History of Redwood
	Redwood Pet Resort

Back in the early spring of 1977, a young man named Derrick Lindsay Wood had a dream, a vision so strong, with little guidance and limited resources he began a journey that 31 years later is still growing. This vision is now known as Redwood Pet Resort Ltd.

            Derrick always naturally loved animals, and had sworn a career in the animal industry. As time progressed, he knew that his dream of becoming a veterinarian was finically unavailable, having come from a family of 8. In the early spring on 1977 the ambitious young man proposed a business plan to his father, Douglas Wood. The proposition was simple - a boarding facility for pets.

            He knew the dedication and commitment it would take to create it and keep it a float. Persuasion settled in, and the journey of Redwood Pet Resort began. Redwood Pet Resort started off simple, completely basic. Redwood had nine dog kennels, all outdoor with shelter. With blood and sweat behind him, by the end of the spring the facility was built.

            Derrick knew the importance of a strong name as his father had operated a successful company for many years. Struggling with names, and with suggestions flooding in, it hit Derrick. After staring at the brand new boarding facility he had created, he realized that everything he had painted was red. He choose red as the facility color because he seen red as a successful and passionate color. His dream and ambitions had all been driven by his passion for the animal industry, so Derrick named the facility "Red" after his passion, "Wood" after his family name "and "kennel" after the facility.

            Redwood Kennels was fully functional and open for business by May 1977. Derrick could not imagine where the ambitious dream of a young man would soon lead him into the future. Derrick was running and maintaining a boarding facility, as well as offering full service grooming to his clientele. All the while was he was attending school full time.

            In 1981 Derrick developed a passion working with dogs for training purposes and he purchased his first giant schnauzer "Andrew." He immediately fell in love with the breed. Along side of his committed girl friend Idona Leigh Hannah, the two of them registered and created "Lindsay Leigh" their breeding and registration name.  They instantly associated and registered themselves with the CKC. And a new journey began for the young couple. Not only were they running the boarding facility, grooming and providing services such as Dog training, Agility and Fly ball; they were also beginning their careers as successful breeders and handlers.

            In the summer of 1982 the young couple were married and Redwood began its' first series of expansion. In 1982 Redwood Kennels expanded from nine dog runs to 36 dog runs, indoor and outdoor with a full cat housing facility.  Word spread quickly, and having developed a reputable name already business boomed. Redwood was becoming a household name. Lindsay Leigh was also becoming a well known and trusted name as his giant "Andrew" had become Ch Cd Black Andrew of Woodsend - A Canadian Champion.

            As a few years passed and Redwoods clientele increased, in the spring of 1984 Derrick and Idona had their first son – Derrick Elliot Wood.  With new added responsibilities and the business in mind, the two prepared themselves for the journey head.  In the spring of 1986, Derrick and Idona welcomed their second addition to the family – Jason Llyod Calvin Wood. Having a full house and running a successful business, they were ready to take it to the next level. Redwood Kennels began renovations and expansions again.

            In 1987 Redwood expanded from 36 dog runs, to 54 dog runs – again all an indoor and outdoor facility. Derrick and Idona began additional services on top of their current responsibilities with the Kennel, the grooming, the dog training and the breeding….They decided to invest into the Chinchilla market. They purchased thousands of chinchillas, feed, and supplies. They constructed a separate area housed away from their Kennel for the Chinchillas. Derrick and Idona began breeding Chinchillas, making custom Chinchilla cages, and selling Chinchilla supplies such as: feed, shavings and grains.

            The business flourished, and Derrick and Idona were excited to see what the future had in store for them. The unanticipated happened. The demands for his boarding facility to expand again were incredible. In 1993 Idona invested into specializing in Pug breeding. She purchased her first pug "Evelyn." Evelyn was a natural star. She quickly advanced and became Canadian Champion setting new standards for Pugs.

            The business thrived and the demands became greater then what the young couple had prepared themselves for. Derrick made the decision in 1998 to sell his Chinchilla business. Using the profits from the sale, taking a second mortgage on the house Derrick and Idona put everything on the line and began Redwood Kennels renovations. Derrick also decided to expand his Schnauzer line and began breeding Miniature schnauzers.      

            Redwood Kennels was heading towards a new direction. Derrick and Idona did not realize it, but their new vision would soon become the directions, and expectation of all boarding facilities in Canada. Derrick and Idona were setting the new standards for boarding facilities.

            From 1998 until 2000 Redwood Kennels became Redwood Pet Resort. Renovations continued until 2006. Redwood Pet Resort went from 54 dog runs, to 130 individual dog runs. The cat facility was renovated and Redwood introduced the original Cat Condo Facility. Dog play yards, swimming pools, specially designed play equipment were all brought in to provide what would be considered luxurious accommodations for pets.   

            During this exciting journey Derrick and Idona have maintained an innovated boarding facility, continued breeding and handling Giants Schnauzers, Mini Schnauzers and Pugs, with 30 Canadian Champion titles behind them. In addition to this, Derrick and Idona have maintained a successful full service grooming facility.

            Redwood Pet Resort has been in business for 31 years and is fully family owned and operated. As Derrick and Idona look forward to a peaceful future, their children now embrace new goals and dreams for new successes at Redwood Pet Resort.

            What does the future hold in store for Redwood Pet Resort: A newly renovated massage pool with a shallow and deep end, again Kennel expansion, indoor play yards, innovated pet services and not to mention "Canine Consulting Company" a pet consultation service offered to Redwood Clients. And Lindsayleigh, well let's just say there will be many more Canadian Champions added to their success.

            Years of blood, sweat, passion and commitment have created this successful and ever growing business "Redwood Pet Resort – Luxurious Accommodations for your pet and your pet's home away from home.