The Crew
Emma Johnson
Hi! I’m Emma Johnson, the owner of Ruff Life Retreat — where your dog’s good time is serious business. I’ve been working with dogs for 5+ years and got my start at Pup’s Playground, where I learned everything from group play dynamics to how to earn a nervous dog’s trust.
Over the years, I’ve trained dogs with a variety of behavioral needs, including reactivity, impulse control, and basic manners. That hands-on experience taught me that no two dogs are the same—and that with patience, structure, and kindness, every dog can thrive. I bring that knowledge into every belly rub, group play session, and quiet cuddle moment.
At home, I’m a proud dog mom to Griffin, a black lab with big feelings and an even bigger appetite, and Brewski, a pit mix with a huge personality and little to no concept of personal space. When I’m not surrounded by pups, I’m usually playing guitar or piano, fishing, spending time outdoors, or heading up north to camp!
Lexi Belanger
Hi! I’m Lexi Belanger, the media strategist behind Ruff Life Retreat. From building our brand to managing social platforms, I make sure our online presence reflects the same energy and care we give to every dog who walks through our doors. Whether I’m capturing a sun-soaked play session or designing graphics for upcoming events, my goal is to bring the Ruff Life experience to life—one post at a time.
Working with dogs feels like second nature to me—I grew up around them. My dad was a dog trainer, and for a while, we bred Labrador Retrievers and German Shepards, so I learned early on how to care for pups and understand their behavior. Now, being part of Ruff Life Retreat feels like coming full circle—combining my lifelong love for dogs with my creative side.
Outside of work, I love staying active, working out, and channeling my creativity into making jewelry, drawing, and painting. Ruff Life is a family-run labor of love and being part of this adventure (with a whole lot of dogs by our side) is pretty much the dream.
The Boys
Griffin is our black lab and full-time love bug. He firmly believes that every human is his best friend and that treats are a perfectly valid form of currency. Griffin is always up for an adventure and absolutely loves to swim, kayak with mom, play in the snow, hike the trails, or play a never ending game of fetch. His happy-go-lucky personality and big heart make him the unofficial greeter and morale booster of Ruff Life Retreat.
Brewski, our pit bull mix, is the definition of the goofy younger brother. He can be a little shy when meeting new people, but once you've earned a spot in his inner circle, his personality shines. Get ready for endless zoomies, goofy antics, and enough chaotic energy to keep everyone entertained.
Brew enjoys kayaking and boat rides, exploring new places, chewing his beloved Bene-bones, performing very serious “surgery” on his stuffed toys, and perfecting the art of sleeping in positions that just cannot be comfortable. He’s proof that the shy ones are often the biggest sweethearts.
