the vet? Or wait? Do I tell the owner he has a tummy ache or wait a day with chicken and rice? What would the owners be able to do from Hawaii? Cabo? San Diego? Chicago? Will it ruin their vacation if I call? Will they worry too much, when I could just tend to them for a couple days with chicken and rice? Should I call?
I take you pup to the emergency hospital when I can’t get ahold of you. I cry, I worry. What do I do without the owner’s consent? The doctors are so understanding and helpful. I pay in order to get your pup medical care that he needs no matter what the cost.
I feel exhausted, sad, worried, happy, thankful of your trust. Upset when you are disappointed or unhappy for any reason. Trying to please. Trying to do my best every day. Come in at all hours to handle situations to ensure your pet’s safety.
I go to the grocery if you didn’t bring enough food. You have a family emergency. I fit your pup in even though we are sold out.
I cry when you are not looking, wondering if I am doing everything I can. I worry. Will you be happy with my services? With my pricing? My conversation? My expressing of concerns to help your pup and you?
Will you ever know what I have done to ensure your pet is healthy, happy and excited to see you when you pick up? Will you be upset with me if I tell you your pup acted out and needs training? Is it my fault?
Do you know that I work 14-16 hour days 7 days a week? That I have policies in place for safety reasons? Not to inconvenience you. Do you know I come in 2 hours before opening to take care of your pet and stay 2 hours after closing to tuck them in? I have music and nightlights to ensure a restful night?
I give extra lovin’ and sit with your pups. We clean and clean and clean. Still your pup catches a cold. You are upset. I worry. Do I get a bad review? I give blankets and bedding so you don’t have to have yours ruined.
We have dishes, laundry, mopping, sweeping, cleaning walls, lobby, windows, playrooms, doggie suites, baths to do, bathroom to clean, customer service, paperwork, reservations, phones. And yes…eventually, we get to play with dogs all day.
I LOVE MY JOB
I AM A DOG BOARDING/DAYCARE FACILITY OWNER

AUTHOR UNKNOWN