Pet Brigade Pet of the Month

Artica and Gunner
Companions to Annie and Joe H.

My fur babies may look alike to everyone else but they are complete individuals to their mommy and daddy. Artica (lovebug) is our first born and while she stuck close to us when she was a puppy she has grown up to be very independent  There are times though when she needs us and she will shove her face between our legs or tuck her head in our laps. Whenever we are hugging she comes up right behind us and puts her head between our legs as if she was saying "don't forget about me." Though they are not related by blood, Artica loves her little brother but he can be a bother to her when she is relaxing in her chair and he comes and bites her to get her to play. We are so lucky to have her in our lives, we love her so much.

Gunner, (snugglebug) is our funny boy. He always needs to be near us, he has yet to find his independence. But from a mommy standpoint that's ok by me. He sleeps on the bed right in between us and will lean on one of use during the night. Or, he will stick his nose in our face because he just wants to be that close to us. Like clock work, when our alarm goes off at just after 5 a.m. he is standing over me saying "time to get up mommy and let us outside." Gunner loves to play tug-a-war with his sister but she always gives up too easily so he will keep shaking it in her face until she grabs it again. We just sit there and laugh how much they can be like human brother and sister. Gunner is a momma's boy and I wouldn't have it any other way.

They both love to play soccer in the backyard with daddy, bury their bones in the couch, going to gram's house, playing with their cousin Kiah, going to dog park and they absolutely love going to The Pet Brigade to see all of their friends. They are two very well-love fur babies.

Read about previous
Pets of the Month

It has come to our attention that there are kennels in our area passing themselves off as Fort Lewis’ pet care service provider.

• Fort Lewis Doggie Daycare
• Fort Lewis Dog Grooming
• Fort Lewis Pet Boarding
• McChord Doggie Daycare
• McChord Dog Grooming
• McChord Pet Boarding

While it is important to note that there are numerous pet care service providers within the vicinity of Fort Lewis and McChord which can provide the services listed above; there is only one provider located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), THE PET BRIGADE. There is a distinctive difference between providing these services at surrounding facilities, and what The Pet Brigade had to go through to provide these same services on JBLM.

We understand that our reputation is extremely strong amongst active military, retired military, and civilians who have access to JBLM. This reputation not only extends to JBLM personnel, but around the world with all the military personnel transferring in and out of JBLM. We are also one of the primary kennels of choice amongst area veterinarians. We are honored that pet care providers like to associate themselves to us.

The Pet Brigade is the only pet care facility that is contracted with the Department of the Army for services on JBLM. The Pet Brigade began working with Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) on Fort Lewis, and the Department of the Army in December 2005; we responded to a Request for Proposal to build and operate a “pet care facility” on Fort Lewis issued by the Department of the Army. Pet care facilities in the area as well as across the nation were asked to respond to this proposal. Kennels in the surrounding area chose not to respond. The only kennel in the area that responded was Pet Ponderosa Resorts and Spas, Inc. located in Graham WA. Pet Ponderosa is also owned by the same owners as The Pet Brigade. The companies were required to build the facility, equip and staff the facility, and operate the facility on a daily basis. This was considered a Public Private Joint Venue. This was also a “privately funded” business transaction by the owners, who have invested nearly a million dollars of their own monies to the success of this Joint Venue. It also should be noted it shows their commitment to our TROOPS! The Pet Brigade finally broke ground in September 2007, and opened for business in April 2008. It is extremely important to mention that not only does The Pet Brigade charge for boarding services by RANK, which has forced some kennels in the area to discount their services to match our prices (previously they refused military discounts). Also, The Pet Brigade gives a large percentage of their GROSS proceeds to support MWR’s projects on JBLM. There is not a pet care service provider i.e., kennel, groomer, trainer, daycare provider in the area that can make this claim.

We take it as a complete compliment that there are kennels trying to associate themselves to The Pet Brigade or as Fort Lewis’ kennel, daycare, and grooming provider, and would like people to believe that they are affiliated with our establishment. However, we feel that it is very important to inform everyone that they are not recognized as the JBLM kennel. The Pet Brigade is the only pet care service provider for boarding, grooming, daycare and training on JBLM. The Pet Brigade works closely with MWR’s HIRED Program, a program designed for high school students interested in obtaining job skills right on JBLM. Additionally, nearly 65 percent of our staff is either a spouse or dependent of a military family, once again keeping the jobs within the military community. We are also exceptionally proud of the fact that 100 percent of The Pet Brigade’s full-time staff are recognized Certified Pet Technicians through the Pet Care Services Association, a nationally recognized organization that strives to improve pet care services; The Pet Brigade is also a LIFETIME MEMBER of this association as well. Again, this proves how committed The Pet Brigade is when it comes to delivering exceptional services that are provided to the pets and their owners on JBLM.