Shep and Nellie's Vacation Resort
April 1st, 2008

When my wife and I travel, we sometimes leave our German Shepherds at the house and have someone stay with them. Other times, we take them to Garden Valley, CA, deep in the woods nestled between Auburn and El Dorado hills past the famous Forest Hill Bridge (most recently used in the Vin Diesel film “XXX). The one hour drive along an  exceptionally winding version of Highway 49 is well worth the fun our dogs have.


By popular demand (and after guaranteeing with the owners that no matter how many of you call, our dogs will always have a place to stay) I am finally ready, willing and able to divulge the name and location of Shep and Nellie’s oasis in the forest. It’s called Dog Woods Resort. Owner and operator Theresa (or her sister Helen) can be reached at 530-333-2117. As of the time of this, they are still completing their website, www.dog-woodsresort.com but I am told that their email works, dog-woodsresort@att.net



As you know, my wife and I love our dogs and you can be sure we would never mention or recommend a place that we didn’t truly believe was perfect for our dogs. Nestled on 18 acres, the first thing we love about Dog Woods is the enormous private pen area Shep and Nellie stay in the entire time they are on site. Look at all the room they have! Each pen even has a house on it the size of a bedroom for the dogs to escape to as well.




When Shep and Nellie are in their pen or free ranging, despite the 18 acres, they are always monitored and/or fenced in, which adds to our peace of mind.



The resort is littered with fun toys and distractions for the dogs, including a ton of pools to swim and romp in.


Nellie has found another toy, the big fluffy chair, which apparently leads Shep to decide that it’s play time.

Another great thing about Dog Woods is their knowledge of dogs and other breeds. They always make sure to stay on top of who gets along, who likes to play and walk together, etc. If you need to socialize your dog with other dogs, this is a great way to do it, and they offer socialization visits as well, where your dog can just come by and play with other dogs at the resort (by appointment, of course)


The gals at Dog Woods take the dogs out to walk and explore every day…



...which eventually leads to the exciting and expansive woods, which offers and endless opportunity for the doggies to explore, be curious and get tired.



In the end, with Shep and Nellie, it’s still all about wrestling, tackling and playing with each other.
If you have any questions or comments about the Dog Woods resort, drop us an e-mail!