I’m often asked why I wanted to go through the time, frustration, and huge expense to build Rocky’s Retreat Canine Health & Fitness Center.

With respect to aqua therapy, the answer is simple, really. It’s because I wanted the best – not only for my dog and Toby’s dog, but for all central Florida’s dogs. I couldn’t find what I was looking for anywhere in central Florida. Even while Rocky was alive, I experienced other swim centers and those experiences gave me a clear idea what I didn’t want. I realized people shouldn’t have to worry about rinsing their dogs off after a swim to try to offset the damage done due to the dog’s exposure to chlorine. As Rocky aged, I knew I didn’t want to compromise his immune system further by exposing him to a chlorinated pool. Even if I rinsed him off afterward (which I always had to do) I was concerned about the damage done to his immune system while he was in the water. I also didn’t want my wet dog emerging from a pool on a cold day without a way to dry him before going out in the cold. Heck, even on a warm day, I didn’t want to put my wet dog on the leather seats in my car, even with towels! And I thought it would be nice if I didn’t even have to bring towels. Plus, I wanted a clean, sanitary pool.

With respect to massage and other healing modalities, I wanted to create a calm, zen space that would benefit the dog receiving the massage. While it’s often conducive to do body work on a dog in his or her own home, the flip side of that is that the dog often CAN’T relax in their surroundings. Dogs want to do their job (such as guarding), they want to play with pet siblings, etc, and they often can’t relax with a massage while maintaining that responsibility, or wanting to have fun. Take the dog away from the home, and that all changes!

I am fortunate to have found a business partner in my dear friend Toby, who moved down here from New Jersey so we could work together to build what became our mutual vision – Rocky’s Retreat Canine Health & Fitness Center. We’ve both worked hard to not only see through the building of this facility but to spend the considerable time and money taking the certified training courses to ensure we can give the best care to the dogs of central Florida. She and I share the same vision – ultimate health for the dogs who come to us, safety for dog and “parent,” a space where you both can relax and enjoy the company of one another, where you can meet new friends, and have fun, and where you can learn how better to take care of your best friend.

Discover the difference!

We are the only Orlando dog boarding and Orlando doggie day care center that has an indoor heated pool for dogs. See it for yourself by scheduling a tour!

Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888