Where Dogs Find Their Best Self

By Kerri Parker

In DeFuniak Springs, calm isn’t just a feeling—it’s a rhythm. Morning mist curls over open fields, pine-scented air drifts through quiet trails, and the gentle hush invites both humans and dogs to slow down. It’s here, on 40 gently rolling acres, that Blake and Kelly Pilgreen have built something extraordinary: a family-owned home, a sanctuary for dogs, and a business that combines two complementary brands dedicated to canine well-being.

Blake and Kelly Pilgreen are the owners of The Prodigal Pooch, a dog training company with a reputation for transforming even the most anxious, disobedient, or challenging dogs, and The Best Pals Pet Resort, a full-service boarding and daycare facility where dogs enjoy spacious fields, trails, and carefully structured enrichment. Together, these two brands allow the Pilgreens to address the full spectrum of dog care—from behavior and training to socialization and comfort while away from home.

Blake serves as Lead Trainer for The Prodigal Pooch. He grew up surrounded by dogs; his mother recalls that every family dog seemed to favor him almost immediately. He cared for each dog with patience, understanding, and a rare intuition, and it was clear from an early age that he had a gift for connection. That gift guided him first toward veterinary school, then to hands-on work as a kennel assistant and veterinary technician, where he witnessed countless dogs struggling with behavior challenges and owners frustrated or at the end of their rope. These experiences deepened his commitment to enhancing the bond between dogs and their families.

Blake pursued extensive training, ultimately attending the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio—known in the industry as the Harvard of dog training—where he graduated from the Master Trainers course and earned certification as a Professional Dog Trainer. In 2018, he founded The Prodigal Pooch in Atlanta, Georgia, where he trained hundreds of dogs and their families.

When Blake and Kelly started their family, they knew they wanted a lifestyle different from city life. Kelly, a Niceville native, wanted to raise her children near family, in the open air and quiet rhythm of the Florida Panhandle. At just the right moment, the owners of a 40-acre property in DeFuniak Springs quietly retired, creating the perfect opportunity to combine home, family, and business. In 2024, the Pilgreens relocated to Florida, bringing with them their dogs, Swell and Woods, and a wealth of experience.

Today, their home sits at the heart of the property, just steps from the boarding and daycare facilities. Dogs at The Best Pals Pet Resort enjoy small-group play, trails, shaded fields, and structured enrichment, while those receiving training from The Prodigal Pooch benefit from Blake’s expertise in addressing behavior issues, building confidence, and strengthening the bond between dog and owner. Boarding and daycare complement—but do not replace—the high-level training that sets the Pilgreens apart.

Learn more about the services provided by The Pilgreens; check out their websites: The Prodical Pooch and The Best Pals Pet Resort.