Hey, they live with us don't they?

From May 12–15 (and again this fall, September 22–25) Camp Unleashed is offering our canine companions an opportunity to kick back and relax, maybe work on their diving and swimming, do some hiking, and rack up some serious hammock time.

A couple of years ago, Asheville clinical psycholo- gist Kay Loveland and her golden retriever Brody visited the original Camp Unleashed, based in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Kay was so impressed, she arranged to bring the camp to our area. The first session here was held last year.

So what goes into a dog camp? A typical day’s program does include the usual hiking, swimming, and canoeing, but there’s more. There are several “dog centric” programs from which to choose, from an early morning “Yappy Hour” to such dog sports as agility, dock diving, and nose games. There are also wellness workshops, first aid for dogs, canine massage, and animal communication. Pups and their pals gather around the campfire in the evening for movies (with dogs, of course) and American Dog Idol. Camp Unleashed will be held on the 500-acre grounds of the family-owned Blue Star Camps outside Hendersonville.

“My goal,” says Kay, who serves as camp director, “is to provide a peaceful spot where the spirits of dogs and their people can soar, heal, relax, and learn.”

For more information and to register, visit campunleashed.org.