About me

Welcome to Happy Paws Inn & Resort

My name is Claudia and I always loved animals. When I was a child, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I was raised in Germany and my parents didn’t allow me nor any of my five siblings to have a dog or a cat. So we had birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Fast forward to the 90s when I got my first dog while living in Italy. My second dog and the love of my life, Bella, also came to me while I was living in Italy, but much later. She is my inspiration for Happy Paws Inn & Resort. She is the beautiful German Shepard Collie Mix you see on many photos on this website. Bella was supposed to be my watch dog when I lived in the country side of Puglia, in the South of Italy. But she was useless as a watch dog because she loved all people.

Bella passed away in the summer of 2021 in Port Townsend. She had a great international life, and spoke 4 languages (Dog, German, Italian and English). Thanks to her, I realized that I was capable of unconditional love. I loved Bella despite her many flaws. She didn’t get along with other dogs and got crazy around motorcycles and trucks, but I loved her so much anyway. She was a rescue dog and who knows what hardships she had to endure before we found each other.

With her gone, I decided I wanted to transfer my limitless animal love to your furry and beloved family members. I love all animals. I am learning about animal behavior, the human animal bond and animal first aid. I believe in non-violence, service to animals and trans-species psychology. I also believe that non-human animals deserve the same respect, freedom, care and right to choice that we human animals benefit from. So, for example, I wait for an animal to approach me when they are ready to engage with me, and I control my urge to offer kisses to them when they want a belly rub instead.

I feel incredibly fortunate that since February 2022 I have had the opportunity to take care of and give service to more 50 animals via Happy Paws Inn & Resort. I recently became certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, have been volunteering for Pet Helpers, and am actively involved in networking and sharing resources with other pet care professionals in the Olympic Peninsula.

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The Setting

The Inn is a one-level detached family home with 2 steps at the entrance. 6 steps lead down to a safely fenced yard for dogs to play in. The Inn is on a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood close to Kah Tai Lagoon, the dog park and Boat Haven. Dog beds are found in different areas of the house, some with strategic views out of the window to admire deer, squirrels, and other human and non-human wildlife. The floor is LVP, resistant to accidents and rough play. No toxic plants or foods are accessible while your pet stays at Happy Paws Inn & Resort.

The Experience

Happy Paws is my main income source and I dedicate myself 100% to this work. I rarely leave your pet alone, for not more than 4 hours at a time. My household is quiet with no children around. I cater to different needs and take one to five dogs at a time, but only if they enjoy each other. I love to take my doggie clients for walks, excursions if they like the car, and love to play fetch and chase. I have toys that are there for your pets to enjoy (or destroy). While I might groom, administer medication and practice good behaviors with your pet, I am not a dog trainer, groomer nor a vet, but I can happily refer you.

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