Facilities: Dog Kennels

Here is Gullah: Bloodhound, Buckeye: Coon Hound - Walker/ Pointer Mix, and seen in the "doggie door" is Bucky - Coon Hound Walker, and Robin -  Beagle.

Many people frown at kennels because they are misunderstood.  These have alot of space.  Plus, they get a full run almost daily.  The kennels are indoors and outdoors.  The "doggie doors" serve to shut out the elements, inclement weather, and to shut the dogs in at night to avoid stimulation from such things as nocturnal wildlife - and preserve our priceless peace and quiet.

Since the kennels are very tall and high quality - we do not have to worry about the dogs getting lost or getting sprayed by skunks or porcupines.

Lucky, my first hound rescue, deceased est. age 10

We rotate them into the house frequently for extra TLC.   I spend alot of time in the kennels grooming and petting them when they are not with me otherwise.  The kennels hold 4 dogs each comfortably.  There is another kennel inside the barn with no outdoors access now but the horse barn is an open air facility.  Technically we can house 12 hound dogs - so far we have only housed 10 at one time.

There has never been a flea problem.  The bedding is hay and changed regularly.  Their coats are soft and healthy.  I think partly because of the food and exercise - but also the fact they are outdoors most of the time.  We close them in during the worst snow days and bring them into the living room - one and all - on our frosty nights.  When there is a dog that wants more house time - we give it to them.  They let us know by barking.

where are you going BoBo?

They learn quickly that barking is frowned upon unless it serves the purpose of being a watchdog.  When they howl together - rarely -  I call it "serenading" -  it is short and sweet and sounds very much like a pack of coyotes - only sweet - not scary...

Molly, deceased, est age 14

Some of the dogs we have rescued came right off the streets.  Many times dogs just come to us.  That is the way when you are open to them.  When they get the feeling of safety with strangers,  strays will stay.

We built the concrete slab to make it easier to clean.  The kennels are hosed down into a tiny area that has developed into a marsh like ecosystem.  Hence, there are no odors from their waste.

Spot, deceased, age 13

Alot of people use the underground electrical system to keep their dogs in place - a great invention for some.  For us, the old fashion kennel system works for the number of dogs.   When we leave the farm, the dogs can be cared for easily by our caretaker without having to place them in a kennel.  They are already in the best of them!!!

BoBo, deceased. aged 12

One thing I keep in mind in the care of animals is to allow for their natural habitat with the addition of creature comforts.  

Too often today dogs and cats and horses are given only creature comforts without any access to natural habitat.  Our dogs are allowed to act canine.  

Max, stray, deceased, age unknown

I reflect on the dogs we've rescued and can't help feeling a little proud of the small accomplishment and what it means to give a home to animals we've domesticated that our lost and found. 

Blackie "Maxine", Chow Mix, dec. age 14

 Best of all, it's the people we have helped in caring for their animals - the feeling of peace we imparted in the confidence the dogs would continue to receive tender love and care.