Today we’d like to introduce you to Wes Reade.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My wife, Shannon, and I have been married for over 42 years and have always shared a deep love for animals. For nearly five years, we cared for a full house—our two dogs, our son’s two dogs, and our daughter’s two dogs. Knowing our passion for pets, a friend suggested I speak with a woman who was looking to sell her boarding facility. At first, I wasn’t interested. As much as I love dogs (and cats), I hadn’t seen a boarding facility that truly impressed me.
Still, I agreed to meet with Kathy Vandiver, the owner of Furry Paws Lodge in Bethpage. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the serene country setting, the cleanliness of the facility, and the thoughtful design. Each pet had their own private, climate-controlled space with plenty of outdoor access. I hesitate to even call them “kennels,” as that term often brings to mind cold, wire cages—these are more like cozy rooms. What really won me over, though, was the generous amount of outdoor time the dogs enjoyed each day.
The business had a loyal client base and an outstanding team. My first question for Kathy was whether the staff planned to stay. She assured me they did. On March 15, 2018, we officially became the new owners of Furry Paws Lodge.
Since then, every decision we’ve made has centered on creating an environment that prioritizes the safety, health, and happiness of the dogs and cats in our care. We’ve made several key improvements, including:
Installing privacy fencing to reduce distractions and commotion near the parking area
Developing a 2+ acre dog park with a small pond
Adding soundproofing inside to reduce noise
Repainting the pet areas a pale blue as this has a calming effect on dogs and cats
Installing an epoxy flooring, again with a blue tone
Creating a 2-acre wildflower meadow for a more peaceful, natural atmosphere
At Furry Paws Lodge, we’re committed to giving every pet a place where they feel safe, cared for, and at home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any small business, we’ve faced our share of challenges over the years. Of course, the biggest was COVID. It tested us in ways we never imagined, but we made it through—and, in the process, learned valuable lessons that ultimately improved how we operate.
One of the more difficult decisions we’ve had to make was scaling back our grooming services. Finding and retaining a skilled groomer proved to be more trouble than it was worth. While we no longer offer full grooming, we continue to provide essential services like baths, nail trims, and paw pad care.
Until recently, we had very little competition in our area. That changed this year with the opening of two new boarding facilities that are more conveniently located for residents of southern Sumner County. Even so, our loyal clients continue to choose Furry Paws Lodge, often passing those new locations to bring their pets to us from places like Gallatin, Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, Antioch, and Nashville.
Although “resort” isn’t in our name, our clients often tell us that’s exactly what Furry Paws Lodge feels like. We may not advertise it that way, but our focus on personalized care, wide open spaces, and a calm, natural environment truly sets us apart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Furry Paws Lodge?
What I’m most proud of is our incredible team. We’ve built a strong, close-knit group that truly feels like family. Our shared love for animals drives everything we do. Personally, I’ve always had a deep connection with dogs and a passion for training them. Some people have even called me a “dog whisperer,” though I’m hesitant to use that title. Still, I do believe I have a special bond with them. Dogs are remarkable creatures—far more like us than many realize. However, they “see” the world differently than we do. The secret is to working with dogs is to understand how they see the world; they use their nose, ears, and then their eyes simultaneously. Humans see the world with primarily their eyes only. The same is true in a different sense with cats.
That philosophy is shared across our team. Together, we bring over 200 years of pet ownership experience and more than 30 years of professional pet care. Every member of our staff is dedicated to going the extra mile to ensure each pet feels safe, relaxed, and loved. It’s not uncommon for one of us to sit quietly in a dog’s room and hand-feed them if that’s what they need. That level of care is what sets us apart.
Our facilities and 5.7-acre property provide a true retreat for the pets in our care. No other local facility offers as much outdoor time for dogs as we do. Our feline guests enjoy a bright, spacious room with large windows and custom-built climbing trees—perfect for lounging and exploring.
We offer a variety of accommodations to suit dogs of all sizes—small, large, and jumbo. Family dogs are welcome to share a space, and we match them with the most appropriate accommodation based on their size and needs.
One of our standout features is Jett’s Cabin. Inspired by the idea that, just like people can choose between staying at the lodge or renting a cabin at places like Fall Creek Falls, dogs should have that same option for a more private, cozy retreat. Jett’s Cabin offers a unique, home-like experience for pups who enjoy a little extra peace and comfort during their stay
At Furry Paws Lodge, we don’t just board pets—we care for them like family.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Our clients are four legged with furry paws. Their humans pay the bill.
Seriously, the people we serve consider their pets as family members not just animals. They are looking for a place that shares that perspective and will treat their furry paw family member like their own… and we do.
If their pet cannot go off to a fancy vacation resort, then they want them to go to a resort worthy of a dog or a cat.
We also offer dog training services, both during boarding stays and through remote sessions. Our boarding training provides a great opportunity for dogs to learn while they’re already in our care, making the most of their time with us.
Our remote training takes place in real-world settings—at the pet owner’s home, local hardware stores, and pet supply shops—to help dogs develop social skills and good behavior across different environments. This approach ensures your dog is well-mannered not just at home, but wherever life takes you.
Pricing:
- Small dog boarding $30; Large dog boarding $35; Jumbo dog boarding $40; Jett’s Cabin boarding $50
- Cat boarding $18
- Day Care $18
- Bath and Nail starting at $25 – size and length of coat
- We tend to be far lower than the competition
Contact Info:
- Website: https://furrypawslodge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furrypawslodge?utm_source=qr&igsh=MW1lcThrMm5mMm5uYg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/furrypaws.lodge/
