Denise McGough tucks a handful of treats into her pocket and steps outside to greet the day’s newest arrival—a nervous Border Collie mix whose tail hasn’t stopped tucking since leaving the car. With a gentle voice and outstretched hand, Denise crouches down, letting the dog approach at his own pace. Within minutes, the anxious pup is wagging tentatively, already sensing he’s somewhere different. For 27 years, this quiet moment has played out thousands of times across the 12 wooded acres of Fetch Me Later in McKinney, all thanks to one tight-knit family who refuses to let their pet resort feel like just another business.
Meet the McGoughs
The McGough family—Denise, Shawn, Connor and Tyler—have built something rare in the pet care world: a place where dogs genuinely feel at home. Denise, a certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, maintains an on-site presence most days, making decisions with her hands dirty and her attention focused on the four-legged guests padding around the property. Her husband Shawn and their sons Connor and Tyler each bring their own touch to the operation, but their shared philosophy remains unchanged: every dog has their own personality, and every personality deserves individual attention.
While other family-owned facilities in the McKinney area focus on luxury amenities or state-of-the-art equipment, the McGoughs have built their reputation on something harder to replicate—genuine care that shows in the details. They know which dogs need extra cuddles, which ones prefer to eat alone, and which ones get anxious when it thunders.
Building Trust, Tail by Tail
The proof lives in the voices of customers who’ve found their way to Fetch Me Later’s doors. Alexis C., who brings her little pup for grooming, notices the difference immediately: ‘My little pup loves getting groomed here and they did a phenomenal job both times we have been so far. It’s hard to find a good groomer and they truly care here! We love it!’
Angela T. has tried other places but keeps coming back to Fetch Me Later for one simple reason: ‘Our picky pups love it at Fetch Me Later. I’ve had negative experiences with other places, but always positive with Fetch Me Later. My dogs get SO EXCITED to go and are happy when I bring them home. Win win!’
These aren’t isolated experiences. Nicole T. has been returning for years, trusting the staff with her ‘big fur baby’ time and again: ‘Fetch Me Later is Amazing! Our dog has boarded here many times and he loves it! The staff are incredible and take such great care of our big fur baby. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to care for our dog the way they do.’
Why People Keep Coming Back
The experience begins before you even step through the door. Driving up the tree-lined approach, past green fields where dogs chase balls and explore, feels more like visiting a friend’s country home than dropping off your pet at a commercial facility. The staff remember not just your dog’s name, but their favourite toy, their sleeping preferences, and whether they’re the type to make friends quickly or need time to warm up.
Unlike the standardised experience at chain pet hotels, Fetch Me Later adapts to each dog’s rhythm. Some thrive in group play sessions across the expansive grounds, while others prefer quieter moments with individual attention. The McGoughs have learned that personalised care isn’t just about knowing a dog’s dietary requirements—it’s about understanding their emotional needs too. For dogs dealing with separation anxiety or other behavioural concerns, this individualised approach makes all the difference.
The Family Promise
The McGoughs’ commitment extends beyond daily operations into professional development and industry standards. Their membership in the International Boarding & Pet Services Association as a Bronze Member and affiliation with The Dog Gurus since 2022 ensures their staff stays current with best practices in animal care and emergency preparedness.
These certifications matter because they represent the McGoughs’ dedication to combining their natural love for animals with professional expertise. When Denise maintains her pet first aid and CPR credentials, she’s not just checking a box—she’s ensuring that every dog under their care receives the highest standard of safety and attention.
The family takes pride in keeping their operation personal and manageable. While they could have expanded into multiple locations over nearly three decades, they’ve chosen to stay rooted in their McKinney location, serving families within a 10-mile radius of their facility. This deliberate choice allows them to maintain the personal relationships that make their service special.
How It Feels to Hand Over the Leash
For pet parents across North Texas, leaving their dog somewhere new triggers anxiety that runs deeper than simple separation. Will the staff remember that Max doesn’t like loud noises? Will they notice if Bella seems off her food? Will anyone care if this particular dog needs a little extra reassurance?
At Fetch Me Later, these concerns dissolve into the daily routine. Working mothers who need reliable care for their dogs while travelling, families with ageing pets who require special attention, and anyone who’s had a negative experience elsewhere find relief in the McGoughs’ approach. The peace of mind comes not from fancy marketing promises, but from years of consistent, caring service that speaks through customer testimonials and repeat visits.
Denise McGough tucks a handful of treats into her pocket and steps outside to greet another nervous newcomer. She doesn’t just process the check-in paperwork. She takes time to understand that dog’s personality, communicates with the family about their pet’s needs, and ensures the transition feels safe rather than overwhelming.
The McGoughs have built something that’s difficult to replicate: a business that genuinely feels like family. Not in a marketing sense, but in the way they approach each dog as an individual worthy of attention, patience and care. Their dogs bound across wildflower fields not because they’re at a pet resort, but because they’re somewhere they feel secure and loved.
As Denise watches Shawn check on a particularly shy rescue dog or sees Connor helping a regular guest settle into their favourite spot, she’s reminded that at Fetch Me Later, both dogs and their humans don’t just find a service—they find a second family. After 27 years, that’s exactly what the McGoughs intended.
