Welcome to Little Paws Boarding website. Little Paws Boarding was established in Summer of 2006. A joint venture with Jim and Betty Clemen of Clemen Enterprises, LLC.

I have been active in Purebred dogs for 30 years. I started when I was 13. When I was 15 my first introduction to a kennel was Ginny Smarts TLC grooming and boarding kennels in Olympia. My family was going on vacation and we had to board our dogs. Ginny was astounded by my grooming techniques on my English Cocker’s so she offered me a job. I was her kennel help and grooming apprentice. She taught me a lot about boarding and grooming. Ginny also raised and showed Standard Poodles.

I have been a member of many dog clubs over the years such as the English Cocker Club of America, Belgian Sheepdog Club of America. United Schutzhund Clubs of America, Nisqually Kennel Club, American Pomeranian Club, Pomeranian Club of Canada etc. And over the course of the years have had a few different breeds of dogs such as English Cockers, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and for the last 13 years my main focus has been Pomeranians.

I have titled over 40 dogs of 4 different breeds over the years. I’ve been showing in AKC conformation, obedience & tracking for over 30 years. I did Search and Rescue Land and Water with my Belgians. I participated in Schutzhund for 12 years which involves Tracking, Obedience and Protection work. I’ve done Animal Assisted Therapy and volunteered with my dogs at Providence St. Peter Hospital in the Psych unit and Physical therapy. Herding with American Herding Breed Association with Poms, Belgians & Shepherds. I have assisted in Puppy and Cat Mill Rescues in the Mason County Area.

I have even accomplished the coveted Schutzhund III Owner Handler Award with a Belgian Sheepdog. Schutzhund was created for German Shepherds so to attain this degree with a non Shepherd in a man’s sport was very challenging, exciting and rewarding.

I have extensive canine medical knowledge. Some through the school of hard knocks, research, and formerly being married to a veterinarian. I would assist my ex-husband during off hours for c-sections and various emergencies. I also participated in many low cost cat spay/neuter clinics.

I have hand raised many a Pomeranian puppy over the years. If you can breed and raise Pomeranians you can do anything. The breed is called the heartbreak breed due to the high infant mortality rate. Being born as small as 1 ½ oz can be a true challenge to keep alive and going. I’ve had to learn all types of first aid with the Poms including the Heimlich maneuver, which I’ve had to perform a few times. An adrenalin rush I’m more than willing to do without!! The Poms have taught me so much about toy dogs.

You cannot train a toy dog like a big dog at all. What works for a big dog does not for a toy dog. Small dogs have no physical reserves like a big dog. If a small dog starts vomiting or has diarrhea you’d better notice and get it cleared up fast otherwise they can become dehydrated and on deaths door in a heartbeat. A lot of people don’t understand the needs of a small dog. Small dogs are not big dogs.

I can’t tell you how many small dogs have been killed while staying with “friends” because their owners don’t want to take them to a “regular” boarding facility. Thus is why we created Little Paws Boarding for small dogs only. For security and pampering that small dogs need and deserve with a knowledgeable caretaker. One who understands the habits and needs of small dogs while providing a secure environment built specifically for small and extra small dogs.