Last September, Asheville clinical psychologist Kay Loveland and her certified pet therapy dog Misha went for a much-needed vacation at Camp Unleashed in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. She was immediately sold on the concept (so was Misha) and, with Camp Unleashed founder Annie Brody, is bring- ing the camp to our region this summer.

Camp Unleashed is more than your traditional summer camp program of hiking, swimming, and canoeing. To those, add such dog-centric activities as agility and dock diving. The camp features behavior lectures, musical freestyle (yes, dancing with your dog), and how to photograph your canine friend. There are also wellness workshops on nutrition, aroma-therapy, canine massage, and animal communication.

None of the sports is intended to be competitive, says Annie. “We choose them because they help emphasize a sense of partnership when you’re working with your dog as a team, which helps to enhance your relationship and also build your dog’s confidence and trust in you.”

Camp Unleashed will hold its first session September 23– 26 on the 500-acre grounds of Blue Star Camps outside Hendersonville. Kay will be serving as Local Camp Director. She has been practicing, writing, and presenting nationally on animal-assisted psychotherapy for over 20 years and volunteers with her two certified pet therapy dogs in the nonprofit organization Paws with A Purpose.

“My goal for Camp Unleashed Asheville,” says Kay, “is to provide a peaceful spot where the spirits of dogs and their people can soar, heal, relax, and learn.”

For more information, email woof@campunleashed.com or visit campunleashed.com/asheville.