Business Spotlight: Canine Cozy Care

“Hi, I’m Julie Winters, I grew up here in Stanwood and never forgot the community here in Stanwood and Camano Island that rallied around my family and I when our house burned down when I was 10yrs old to help us get a fresh start. Growing up on a goat and rabbit farm and always having dogs and cats, I learned at a young age how to love and care for animals.  I was involved in FFA and 4-H throughout my high school years. My husband Allan grew up between Klamath Falls Oregon and Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island.  Allan was raised caring for and loving animals and began breeding Miniature Dachshunds before he met me.  When I married and we returned to Stanwood nearly 2 decades ago, we became licensed breeders of Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Dachshunds which we did for well over a decade until we decided to retire from breeding and realized the demand and steadily growing need for quality dog care. Our three children who are a big part of our business; Angel, Lissa and Zach were raised learning to care for and loving dogs from day one. We chose not to use chain link fencing or any cages in our building and to provide group supervised interactive playtime and accept only dogs who pass our temperament test and can be social toward us and other dogs because dogs are part of peoples families and we want to treat them as such.  We wanted to get away from the prison feel where dogs could see each other and drive each other crazy but not have any contact or playtime. We also decided to create a homelike setting with bedrooms aka suites like a hotel where we provide the bedding, blankets and dishes and there’s no charge for play.  The building here is kept warm and Christian music is on all the time throughout the building.  I also provide full service grooming from the basic bath and nails to haircuts per owner request, not necessarily breed standard, though I know and can do them. We also offer limo transportation for your dog.  While you’re here, check out our store. Canine Cozy Care Resort is a Resort, NOT a kennel !!”