Kennel_tour

For the most part our *kennel* consist of the couch, the bed and where ever
we are. But because we do have visiting dogs, both for conditioning for
show and boarding and training dogs, as well as our own the need for
special care at times we felt the a kennel facility was a must. While I would
love for them all to be running wild and free with me all the time it just isn't
practical or safe at times, so we try to make it as enjoyable as possible for
them. I have never wanted a "stuck in the garage" type environment for our
away time for them, and I have been lucky in that I have never had to settle
for that. We operate a full service canine center, offering training, boarding
and grooming, and it is simply a step through the Living room, so to speak.
So except for times we are out of the kennel or house the dogs are never
alone.

The ice storm of 2001 destroyed 90% of our parameter fencing and all of the
newly finished outside runs, the old kennel building that was outside the
house, along with killing about 15, 50+ year old pine trees. The trees were
the were the cause of the damage to the fences and extensive damage to
our home roof. Of course insurance covered very little of the damage. It was
a slow recovery, but with a ton of work from all the family and a few friends
we got through and are almost where we want to be. I suspect it will be a
life long remodeling process, seems just about the time we get close to
finishing, I find something I want done differently.

The garden area outside the fences are just about all done, just two more
beds to replant, and rebuild. Because I can't do outside work in the extreme
sun or heat I pretty much had to do what I could when I could, and doing it
that way took three times as long.

Over the past several years we have built and rebuilt, improved, and
changed and re-changed the area aimed at making the playtime safe and fun
for the dogs. We have added several exercise areas for different size dogs,
and of course visiting dogs and the girls when the need to be chaperoned.
The past year has seen and added 1400 square feet of concrete work done
in these areas. Let me tell you this was a VERY big job. Every single foot
was done by us, mostly by Eddy. This is one hot job in Texas summers. The
results were worth it all though!

The laundry area is DONE! Next to follow is the replacement of the old
elevated claw foot tub with a larger hydro capable tub this hopefully will be
done by mid summer. The old tub has been with me since my first grooming
shop was opened in 1974, and has made three moves. This is a HEAVY tub
as it is made of cast iron. Half the problem of the change out is having the
help around to move the old tub safely!

Our next stage is the indoor exercise areas and roofing over the outside
kennels, probably will take most of 2009 and probably much of the following
year to complete.

This will be done along with the continued improvements to the outside
training areas, adding a better footing with the addition of a fiber mulch and
more lighting. This is an on going project that is worked on when ever we
get spare moments!

Oh, and did I mention we are entirely remodeling the bathrooms and
kitchens in the house, in our spare time?