Dog Day Afternoons

June 6. 2007 — -- Millions of Americans have magical memories of summer camp, where they enjoyed swimming, hiking and making lifelong friends. But for most of us, the lifelong friends made there don't shed.

This summer hundreds of pet lovers around the country are packing their bags and their four-legged friends to head to camps for dogs, programs specifically designed for man's best friend and their owners.

"People really love their dogs and want to go on vacation and don't want to leave them home alone," said Jeanne Richter, who runs Camp Gone to the Dogs, a summer retreat in Marlboro, Vt. "So this is the best thing. You have a vacation, and you have your best friend with you."

At Richter's camp, the campers are 250 dogs and their owners. There are more than 60 activities a day, which include herding, hunting, breed handling and obedience. There's also diving and athletics, like you might find at a camp for people. And on rainy days, the arts and crafts programs include leash making.

Those who venture to Camp Gone to the Dogs have such a good experience with their pets, that 70 percent come back every year.

"It's really fun to come here because everyone is here for the same reason," said Leslie Burgard, who recently ventured to the camp from central Pennsylvania with her dog Ditto for the second year in a row. "Everyone is here to have a good time with their dog."

For the dogs, the retreat is no walk in the park.

Activities for the canines kick off at 7 a.m. and run through 9 p.m. at night. Although, dog and owner can pick and choose their summer fun and by the time they leave camp owners say their pets are exhausted. But like youngsters, their energy and enthusiasm seem endless.

"I think dogs are easier to work with personally [than kids]," said Richter with a laugh. "The dogs really seem to enjoy everything. I was a camp counselor, and you have a kid who says, 'I don't want to do this, I don't want to do that,' but the dogs pretty much try everything."