Mark your calendars for our annual summer open house Saturday, August 2, 2008, from 12 noon - 3 p.m. at the kennel to benefit the "Dumb Friends League". Dogs and their owners can come out and spend the afternoon at the pool. All dogs can go swimming, as long as they are social and their owners can watch them as "lifeguards".

Doggy and People Hors d' oeuvres and drinks will be served pool-side. A $20.00 donation (per dog) is requested at the entrance and all proceeds go to the Denver Dumb Friends League.



It's tough to leave Rover behind for a fun-filled vacation when he's staring at you through the window with those sad, puppy-dog eyes. Avoid the guilt by leaving him at Shylo Country Club for Dogs. Your doggie won't even miss you; he'll be too busy frolicking with other dogs in one of seven outdoor play yards (large dogs on one side, small ones on the other). When it's hot, misters spray water on the dogs to keep them cool and refreshed, and at night, they'll come inside to a spotless and well-insulated group bedroom.

Owners Steve Fisher and Bruce Clark bought their forty-acre property sixteen years ago so that they could raise Afghan hounds, but friends kept asking them to care for their pets when they went out of town. So ten years ago, Steve and Bruce decided to make a business out of it.

And every August, satisfied customers show up for the poolside doggie fashion show, a benefit for the Dumb Friends League that any dog owner can attend for $20. Hang out and laugh while your dog takes a dip in the beautiful swimming pool in back of the owners' house.




"Nothing is tougher than getting out of town. Details that haven't arisen for weeks suddenly conspire to keep you from that vacation or business trip: this meeting, that errand, five calls to return, and, oh yes - the dog! Those sad eyes make you feel bad enough about leaving this unstinting confidant and companion, but the kennel looms.

Shylo Boarding Kennels can help. The "Shylo Valet" is a van that will actually pick up your pet at your home and deliver him to your door upon your return. In between times your pet gets to stay at Rancho Shylo, one of the country's top-producers of Champion Afghan Hounds - found in over 40 states and 18 foreign countries - and has shown 15 other breeds to their titles. The point being, if Shylo is good enough for champions, your "champion" should feel right at home.

Rancho Shylo, located near the new airport, six miles south-east of the town of Watkins, was founded as a joint venture by partners Bruce Clark and Steve Fisher over 30 years ago when they fell in love with the regal, independent and yet affectionate nature of the Afghan. Both have been showing dogs since high school and at one time Bruce was one of the country's youngest licensed AKC handlers. The kennel is managed by John Leonard. Bobby and Kip handle the Shylo Valet pick-up and delivery service.

"The dogs are not just business to us; they are an extension of our lives - a labor of love, you might say" says Steve, adding that the kennel's doggy Valet service has been a hit. "Many of our clients have remarked that when they have to go somewhere, the last thing they have time to do is drive to the kennel. Since we do pick-ups on short notice, the Valet has come in handy for those called away unexpectedly. We try to be as flexible as we can in meeting a client's needs."

Shylo limits its guest dogs, says Steve, and during evenings, guest dogs have their own indoor run with elevated bed and rug. During the day they are kept outside in play yards with other social dogs. "We found that putting dogs of a compatible size and personality together helps to exercise the dogs and alleviate the boredom that can be part of a kennel stay." He adds that local veterinarian Dr. Theresa Seggerman is on-call for any unlikely emergency.

Diet is an important part of any kennel stay, and Shylo will keep a dog on it's regular food routine, though Steve says guest dogs thrive on Shylo's special menu, a stew made from whole chicken, rice and vegetables. "We then mix this up as a flavor base with Pedigree Mealtime dry food. Most guest dogs like this combo and adjust easily," says Steve.

Grooming and Clipping of guest dogs is available on request and dogs are returned home as clean or cleaner than when they arrived. A "nice smelling" dog is a must Shylo.