Fall has arrived, and with it comes a season full of happenings here at Luckydog. We’re sharing some big news, spotlighting special team milestones, and gearing up for festive fun with our Halloween Costume Contest and Paint Your Pet Party. Cozy up and catch all the updates in this month’s newsletter.

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Luckydog Wins National Excellence Award

We’re proud to share some very big news with our Luckydog family: we’ve been recognized as the #1 dog care facility in the nation (16–50 employees) by the International Boarding & Pet Services Association!

Known as the “IBBYs,” these awards highlight only a few facilities each year that set the bar for outstanding care. What set Luckydog apart? A science-based approach to handling, ongoing education for our team, strong employee support, and services tailored to every dog’s unique needs.

This award isn’t just ours—it reflects the trust you’ve placed in us and the dogs who inspire everything we do. Bringing this honor home to Eugene/Springfield means the world, and we’re excited to continue raising the standard for dog care right here in our community.

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Annual Halloween Costume Contest‍

It’s time to show off those spooky, silly, and creative costumes! We’re now accepting photo submissions from current Luckydog clients through October 31st at 6 PM. Voting is open to everyone, so even if you don’t enter, you can still help crown this year’s winners.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries with the most votes:

• 1st Place: Complimentary day of daycare + your choice of an adventure outing, personalized enrichment, or swim session
  
  
• 2nd Place: Complimentary day of daycare
  
  
• 3rd Place: Your choice of an adventure outing, personalized enrichment, or swim session
  
  

Click here to enter and vote!
We can’t wait to see the creativity shine in this year’s costumes!

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Dog of the Month: Bella Luna S.

Bella Luna is a clever and spirited shepherd mix who loves to put her smarts and agility to the test. Whether she’s leaping through hula hoops in enrichment sessions or taking a calm stroll by the river, she does it all with style. Her closest pals are Georgia H., Buck F., and Ruby D., and she’s always ready to impress with her quick thinking and graceful moves.

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Jill: Celebrating 3 Years at Luckydog

This month marks three years since I first joined Luckydog as a part-time student employee. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing into my current role as Program and Systems Manager, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey. I’ve always known my passion was in dogs, and Luckydog has given me the people, the place, and the purpose to make that dream a reality.

During my time here, I’ve become Fear Free certified and am nearing completion of the Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner program. I owe special thanks to my partner dog, Sunny, and her family for their support throughout the program, as well as to our entire team, who inspire me every day. Thank you for your shared commitment to providing high-level, individualized care and for bringing light to each day we spend together.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue furthering my education so I can keep showing up for the dogs in meaningful ways. And to our amazing clients, thank you for letting me be part of your dogs’ lives. Every conversation, every story, and every wagging tail is the best part of my day.

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Jocelyn’s 9-Year Anniversary at Luckydog

I’ve had the joy and privilege of getting to know our Luckydogs and their families over the past 9 years. Each year, I find myself saying the same thing - but with every passing year, the feeling deepens. I am even more grateful, even more proud, and continually inspired by the community we’ve built together. It truly feels like one big family. The trust you place in Luckydog to care for your precious four-legged loved ones means the world to me.

I’m also incredibly proud of our amazing team - their dedication to continuing education, the care they pour into every pup, and the effort they put into creating the best possible experience for the dogs in our care. Watching their passion in action every day reminds me that Luckydog is so much more than a workplace - it’s a team of people who truly love what they do.

Every year brings growth, new opportunities, and even more ways to enhance the Luckydog experience. As I step into year 10, I look forward to more wagging tails, more connections, and more moments that remind me why I love what I do.  Love - Jocelyn

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Paint Your Pet Party Returns!‍

We’re bringing back one of our most popular events: the Paint Your Pet Party, led by Alejandro from Art with Alejandro! If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the artist behind the amazing new mural in our lobby. Using a photo of your pup, Alejandro will guide you step-by-step to create your own painted portrait, no art experience needed.

This event will be held conveniently in downtown Eugene, and we’re choosing between two Sundays in November. Click here to vote in our poll and let us know which weekend works best for you!

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Retail Highlight: Ruffwear Arrives at Luckydog

We’re excited to share that Luckydog is now an official Ruffwear retailer! This Oregon-based company is a favorite among our team, known for their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s for enrichment, outdoor adventures, or just staying cozy, Ruffwear delivers high-quality gear we trust. Some staff picks include the Porcini enrichment toy, The Beacon safety light (a must-have for camping), and the Climate Changer vests and jackets. Stop by our retail space to explore the new lineup!

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Making a Splash This Fall

Cooler weather doesn’t slow our water-loving pups down! After all, they don’t care if it’s sweater season as long as the pool’s warm! Our heated pool stays at a comfortable 80 degrees, making swim sessions a great option for dogs who love toys, treats, or just splashing around. Each 20-minute swim is a low-impact, one-on-one experience tailored to your dog, priced at $45 with membership discounts available.

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