About MVP Lodge

your most valuable pet partner

Why MVP Lodge?

Your MVP is our MVP. It is true. For us, every pet is a MVP … Most Valuable Pet. You, pet parents, are MVPs too … Most Valuable Parent. MVP Lodge wants to be your MVP … Most Valuable Partner.

It takes a village to raise a pet, or so they say. We’ve been part of that village for over three decades for area families. It has always been our goal to provide a safe, comfortable, and happy place to stay for pets. We are set up to be the goldie locks of pet lodges - just right in size that we are able to serve our community, yet small enough that your pet is an unique individual to us. Getting to know your pet and its specific personality and needs allows you to leave assured that your pet will be well cared for in all ways.

4-Paw Excellence!

The pets give us 4-PAW Reviews consistently. Pet parents repeatedly tell us that their pet gets happy-excited when they turn on Thrasher Lane toward MVP Lodge as their pet recognizes where they are going. Your pets love you and being home, of course, but once they know and trust us and the routine and safety of MVP Lodge, many pets enjoy the variety of smells, sounds, and sights - a doggie vaca. If your pet is shy, we meet them on their level and comfort needs. Our kennel was built from the ground up with safety in mind. This has been tested over the years, and structure, procedure, and experience are in place to safely care for your pet.

MVP Lodge is a fun and relaxed atmosphere - it is our nature, but we purposefully nurture this also.

MVP Paws

Our amazing team

These are the folks who make MVP Lodge such a special place for your pets.

Crystal Rhys

Crystal Rhys

Owner and Manager

Crystal Rhys, owner of MVP Lodge, has a passion for community, part of which is to offer exceptional care and service to local pets and people. She grew up with a love for animals and nature. While a teenager, Crystal's mom, Joyce, opened Mountain View Pet Lodge where Crystal helped and worked in all capacities. When Joyce retired from ownership in 2021, Crystal began full ownership of MVP Lodge. Crystal has volunteered with the local community through Sustainable Pickens & Edible Jasper, Pickens County Master Gardeners, Pickens Arts and Cultural Alliance board, Tater Patch Players, and in Atlanta for people without housing with Herbalista's HerbCart. Crystal loves to travel and hear client travel destinations and tips. Crystal's pet family includes Izzie (shih tzu mix), Baby Boy (chihuahua), granddogs Bella (a marvelous mutt) and Skye (shepard mix).

Joyce

Joyce

Founder

Joyce infused her philosophy and love of animals into Mountain View Pet Lodge. Dogs, cats, and horses have all held a large space throughout her life. Joyce trained her own pets with Lake Lanier Obedience Club in the 1980s, and Joyce spent several years enjoying and often winning competitions throughout the southeast. She and her husband also trained their pets in schutzhund. Joyce's pet family includes MooCat (cat), horses Boomer, Magic, Buddy, and Stormy.

Bobby

Bobby

Mr. Fix-It

Bobby is currently the handyman for MVP Lodge. He helped his wife Joyce design Mountain View Pet Lodge in 1987 and did much of the construction himself. Bobby trained German Shepherds with Joyce and competed throughout the southeast, often placing 1st or 2nd. Bobby has a love of horses, which are often in the pasture right outside the MVP Lodge exercise yard fence. The horses often stop by to greet the dogs. Bobby's pet family includes horses Stormy, Magic, Buddy, and Boomer.

Christi

Christi

Crew Member

Christi grew up next door to MVP Lodge, and began working at MVP in 2010, moved away in 2018, became a licensed massage therapist in Florida. Recently, she moved back to Georgia and jumped right back in at MVP Lodge, delighting in recognizing several long time guests from years ago. Chrisi offers Canine Massage sessions upon request. Christi's pet family include Lilith (lab terrier mix), Chicken Nugget (chihuahua), and Lenny (rat).

We want to hear from you!
Send us your questions and comments.

We can't wait to see you and your furry friend!

MVP Paws
MVP Paws