Copyright: Random House, dictionary

1. "To take shelter or lodge in a kennel"
2. "To take cover or lie in it. Dog house"
3. "A house or shelter for a dog or cat"


As you have read above, a kennel can be considered many different types of places to many different people. House, Shelter, Lodge, Cover, Doghouse.

The word "Kennel" can be construed as a horrible home for a beloved pet to live in. A "Lodge" can be construed as a comfortable and safe home for a beloved pet to live in. In reality, they can both be the very same place. It depends on an individual's idea of what is an acceptable home for their pet and what they choose to call it.

Puppy mills or backyard breeder's can call where they raise their dogs and puppies a "Kennel" or a "Lodge" even though the animals may actually be living outside in a dark barn or flimsy shelter exposed to uncomfortable and unhealthy elements.

The reality is that the area where animals live can be called any name regardless of weather it is a grungy sad excuse for a home or a home where there is love and nurturing.

I call the home for my adult dogs and puppies a "Kennel" for lack of another creative "Fluffy" word for it! This is my pet's "Shelter" where they are comfortable and have their own "Lodge" to relax in and their "Suite" that they sleep in at night.

Our "Kennel" is actually built better then our 1960's home! (We love both of them though!!) The kennel was built in 2007 and is attached to our home with an in door covered hallway. This hallway was built especially for all of my "Precious" babies to run through to "The main" house and hang out with the family or to travel back to the "Kennel" when it is time for Baths, dinner, playtime or just some quite time for them to relax in their "Lodge!"

The "Kennel" is 55 feet long by 24 feet wide. Each adult dog has an in door area that is 4 feet by 5 feet with fresh running water, a bed and fresh food. They also have their own private outside area that is 15 feet by 5 feet. It also has fresh running water, 10 feet of shaded area and 5 feet of sunshine to relax in as desired!

They also have a huge grassy play area with many "Toys" to jump on and run through or to just have some one on one time with "Nana and Poppy".

The substance of which our "Kennel" is built on:
Love, Nurturing, Patience, Warmth, Security, Safety, Dependability, Honesty, Quality, Consistency and a LOT of soap and water!!