Southport Magazine

A farm-like setting for a cozy stay

Story by Kass Fincher

As you head down the long, tree-lined driveway to Greenwood Pet Camp, you feel an immediate sense of quiet and calm, just like a walk in the woods. A pug statue greets you on the way in, and chickens and guinea hens free-range their way around the building pecking for insects. It’s a wonderful setting – a well-maintained, farm-like environment that welcomes all.

Nestled on 25 acres in the Bolivia area, the Camp is run by Susan Colby and her animal-loving staff. They offer boarding for cats and dogs, some spa services, and special playtime activities for the pets. Capacity is about 50-60 dogs and 16 cats.

Colby opened the Camp in 1978, after ten years teaching in local high schools. While teaching later at Brunswick Community College, she spoke with local veterinarians and decided to open the kennel here. “I’ve always wanted to work with animals,” she said. “I have a master’s in biology and wanted to be a vet, but didn’t quite cut it. So I started with the kennel and gradually built on it over time.”

Besides her husband Russ, two of Colby’s key staffers are Kelly Carver and Ashley Frazier, her granddaughter. Carver works primarily in the back and Frazier manages the front – reservations, intake/outtake, but Colby emphasizes they all pitch in to run the place. “Everybody does everything; it’s a small business,” she laughed. She went on to emphasize their approach. “We’re old school – safety is the first priority,” she said. “We take our responsibilities around that very seriously. The animals don’t go out to play as a group – it’s all one-on-one human to dog interaction. We don’t take any chances; that makes it safer for everyone.”

But there’s also a lot of fun activity. The Camp does “arts and crafts,” with the pets providing their paw prints for the artwork. The Camp also provides special dinners for the animals at Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the $5 requested donation going to support local rescue groups and charities. Colby started the events in 2001, with the original dinner donations going to support the search and rescue dogs at the World Trade Center.

When asked if they do any obedience training, Susan shook her head and laughed. “This is camp,” she said. “You come here to have fun. If it so happens they learn something while they’re here, it’s just a plus.” 

 And that says it all. So if you are looking for a great place for your pet to stay, call or stop by and check out Greenwood Pet Camp!

Greenwood Pet Camp

2780 Greenwood Circle SE

Bolivia, NC

910-253-6970

Open Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.