Meet The Team
With over 10 years of hands-on experience transforming rescue dogs into confident, well-adjusted companions ready for their “furever” homes, Blake “Balakay” Hodge brings unmatched dedication to canine care and training. As Co-Founder and Lead Trainer of The K9 Experience (K9X), he leads a premier daycare, boarding, and training facility focused on safe, fun, and highly interactive environments where dogs thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally.
A proud US Army Veteran, Blake lives by core values of Loyalty, Integrity, and Respect—principles he instills in every dog and handler he works with. His personal pack includes two remarkable German Shepherds:
- Mora (black, independent, strong-willed) – a testament to resilience and determination.
- Raylan (black and tan, energetic, loyal) – embodying boundless enthusiasm and unwavering devotion.
At The K9 Experience, Blake’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: every dog deserves exceptional care that builds trust, encourages positive behavior, and strengthens the human-canine bond. Whether through structured training sessions, enriching daycare play, or comfortable boarding stays, K9X delivers personalized experiences tailored to each dog’s unique personality and needs.
Ready to give your dog the ultimate K9 experience?
I’m Dr. Luke, CEO and co-founder of The K9 Experience, and if you’re here, it’s because you love your dog and want the very best for them. I’ve spent my life building high-performing teams as a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, but at the heart of it all, I care deeply about creating environments where others can thrive. That’s exactly why we built The K9 Experience — a safe, structured, joy-filled place where your dog is known, guided, and genuinely cared for. In the photo you’ll see me with my Turkish Lion Dog (Anatolian Mastiff), Lystra. She’s a gentle giant who reflects what we value here: strength, loyalty, calm confidence, and steady leadership. My commitment to you is simple: we will treat your dog with excellence, integrity, and just the right amount of fun… because they deserve nothing less.
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’ll be the one welcoming you at the front desk when you arrive at The K9 Experience. If you’re anything like me, your dog isn’t “just a dog” — they’re family. That’s why I work hard to make sure every detail is handled with care, clarity, and warmth from the very first phone call to every pickup and drop-off. In my photo, you’ll see me with my dog Derbe, a half Doberman and half Hound with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He reminds me daily how important structure, patience, and genuine affection are in helping dogs feel secure. My promise to you is simple: I’ll help make your experience smooth, welcoming, and reassuring, because when you feel confident and cared for, your dog will too.