5550 W. Gillespie Bridge Rd. Columbia, MO 65203. Map (573) 446-ARFF (2733). boarding@southpawacres.com
Faye Nowell, Owner/Proprietor
Faye is a Columbia native, and has always loved dogs. Over the years she has served as guardian to a variety of dogs, fostered many others, and still helps local shelters find forever homes for canines in need. She has volunteered with the Central Missouri Humane Society for many years, and has served on their Board of Directors.
With a Bachelor's degree in Recreation & Park Administration from the University of Missouri, Faye practiced for over 13 years as a Recreational Therapist at local hospitals and social service agencies. In the late 90's, she answered an ad for a woman wanting a dog sitter on the days she worked long hours. The job was fun for both Faye and the dog. After doing some research on doggie day care facilities around the country, Faye realized Columbia might be big enough for a doggy day care business to thrive. Once she found the perfect piece of land, she opened South Paw Acres in August of 2001. She has been pampering lucky dogs ever since.
Joe Caputo, Certified Canine Trainer
Joe is a 17-year-veteran canine trainer for the New York City Police Department, who recently moved to central Missouri. If your dog needs some help with his or her manners, Joe is the man to see. Get some peace of mind with an obedient companion and enjoy the transformation!
For your convenience, Joe offers lessons while your dog is boarding or in day care at South Paw Acres. You also receive one-on-one training from him on how to work with your dog after the lessons.
Contact Joe directly at (516) 782-1209.
Roxann Payne, Pet Groomer
SPA is happy to welcome Roxann Payne, our new Pet Groomer. Roxann can give your dog a stylish haircut, in addition to the regular bathing and grooming services we offer. All requests for grooming should to be made when you set up an appointment for boarding or day care services. Dogs are groomed the final day of their stay at SPA. After lots of fun in the yard and the pond, you will be glad to have a clean dog to take home! See Grooming Prices.
Mary Lamar, DVM
Dr. Mary Lamar is the on-call veterinarian for South Paw Acres. She is available to make house calls to SPA when needed. A St. Louis native, Mary was drawn to central Missouri when she attended the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine.
She has practiced small animal medicine since 1985 and is an avid recreational horse owner.
Denise McElroy, Canine Massage Therapist
Denise has enjoyed a lifetime of experience with animals, which has led her to want to do more for them. Accredited through Equissage, a leading trainer of equine sports and canine massage therapists based in Virginia, Denise is a firm believer in dog therapy. This therapy is based on Swedish deep-tissue massage.
Just like with people, massage can increase a dog’s circulation, level of flexibility and also work stiffness out of their muscles. Many high activity level dogs such as agility trained dogs benefit from massage therapy. Older dogs with stiff joints can live more comfortably in their senior years with regular massage.
Denise's past experience includes work in grooming salons, veterinary clinics and boarding kennels, and as a pet-sitter in more recent years here in Columbia.