Jenni-fur’s Story

It all started with a dog bite, according to Jennifer, Camp Wagalot's owner.   At the young age of 5, she was attacked by a Doberman that lived at a neighbor’s house. After the attack understandably she was fearful of dogs. Years later she moved to western Massachusetts to a new family farm. It was here she met the dog that would change her life…Spot. He was an older German Shorthaired pointer who showed her nothing but kindness and companionship. Through this relationship Jennifer learned all she could about dogs and her life was changed for the better. As she grew up, she continued to wonder and was fascinated by that Doberman's attack on her. What provoked it? Was it something she did? Was he just an aggressive dog? Here is where her life-long curiousity and love for dogs began.

Growing up on a farm with a menagerie of horses, ducks, geese, chickens, dogs and cats, Jennifer discovered her love of all animals. At one point, her love for animals included a skunk named Rosebud. She proudly proclaimed to anyone who would listen that she would become a veterinarian when she grew up. Then something happened that changed that dream. A family neighbor who was a horseman came to visit for Sunday breakfast. Arriving in his horse and buggy, this grouchy old man made it clear during breakfast that if Jennifer were going to become a veterinarian, then she would have to put animals to sleep. At nine years old, the thought of that horrified her.

Two-plus careers later, when the economy hit its low in 2008, Jennifer was laid off from a job she thought she loved. She began volunteering with dogs at a local animal shelter. Knowing that their existence in the kennel was a stressful one, she spent her time focusing on their exercise and time outside of the kennel. Jennifer’s dream to work with animals was fueled once again, but becoming a vet was not possible at this point in her life, so Jennifer explored different avenues of pet care. She interned with a groomer, and while she did enjoy it, it didn’t make her jump out of bed in the morning. Jennifer then spent a few days in an animal hospital viewing intakes and surgeries. It was very interesting, but critical animal care would not be her true calling.

Jennifer discovered that her genuine excitement about working with dogs grew tenfold when she focused on the exercise and behavioral components of the shelter dogs’ lives. She exercised them, trained them with basic obedience skills, and helped them become happier, healthier dogs that were then adopted by families. She loved that they were getting out of the shelter, and her attention and curiousity to these areas of their development grew. Through the Doberman experience she had as a child and her intense love of animals, Jennifer discovered that dog behavior was fascinating and she wanted to learn all she could. It became clear that a dog’s success in life depends upon his opportunities for exercise, socialization and training. The seed for Camp Wagalot was planted!

Jennifer began walking dogs for clients that needed the service. She mastered the walk with a single dog and then with a group of five, on and off leash. Loving this work, she decided to begin pet-sitting. The business continued to grow and her clients asked if their dogs could stay overnight with her.  After a short while, doggie sleepovers started to take hold and Camp Wagalot was officially born! Camp Wagalot moved to Stockbridge in 2012 where it occupies 14 acres, 20,000 sq feet of fenced areas, with six different play spaces for groups of all sizes and temperaments. In 2021 Jennifer added a 40 by 20 foot swimming pool as an added benefit to campers who attend. It’s been a huge success and each swimming camper builds confidence, exercises different muscles and strengthens their hearts. It is a highlight of many camper’s summer adventures while visiting.

Jennifer practices Positive Reinforcement training and is skilled in behavior modification, both in identifying the issue as well as prescribing a course of training. She has completed her Dog Training Certification at Animal Behavior College and continues to learn through outside trainings and seminars. Her thirst to better understand animal behavior and communication is never-ending. Additionally, she and her staff are Pet First Aid Certified and each team member completes rigorous training through on the job experience, video and book training prior to taking on the full responsibilities their role as camp counselor.

Jennifer is owned by Bubba, Capri and Petunia who help her meet new campers and help them all feel welcome as they get to know everyone at camp!