A Canyon Lake woman who spent years helping Comal County’s lost dogs reunite with their owners now wants to make sure they won’t try to escape when fireworks go off
Leeanne ‘Doglady’ Nelson, who lives near the Summit Resort on the north side of the lake, today opened a temporary boarding facility where dogs can ride out the worst of the big booms expected over the holiday weekend.
She’s turned the 600-square-foot, air-conditioned, vintage-vibed ‘longevity lounge’ behind her house into No Wurries, a soundproofed facility whose door opens onto two large backyards fenced with no-climb wire.
“This is not a boarding facility, it’s a safe haven for dogs who are fearful of fireworks,” she said.
For $60, residents and even visitors to Canyon Lake can book a kennel from 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4 through 7 a.m. Sunday, July 5.
“This is only for dogs that are scared, and I have retrofitted everything to make sure that the dogs can’t see the fireworks and can’t hear the fireworks,” she said.
Windows in the building are completely covered. Box fans are set up near kennels to create white-noise ambiance. Owners can select a kennel size or let their dogs chillax under blankets or on chairs on sofas.
And, Nelson plans to sleep between kennels to make sure everybody gets lots of love and soothing reassurance.
Leashed potty breaks are scheduled around fireworks. Dogs will be treated to homemade red, white and blue treats made from yogurt and 100-percent natural ingredients.
To reserve a spot for dogs (of any size), call 830-643-0338.
Proof of rabies vaccine is required.
Nelson said she’s seen the devastating impact a week’s worth of fireworks can have on canines.
As the founder of Comal County Lost and Found Dogs and a former volunteer with Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society (CLASS) who is still involved with animal rescue, she’s helped locate dozens of dogs who fled their backyards and homes after red, white, and boomies began.
“I have seen dogs terrified out of their wits,” she said. “They shake, they shiver, they pee themselves, they poop themselves. They can get very aggressive. They will jump fences, they will go through glass doors trying to escape the fireworks. And yet, on the other hand, there are some dogs it just doesn’t bother at all.”