For the past few years, since Cristina and Austin Pantaleo took over Lush Dog Resort, it has continued to be the go-to destination for the beloved dogs of Admirals Cove members. Under the couple’s leadership, this local business has continued to raise the bar when it comes to providing exceptional care and endless fun for our four-legged friends.

When we last checked in with Lush, the resort had just undergone a series of exciting changes and upgrades. Now, as we approach the fall season, the team is eager to share even more updates that are sure to delight both pups and their parents.

“Lush has always set the standard for fun and care for dogs, and we’ve just continued to focus on that,” explains Austin. “There’s a lot of different ways people and dogs can see that.”

“Our bone-shaped, salt-water beach-entry pool has always been a hub of activity, and now we’ve made it even better by adding daily pool sessions for our daycare and boarding dogs. This gives them more opportunities to splash and play every day. ‘We organize a lot more pool time and activities, which is quite popular,’ Austin says. The resort also hosts a variety of themed events, from holiday celebrations to Olympic-inspired competitions where dogs can showcase their athletic abilities. But it’s not just the fun and games that set Lush apart. The couple has made significant investments in enhancing their canine guests’ overall care and well-being.”

“We’ve opened up some even larger suites, and our beautiful buildings have one for small dogs, sharing different sized siblings, and one for larger dogs, all with glass doors,” Cristina shares. “We’ve added a lot more shade structures for when they’re outside, and inside, we’ve made updates to the climate-controlled playrooms.”

These thoughtful touches, combined with the facility’s UV filters to ensure air quality, overnight soothing dog music, and a facility supervisor who lives onsite, ensure that every pup who stays at Lush is comfortable, safe, and thoroughly entertained.

The Pantaleos take particular pride in the extensive training and certification programs they’ve implemented for their staff. “Just last week, we had 17 staff members undergo First Aid & CPR training,” Austin says. “This is something we did outside of normal hours, and you won’t see that at other facilities.”

This commitment to excellence also extends to the resort’s other service offerings. Lush now boasts a training manager who provides one-on-one sessions for dogs during daycare,  a 10 day Daycare & Training Bootcamp, as well as a board-and-train program for those seeking a more comprehensive approach.

“We serve more breeds and have a mix of different grooming options,” Cristina adds. “And one thing I’m really proud of is our overnight facility supervisor. We have a staff member who lives on site, and no other facility in our area has that.”

These unique features and personalized touches have not gone unnoticed by the Admirals Cove community. In fact, many residents continue to be regular Lush customers, relying on the resort to provide a safe and stimulating environment for their beloved pets.

“It's really cool to see people realize the benefits of dog daycare," Austin says. "Many people, including those with animals during COVID, became more in tune with their dogs' health and needs. They started to really understand the importance of socialization and exercise."

Cristina nods in agreement. "Socialization keeps dogs young, and exercise is super important too. Many people have dogs with weight issues or medical problems, and the right amount of regular activity can help maintain their health."

The Lush team has some valuable advice for new dog owners who may be hesitant about boarding their furry friends. "We highly encourage that they come in for daycare just to get them used to the facility, the sights, the sounds, the smells," Cristina explains. "We provide them with a packing list and guidance on what to expect because many owners don't realize that, while they are headed out for a relaxing time away from home, their dog is going on their own vacation too."

The team also emphasizes the importance of vaccination records and any medical conditions the dog may have. "We can handle things like diabetes or other special needs, like raw diets and daily supplements because we want to ensure we're prepared to give each dog the individualized care they need," Austin says.

The Lush team is always ready to lend a helping paw for those last-minute emergencies or unexpected events. "There are times when we'll have a waitlist, but we'll certainly do our best to accommodate guests in special circumstances, as long as we're not compromising the safety of the other dogs," Austin assures.

As for the fun and lighthearted moments that make Lush unique, the team has plenty of stories to share. Cristina recalls a recent incident where a dog was so enamored with playtime that it refused to climb into its owner's car. "The owners were just looking at us, like, 'Are you kidding me? She never wants to leave!!'" she laughs.

Austin chimes in with another amusing tale: "We'll sometimes have dogs that the owners swear don't like the pool, and then they come here and absolutely love it. The owners are just shocked, like, 'I can't believe he/she is swimming!'"

These moments of pure joy and discovery are what make Lush such a beloved destination for the cherished pets of the Admirals Cove community. And the team is always looking for new ways to delight their canine guests and their owners.

One upcoming event that's sure to be a hit is Lush’s Picasso Pawty art activity scheduled for September. "We take a small canvas, put a mix of paint on it, slip it into a Ziploc bag, and then put peanut butter on top," Austin explains. "The dogs lick the peanut butter and create this abstract piece of art. It's so much fun, and the owners love having these unique works of art from their pups."

Other regular events include the monthly Water Park Wednesdays, where the dogs can splash and play in the pool, as well as back-to-school photo sessions in the coming weeks.

For Philip, the publisher of Stroll Admirals Cove, Lush has been a constant source of inspiration and community engagement. "People in this community love their pets, and they're always excited to hear the latest stories and updates from Lush," he says. "It's rare that I go several weeks without hearing the resort mentioned by a member."

As Lush Dog Resort continues to evolve and expand its offerings, the Pantaleos remain dedicated to providing the best possible experience for their canine clients and their human companions. 'We're just so grateful to be part of this wonderful community,' Cristina says. 'Seeing the dogs thrive and the owners' faces light up – that's what makes it all worthwhile.' Recently, Lush Dog Resort served as the Presenting Partner for the 14th Annual Friends of Jupiter Beach Food & Wine Festival, the largest event hosted by the local nonprofit Friends of Jupiter Beach. Proceeds from the event support FJB's mission to keep Jupiter Beaches environmentally clean and dog-friendly.

So, the next time you're looking for a safe, fun, and enriching environment for your furry friend, be sure to visit Lush Dog Resort. With their unwavering dedication to excellence, innovative programming, and genuine love for all things canine, this local gem will surely exceed your expectations – and leave your pup wagging with delight.