Our Story

Barley’s Canine Recreation Center is named after Heather Newport’s best friend, who passed away in October of 2012. After meeting when Barley was just 4 weeks old, there was no doubt the pup would soon become part of the family. Two weeks later, Heather and Barley began a nearly 16-year adventure, rarely traveling without each other and experiencing all they could in the short time they had together.

A man and woman kneeling on grass in a forested area, each with a dog, with trees and mountains in the background.

Mike Parmley and his rescued pound puppy, a Flat Coated Retriever mix named Beyla, joined the family in 2005. Beyla and Barley became great travel buddies and swimming companions. Taking as many trips to the lake as they could squeeze into a summer, was the family’s favorite past time.

The last few years of Barley’s life had its fair share of scary moments. Barley survived her stomach twisting at age 12, and a vestibular eruption one year later. Although both took several weeks to recover from, it wasn’t long before Barley was begging to go to the park and to get back to the recreation activities she loved.

Two people in winter gear with two dogs on a snowy mountain, mountains and snow-covered trees in the background.

As so many pet owners have experienced, we eventually reached a crossroads with Barley when the pain of arthritis and other geriatric issues forced a slowdown in normal exercise and activity. After she passed away in 2012, the idea of creating an indoor dog pool and dog recreation center where all dogs, young and old, can get their much needed exercise in a safe, clean environment began to develop.

A woman and a man smiling inside a room, each holding a large dog, with a gray wall and a window in the background.

In 2013, a wire-haired spit fire mix named Brandy joined the family. She was rescued from the Lindon Animal Shelter and quickly made herself the queen of the pack – learning all the necessary manners from Beyla, her fearless teacher. In return, Brandy showed Beyla, who was always a serious dog, how to play. Sadly, Beyla passed away suddenly in 2017.

In 2018, we rescued a super sweet and goofy Spinone Italiano named Ignazio. Iggy and Brandy became fast friends and have been enjoying all the finest things imaginable to a dog’s life. They certainly are spoiled, just like all the dog’s that come to the facility.

Barley’s Canine Recreation Center is an organization dedicated to the wellness, happiness and fitness of all dogs.

Two dogs swimming in a pool, with the dog on the left being a chocolate Labrador and the dog on the right a light-colored, possibly tan or cream, dog.