The Little Dog Retreat at the Old Dutch House, Stillwater Acre
Where city dogs come to unleash, unwind and feel at home.
A peaceful country retreat for little dogs
The Little Dog Retreat is a private, intimate stay for small dogs. There is a maximum of four guests at a time, all under 20 pounds, all cared for as part of the household in a real home environment, not a commercial boarding facility.
Your pup will be part of a small, calm pack of similarly-sized dogs, with supervised play that is structured, easygoing and fun. The atmosphere here is relaxed and social. It is the kind of environment where dogs can truly settle in, enjoy playtime and sleep very well at the end of the day.
Life here is shared, treats included. Summer mornings tend to happen out on the grass, walks often end up down by the lake, and dogs are simply part of it all. Winter evenings are usually spent in front of the fire, with dogs curled up nearby. The chickens offer an endless array of sights, sounds and smells that demand extremely serious investigation. Around here, there is always something new to discover. This is simply daily life here, and for a little while, it becomes theirs too.
With over 20 years of professional dog training experience, your dog is in calm, capable hands.
You know that peace of mind feeling you get when you drop your dog off with someone you trust and drive away without worrying or checking your phone every five minutes? That's what I’m going for.
Rooted in History, Shared with the Animals We Love
The Little Dog Retreat is centered around the Old Dutch House, a sandstone farmhouse whose roots go back to the Revolutionary era. Beside a private lake, it is surrounded by quiet land, a barn, a cottage, and the natural rhythm of the seasons. The walls are thick, the stones are old, and the place has a settled quality that is hard to explain and immediately felt.
Water has always shaped life here. The house sits in the small wedge of land between the Kill Von Beaste and the upper Hackensack River, where the water slows and widens into the lake. It felt right to call this place Stillwater Acre.
Tucked into the property is a Buddhist stupa built by Lama Tsultrim Allione, a quiet reflective space that speaks to the grounded energy of the land.
Stillwater Acre is shared with my husband and our small, opinionated crew: Avicii and Marty Feldman, our two dogs, four house cats named Buddha, Frida, Agnetha and Messi, and a couple of barn cats named Jack and Rodney. We also have a lively flock of chickens known as the Pecky Blinders and a couple of honeybee hives called Lucinda and Penelope. Things here have a habit of ending up with names, including many of the trees. Pygmy goats may eventually become part of the situation as well.
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, it's a small, lived-in homestead where city dogs can join us to relax, enjoy their surroundings, have a bit of fun, and simply feel at home.
Kind words
“Michelle helped transition my dog from a traumatized rescue to a happy, healthy, playful pup. When she offered to board Bernie in her home, I couldn't have been happier. Michelle has become part of his family, and Bernie part of hers. He is well cared for, feels safe and loved, and has so much fun. It's like sending him to camp!” Anita Rothbaum, Piermont NY, and her Shih Tzu Bernie
Getting Here
It’s a straight shot up the Palisades Interstate Parkway, 30 minutes north of the George Washington Bridge. Close enough for a weekend drop-off, far enough to feel like you've actually left the city behind.
You're welcome to visit the grounds before your dog's first stay. Just reach out and we'll arrange a time.
Drop-off and pick-up can be handled however works best for you, I’m flexible. If you'd like to use a pet taxi service, you can use your preferred service or I’m happy to recommend one that makes the trip regularly.