OUR PRIMARY GOALS
for ALL our Canine Clients
SAFE
When you have to house a large variety of canine personalities & physical builds, safety becomes your #1 concern. Designed by a former zookeeper, and built by an experienced craftsman, our facility is designed with safety in mind, first and foremost. Climbers, diggers, jumpers, chewers, pee-ers, tiny or giant; we can keep them safe.
HAPPY
Saying "A dog is a dog" is similar to saying 'a kid is a kid'. Yes, they're all short and messy, but when it comes right down to it, they are ALL unique. Each individual has their own quirks and personalities. Each breed has it's own perks and downfalls. By adjusting how we behave, based on your dog's needs, we make it easier to assure that each and every animal that stays with us feels loved, entertained and appreciated.
HEALTHY
We monitor our guests very closely for any signs of illness, ailments, and stress. Liza worked for many years as a veterinary technician, and is fairly good at spotting issues. However, if there's a question, we have a close relationship with both Lincoln City Animal Hospital & Oceanlake Veterinary Clinic, and call on them when a situation is beyond our scope of knowledge.
THE SDHL PACK
LIZA CARLSON
Owner, Pack Leader
20 Things About Liza:
I was born and raised in Portland, and have been visiting the coast my entire life. I always wanted to live here, and these past 6 years in Lincoln City, really has been a dream come true.
One of my earliest memories is of racing the family dog, Pogo, down the front hall.
I worked at a dog daycare and self-service dog wash in Portland while I was going to school. It’s remained one of my all-time favorite jobs.
If Eggs Benedict is on the menu, I’ll order it.
I worked as a vet tech for several years in Las Vegas and Portland.
Servals are my favorite kind of cat. Poodle Mixes have surprised me, and have become one of my favorite types of dogs to have visit.
Please don’t be offended if I remember your dog’s name, age and history before I remember your name.
I have formal training and experience as a zookeeper, working primarily with large cats, but I have taken care of, raised, trained, been close friends with and/or been owned by: domestic cats, horses, lovebirds, chinchillas, dogs (more breeds than I can list here), iguanas, rats, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, raccoons, opossums, macaws, garter snakes, elephants, lions, tigers, servals, bobcats, cougars, clouded leopards, mini-donkeys, a murder of crows, prairie dogs, hamsters, tree frogs, great-horned owls, osprey, preying mantises, red-tailed hawks, leopards, boas, and one lyger.
I’m a movie and music geek, but not the hard-core, snooty kind. ‘Best in Show’ is my favorite movie about dogs.
Animals & Photography are my two passions; my primary motivation behind the lens is documenting human/animal ecology & interaction.
I love hearing people’s stories and memories about their pets; please share!
I have traveled extensively in Asia, East Africa, The Middle East, North America, & Europe; The Oregon Coast is still my favorite place that I’ve been.
I’m fascinated by animal behavior. That sounds simplistic, but the only other way for me to explain it would be to throw my library full of books about animals, hundreds of hours of classes & writing essays about animals, thousands upon thousands of photos of animals, and hours of conversation at you. I’ll spare you. Except… there’s this cool thing that I read recently… kidding!!
Not sure if I’ll ever stop missing my old dog Dylan…
I spent 2 years teaching forest ecology to 5th graders; my favorite lesson was all about animal adaptations, during which, the kids would build explainable, imaginary animals for real environments.
Australia and Greece are still on the list of places to travel to…
I have some insight and experience with several angles of human adoption… If you’d like to know more, just ask
People rarely give animals enough credit for their ingenuity, intelligence & creativity. I had a cat who figured out, on her own, how to use the toilet. We can’t even do that…
Shawnn & I are currently owned by 7 animals: Katya- our resident Salon Kitty and momma to Gomez, Morticia & Wednesday. Louis is our Lab/Pit GoldenBoy; Greta is our Teenage-Girl Belgian Tervuren & Iggy Pup is the cutest Pug/Chi/? you'll ever meet ;)
Starting a business with my husband, Shawnn, is the most exciting adventure I’ve ever been on. I couldn’t do this without him, and am so grateful for his support, strength, expertise & diligence.
SHAWNN KEHR
Owner, Pack Leader, Jack-of-ALL-Trades
20 Things About Shawnn:
I grew up in Northern California.
I was a chef for fifteen years- good times that I’m ready to leave behind! My mind and body will appreciate this new career.
Dogs always seem to have a way of making me smile, and they’re an awesome excuse to play like a kid!
I’m excited to learn new dog training techniques.
Louis is my current canine companion, a rescue from the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.
I like French jazz and ‘Star Wars’. Not at the same time though.
I’m inspired by the technology and techniques available for creating an eco-friendly business, and look forward to applying them to our Salty Dog endeavors.
I’m looking forward to making modifications to the existing structure that will allow for more room for the daycare dogs and bigger kennels for the boarders.
My favorite vegetable is the carrot. My favorite candy is the Gummy Bear.
I’ve been enjoying researching the most current methods for sound dampening and am looking forward to putting them into action at Salty Dog.
My Cheesecakes, BBQ and Clam Chowder drive the crowds wild.
I’ve really enjoyed living in Lincoln City: so much water! agates! fishing! kayaking!
I lived in Florida for ten years prior to moving to Oregon and I’m still adjusting to the climate.
I love old architecture and restoration.
I like to travel, and have visited most of the states in the US; I’ve lived in California, Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Washington, and Oregon.
I have a dream of catching a 400+ pound Pacific Blue Fin Tuna and eating it.
I grew up helping my dad and uncles on construction sites. I’m already building new walls and doggy playgrounds in my head.
I’ve always been impressed by how accurately dogs can read human emotions. How do they always seem to know when you need their unconditional love?
Mila was a Pit puppy that found me during an adoption drive; her green eyes locked onto mine and sucked me in like a tractor beam. I went to lunch to think it over, and went back to bring her home.
With my best friend and wife, Liza, I look forward to providing your 4-legged friend a great home away from home.
AMIE BRASSFIELD
Pack Leader, SDHL Rockstar
Certifiable "Crazy Pug Lady" (Seriously, I'm obsessed)
Proud Mama of two beautiful brindle boys. Bro, a 10 year old Boston terrier/pug mix, and Strax, an adorable yet maniacal year old pug pup
Over 10 years professional experience working with dogs in both veterinary and daycare/boarding settings.
Has never NOT had at least one pet, from rats to birds (even a squirrel) but dogs have always been my favorite.
My Mum always has been and always will be my VERY best friend in the world, even if we are a continent apart <3
Firm believer that music, laughter, and dog kisses truly are the best remedy for any ailment.
Obsessed with all things England after visiting the country (and my mum) in early 2017. Dreams of one day living in either Canterbury or London.
Also dreams of one day owning an entire army of pugs ;)
Could not survive without CHEESE
Shamelessly enjoys pajamas, cheap wine, and binge watching (with no apologies)
Lover of all animals, but genuinely TERRIFIED of ostriches!
Did I mention I love pugs?!
PAYTON FALTESEK
Groomer Extraordinaire & Pack Leader
I was born and raised in southern Michigan but in the spring of 2017 I decided to venture out to the west coast for the first time with my other half Sean and to us, Oregon already feels like home
I’m the parent to Winnie the Chihuahua, who can usually be found in the salon lounging in her dog bed
I’m one of those people that absolutely loves the snow and could have winter all year round. That’s also my only complaint with living on the coast.
Time disappears, sometimes for days on end, when I’m working on a painting I’m passionate about. This is also true when it comes to reading a good book.
I’ve been working with dogs since I was just twelve years old but have been a dog fanatic since before I could walk
I started out as a volunteer at my local humane society, stumbled upon a kennel cleaning job in high school, fell in love working at a daycare and later became an apprentice to a groomer where I learned all my tricks of the trade
My dream is to one day own a dog retirement home where dogs that usually would end up in a shelter can live out their days in a real home
I’m a sucker for olives, especially the green variety. Oh and coffee, all the coffee!
My life always needs background music, especially if it’s the Beatles or reggae music
Someday I plan to travel to Africa because the diverse cultures and animals amaze me
When I’m not hanging out with dogs I’m usually exploring new places
I love flying, going over bridges, roller coasters, and pretty much anything else that has to do with heights
I’m so excited to grow more awesome dog relationships and continue to learn from dogs everyday here at Salty Dog Hound Lounge!