About
The Deer Creek Difference
Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp opened its doors in 2015 with the idea that there's more to doggie daycare than just warehousing dogs. We knew there was a better way. We wanted to incorporate structured socialization and play into each day here at the Camp. We keep the ratios of dogs (Campers) to humans (Counselors) low to prevent possible issues and our Counselors are highly trained in off-leash dog play, evaluation, and canine behavior and body language.
Not all dog daycares are the same!
Because you are a responsible dog lover, you should be aware that some daycares operate without proper education or written policies regarding safe group play. Many times dogs are simply put into a room or yard with unfamiliar dogs and left to roam or sleep all day. At Deer Creek, we share your concerns about the safety and health of your dog. He will be assessed for temperament and play style to be sure he is a part of the perfect group for him. He will be monitored at all times by qualified and fun-loving staff. We know dogs love to please and perform, so our staff provides stimulating games and obedience tasks, such as group "sits" and "follow the leader." Deer Creek has a continuing education program for all of our Camp Counselors and staff, so that they remain at the top of their game! You can be assured that they will watch and guide your dog to keep them safe and happy while at Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp.
Experts agree! Group play is beneficial to dogs for many reasons, including:
- Dogs with behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing or digging, burn more energy during pack play, which means a calmer dog for you at home!
- The stimulation of being around other dogs satisfies their need for mental alertness and natural curiosity.
- Dogs that come for day care have opportunities to play throughout the day, along with rest times.
Camp Counselors
Mat Kee (manager) and his wife Jessica are owned by two Scottish Terriers, Rusty and Doug Thomas. Born and raised in the South, Mat graduated from the University of Tennessee, and he and his wife are dedicated season ticket holders to Volunteers football, and are Cardinal baseball fanatics as well. When he's not cheering for his favorite teams, Mat loves to run, and participates in several marathons across the country each year.
Jessica Kuehn (puppy trainer/counselor) is a Cape native, lifelong animal lover, and a volunteer at the Human Society of Southeast Missouri. She has three rescue rat terriers, Missy, Squirt, and Maui and a rescue boxer named Lovey, who is a TDI-certified therapy dog. In her free time, she loves to do crafts, spend time with her dogs and family, enjoying the outdoors.
Emma Eudy (assistant manager) is from Cape Girardeau and has two horses, Jack and Twister, one cat, Apollo, and a very spoiled German Shepherd named Freya. She enjoys reading, sleeping and spending time outdoors with her family. She and her partner, Jonathan, are expecting their first child very soon!
Heidi Biggs (assistant manager) began working for us in July 2020 and quickly established herself with our Campers. She loves working with the dogs and is often the one who performs our Compatibility Evaluations. She is owned by two handsome doggos, Benny and Julian.
Rachal Urhahn (aide) grew up in Fruitland and now resides in Cape. When she's not loving on all the doggies at Deer Creek, she enjoys sleeping, cooking, spending time with her favorite people, and hanging with her three dogs, Lizzy, Zoey, and Charley.
Meet the Owners
Deer Creek is owned by Chris and Stacy Heisserer, who are also proud owners of Busch Pet Products. Stacy has been in the pet business all her life, as her parents were Beagle breeders and professional dog handlers, having showed over 150 dogs to championships all over the country.
Stacy showed dogs for several years as well, showing unusual breeds such as an American foxhound and a harrier. Her parents founded Busch's Kennel, a dog and cat boarding kennel in business in Cape since 1972.
Stacy and Chris took over the boarding facility in early 2019 and Chris is now overseeing operations there.
They, along with their son, Brayden, are owned by 5 cats and one very active beagle/border collie mix named Elsa, who comes to the Camp every day!
