The Ranch Pet Resort

Premium dog & cat boarding, dog daycare, play groups, dog & cat grooming, and more!

Rescue dogs

5 Reasons to Adopt a Mixed-Breed Dog

by

All of these dogs pictured above are mixed breeds rescued from local shelters.

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? Don’t overlook mixed-breed dogs — they’ve got a lot going for them! These lovable mutts provide all the joy and companionship that purebreds do, but also offer some distinct advantages.

From genetic diversity — which often translates to lower healthcare costs — to the joy of taking in a dog who might otherwise be overlooked, mixed breed dogs come without the astronomical fees associated with purebred dogs.

With today’s shelters overflowing with mixed breed dogs, adopting a ready-to-home dog may be the perfect choice for you and your family.

Here are five reasons to adopt a mixed-breed dog!

1. Lower Healthcare Costs
Mixed-breed dogs often benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor, which means they’re less likely to inherit the genetic disorders common in certain purebred lines. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, respiratory issues, or heart disease are often linked to the overbreeding of purebreds.

With a mixed-breed dog, there’s typically a wider gene pool, resulting in a healthier immune system and a lower risk of inherited health problems. This can translate to fewer vet visits, lower medical bills, and a happier, more active pup — all of which add up to peace of mind and long-term savings.

2. Unique Looks
No two mixed breeds are alike — and that’s part of the charm! Whether it’s a dachshund-shaped body with golden retriever fur, or a spotted coat with pointy ears and soulful eyes, mixed-breed dogs are truly one-of-a-kind.

You won’t find their exact look anywhere else, making your dog completely unique and unforgettable. Their quirky combinations and unexpected features often spark conversations at the dog park, and they become known not just for their personality, but also for their signature style.

3. Sweet, Surprising Personalities
Mixed breeds are known for their well-balanced, lovable temperaments. Because they’re not bred for specific roles (like guarding or herding), their personalities tend to be a blend of affectionate, playful, loyal, and calm traits.

You might adopt a mixed-breed dog who loves couch cuddles and long hikes — the best of both worlds. And since many shelter dogs are older than puppies, you often get a clearer sense of their behavior and preferences upfront, so there are fewer surprises and more alignment with your lifestyle.

4. A Second Chance at Life
Shelters are filled with incredible mixed-breed dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities — no long applications or sky-high price tags required. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the popularity of certain purebreds, the truth is: mixed-breed dogs have just as much (if not more) to offer.

Many mixed-breed dogs end up in shelters through no fault of their own. This second chance can be life-changing for them — and for you. Rescued dogs often show incredible gratitude, and the bond that forms is deep and unshakable.

5. You’re Saving More Than One Life


Adopting a dog doesn’t just impact the one you bring home — it also frees up space in the shelter, making room for the next animal in need. This creates a ripple effect: more animals get care, more families find pets, and more lives are saved. Plus, your adoption fee goes back into the shelter or rescue organization, helping provide food, medical treatment, and support for other dogs waiting for homes. In short, you become part of something bigger than yourself — a chain of compassion that keeps on giving.

The Bottom Line:
Mixed-breed dogs make incredible pets — loyal, lovable, and totally unique. If you’re ready to add a furry friend to your life, start at your local shelter. The perfect pup might be waiting for you right now.

Benefits of Owning More than One Dog or Cat

by

Animal lovers such as this blogger find deep companionship in the company of multiple pets. When you rescue shelter pets, you become immune to the work, time, care, and expense that owning multiple pets requires.

So when I tell people how many dogs and cats I have, their expressions and comments vary from-I don’t know how you manage that many pets to you’re crazy-and that expression mostly comes from my kids.

It’s true that having more than one dog or cat is a lot more of everything! More work, more fur, more food, more waste, more money to spend on doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, veterinarian expenses and so forth.

But I find the real joy in multiple pet ownership outweighs any of the negatives.

Agree or not, here are some reasons for owning more than one dog or cat; and these reasons also benefit your dog or cat.

Why Owning More Than One Pet Is Worth It

Adopting more than one pet may require extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. If your dog or cat enjoys the company of others, having a second pet can lead to a happier, healthier household for everyone—animals and humans alike. Pets benefit from companionship, and their owners often experience more joy and stronger emotional bonds.

Benefits for Pets: Companionship and Activity

One of the biggest advantages of having two pets is that they keep each other company. Whether you’re at work, asleep, or running errands, your pets can play, rest, or explore together. This helps reduce boredom and loneliness, which are common in single-pet homes.

Pets also tend to be more active when they have a playmate. Dogs will chase, wrestle, and run together, while cats may stalk and pounce as part of natural hunting behavior. This kind of interaction often leads to more daily exercise than a human alone can provide. Staying active is important for preventing health problems as pets age.

Each pet also brings its own personality to the household. One might be quiet and affectionate, while the other is playful and full of energy. This variety can be fun and rewarding for everyone in the home. Pets can also bond with different members of the family, strengthening connections all around.

Health Benefits for Owners

Pets aren’t just good for each other—they’re good for us, too. Owning a cat or dog has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, and even improved heart health. When you pet or cuddle an animal, your body releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). This can lead to lower blood pressure and a calmer mood.

Having two pets can double these moments of connection. Whether one is curled up next to you or both are playing across the room, it brings a steady sense of companionship. Pets can also help you stay more active. Dogs need walks and playtime, and even cats like to chase toys or explore, encouraging more movement and engagement in your daily life.

You might also find yourself more social with multiple pets. Animals often attract attention when you’re out and about, making it easier to meet new people. They’re natural conversation starters and can help you feel more connected to others.

Stronger Bonds and Lifelong Joy

The bond between two pets can be heartwarming to witness. Watching them groom each other, curl up together, or play chase through the house adds joy to your home. Their friendship is pure and strong—and it often mirrors the bond they share with you.

Of course, adopting more than one pet means making sure they’re compatible. Introduce them gradually and provide separate spaces at first. With patience and care, most pets will adjust and learn to enjoy each other’s company.

In the end, having more than one dog or cat often means more laughter, love, and connection. Two pets can enrich each other’s lives—and yours—every single day.

Considering adding another dog or cat to your household? Visit your local shelter, rescue group, or responsible breeder.

How Do I Introduce a New Dog into my Home?

by

Considering adding a new dog into your home? Whether this is your first dog, an addition to your canine family, or you are a seasoned dog owner, adding a new dog into your home can be rewarding and fun as long as you are prepared!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to help you introduce your new dog into your home with our tried-and-true tips.

Make Use of the 3-3-3 Rule Bringing a new dog home is exciting for everyone but can be an overwhelming experience for the dog. If you practice the 3-3-3 rule, you are more likely to set yourself and the dog up for success.

When a new dog first enters your home, it’s important to understand what to expect from the dog. New smells, surroundings, people, animals, and routines will confuse, excite, and overwhelm any new dog. Its true personality won’t shine through for the first three days or longer.

Give the dog time to adjust to your routine and expectations. Give it a few days to acclimate to its new environment and family by keeping it at the home and avoiding stimulating situations like the dog park, other dogs, parks, coffee shops, and pet stores.

There will be a lifetime of opportunities for you to take your dog to fun places and meet all of the neighborhood doggy friends. But for the first three days at least, allow the dog to decompress and get used to your home and routine.

After three or so weeks, your dog will feel more comfortable, confident, and at ease. At the same time, it may start to display some behavior issues that you need to be prepared for.

Like any child, a dog will test its boundaries and will rely on you to direct it to the appropriate behaviors and set it up for success. Training the dog to sit, stay, get off the counters, lie down, go in its crate, stop jumping on you, and relieve itself in a designated area will make the transition for you and your dog a better one.

By three months, your new dog will gain the confidence it deserves to feel right at home. It will have gained your trust enough to understand it is staying with you and will start to form a stronger bond.

At this point, you will have reinforced positive behaviors and instilled in your dog the confidence to know how to behave at home and in public.

Then, when you bring your new dog to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for doggie daycare or dog boarding, he can feel more confident.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for all of your Dog Daycare or Boarding Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers the latest in doggie daycare and dog boarding. Situated in the heart of the wine country, The Ranch offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you dog can get the love and attention it deserves.

Sign your dog up to play in our state-of-the-art water park and play structure or spend a night in our heat and air-conditioned suites. At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, your dog is treated with royalty just like you treat him at home.

Happy Holidays from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

by

There is a lot of hustle and bustle going on at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. The dogs and cats have made their list, and our caring and loving staff have checked it twice. We aren’t going to point out whose been naughty and nice because we know Santa loves all of our dogs and cats!

Curious to see what’s on your dog or cat’s Christmas list? Some of the top favorites were:

  • Toys
  • Treats
  • Warm sweaters
  • Grooming
  • Long walks in the park
  • Playdates with friends
  • Snuggling on the couch
  • Playing fetch (yes, labs, we know this came from you!)
  • Naps with our favorite hoomans
  • More time at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

But the voting wasn’t even close, the most requested gift by your dogs and cats was…

Most Asked for Gift on Your Dogs and Cats Holiday Wish Lists

We’ve compared lists and the Number One most asked for gift on your dogs and cats holiday wish list is THE RANCH PET RESORT AND SPA 2024 CALENDAR. Our calendar features goofballs, friends, fashionistas, athletes, and snoozers of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa doing what they do best! Being the most incredible dogs and cats.

All profits from the sale of the calendar benefit shelter dogs who are deserving of their own loving homes but who just haven’t found their perfect match! There is nothing wrong with these dogs-they were just failed by humans and looking for a second chance at love.

Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog

If you know someone who wants to welcome a shelter dog into their home, please let us know! There are big dogs, little dogs, quiet dogs, shy dogs, active dogs, loving dogs, dogs in perfect shape and dogs who may have medical needs but have a huge heart!

All of these dogs are either in foster care, in boarding, or at the shelter waiting to be adopted. When you purchase a calendar, you are helping a rescue dog get the food, bedding, toy, shelter, crate, time, or medical care it deserves until the right home steps up to promise them a furrever home.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa supports rescue dogs and cats at local shelters by donating profits from our calendars. We have YOU to thank for not only providing us with the most photogenic dogs and cats to create the calendar, but also the money to donate.

Thank you for Your Donations to Support Local Rescues

Thank you so much for your generosity. We personally know these rescue dogs and can’t thank you enough for providing them with the money they so desperately need to stay warm, dry, and loved while waiting for their purfect family to find them!

If you are one of the few people who haven’t bought your Pets of The Ranch 2024 Calendar, it’s not too late! It’s a great gift for anyone in your life!

Call and order yours today! 925) 447-1729.