About Country Dogs®
Our Story
Country Dogs was founded on the strong belief that dogs prefer to be outdoors with room to run in happy/safe playtime with other dogs. It is with this core belief in mind that Mark and Victoria Cave, Owners, first began Country Dogs. We have been in operation since July 2004 serving the DC/MD/NoVA area.
The dream all started with a 17-acre farm in the Shenandoah Valley and the adoption of the “original Country Dogs.” Daisy and Gatsby were adopted from a nearby Mennonite farm, litter mates, never apart. Raised on the Country Dogs property as pups, they thrived on off- leash runs and were always eager to please. Always the smartest in the room, they could only be distracted by the occasional groundhog or squirrel.
Daisy and Gatsby lived to be 16 and 17 years old respectively. We now take care of your dogs in their honor and in honor of all dogs who bring so much richness to the life of every family, truly, a human’s best friend.
Our goal is to make our boarders feel that they’ve been on an outdoor adventure returning home happy, healthy, rested, relaxed, and perhaps even a little tired from all the exercise!
Mark & Victoria Cave, Owners
Gatsby
Daisy
Mark has a broad business and non-profit background as well as experience as an educator. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist. Victoria is a veteran music and movement educator and choral conductor specializing in the Orff-Schulwerk approach. She was raised by a career entrepreneur and never met a new project she did not enjoy.
Together they have combined their rich backgrounds in business, education, and outreach with their passion for creating a unique all-season camp for dogs.
Mark and Victoria are dedicated to the operation and passionate about the mission of Country Dogs. Our kennels are over-sized, comfortable and immaculately clean and are situated within beautiful, rustic farm settings. Our staff is experienced and loving. You can relax, knowing that your dog is well cared for and having fun while you are away for business or pleasure.
In September 2025, Mark and Victoria purchased a new facility in nearby Keezletown, VA. Formerly Happy Paws Pet Resort, Country Dogs Retreat will be set up for smaller dogs and senior dogs (any size). Having served our clients and their dogs since July 2004, we will bring our passion, experience, and rich history to this new venture.
Our Team
Mark Cave
Owner
Heather Cantrell
Manager of Boarding Services
Susan Thomas
Caretaker
Daniel Trumbo
Caretaker