About Us

Man and woman taking a picture together.

We are the McElhone’s,
Mike and Dawn.

Man wearing sunglasses and taking a photo with a dog

Mike's story

Mike was born in upstate NY and raised in the Conejo Valley in Southern California. “I’ve been a dog lover all my life. From my first adopted Doberman at the age of 12 to our current pack of 3 dogs including yes, a Doberman. I have always had dogs in my home. I am also fond of cats. We currently have 2 that we adopted and 1 thinks she’s a Doberman.

Prior to opening North Star Boarding, I spent 15 years in the restaurant industry working all positions from washing pots and flipping burgers at McDonald’s to owner and manager of my own restaurant, then 25 years as a Surgical Tech working from the Supply chain to the operating room.”

Woman in blue jacket with a cat behind her head.

Dawn's story

Dawn was born and raised in sunny Southern California. “I was also raised in a house with animals and could not imagine my life without them. My current feline companions are Mama Kitty and her daughter Lucy. Mama kitty was found in really bad shape physically and mentally after just having kittens. I adopted Lucy but could not leave Mama Kitty behind.

After a couple of months behind the couch, she felt the love and safety of the pack. She is out from the couch and is a happy member of the pack. Currently, Dawn is the administrator of a new surgery center in Chattanooga.

Our story

In 2013 we left the busy life of California to the beautiful city of Sale Creek. We live on almost 20 acres of land with trees, tall grass, and wildflowers. We have always wanted to open a dog boarding facility on our property and with the help of our children, we get to make that dream a reality. 

Our mission

North Star Boarding, leading the way to where your dog can play all day. Our goal is to provide a safe and secure at-home atmosphere. 

Meet our team.

Tattooed woman hugging a dog.

Hey everyone!
My name is Jessica.

I’ve had a passion for animals my entire life. I have experience with animals big and small, from dogs to snakes. I’m a firm believer that my pets are my fur babies and deserve just as much love and care (maybe a little more spoiling) as any member of the family. Thank you for trusting me to care for your furry loved ones and I look forward to making your dog’s experience at North Star Boarding a great one!  

Hello! I’m Jared.

Born and raised in California I grew up in a kitty exclusive household until I met my wife Jessica who has since introduced me to the joys of rescue animals big and small.  Our household currently includes 2 dogs- Poe and Patty as well as our two cats- Parker and Pumpkin. I couldn’t imagine my life not being surrounded by furry friends so, I can’t wait to meet you and your pet family!

Man posing with a dog.
Woman with headband holding a puppy wearing a sweater.

Hi there, I’m Alex.

Just like the rest of the family I’m an animal lover too and adopting parent of a kitty named Luna. I was also the primary animal caretaker at the pet store I worked for.

Currently, I am finishing my last year of Art School and will enjoy being a caretaker of your dogs and making them feel just as they were at home.

Meet the rest of our family.

Our Doberman, Drogo.

Drogo is the gentle giant and oldest of the pack. He has definitely slowed down from his prime when he used to deliver squirrels to us in the living room. Now he prefers to just be fed treats.

Meet Arya.

Arya was abandoned as a puppy on our property a few years back. She is sleek and fast like a cheetah and is the mom and moderator of the pack.

Our youngest of the pack, Kiara.

She is a Shepard Beagle mix we adopted from the animal shelter. She is sweet and playful and has a great therapy dog personality.

Mama kitty and her dog-like daughter Lucy.

Of course, we cannot forget our felines! Rescued from the streets Mama kitty has come a long way with physical and mental recovery. Lucy is most at home with our dogs. She loves to nap and snuggle with Drogo and likes to eat duck jerky treats with the dogs. 

More photos of our cute friends.