KENNEL: Sad they were shut down

On July 25, I was picking up my dog at “Faithful Canine Trainer” kennel when suddenly the area was swarmed by many policemen, at least one carrying a large weapon. They announced that the kennel was closed down and all dogs must be immediately removed. It was frightening.

A few days later an article in The Press reported that an elderly dog had died after being in this kennel in extremely hot weather. I feel very sad for this dog and its owners. But I also feel very sad for the kennel owners.

I have been taking my dog there, as have other family members their dogs, for years. We have always met with friendly and kind care for drop-in day care, boarding for several days, even baths and training.

As in many small business situations, the owners had worked to keep fees low, opened 365 days per year, put money into infrastructure, and kept the kennel staffed when hiring workers was difficult.

I drove by the kennel recently to find every vestige of signage removed. Admittedly I have few details about this event. But it seems somewhat heavy-handed and “scorched earth” to totally shut down and ruin a small business in this way. 

MIRIAM OWENS and “ROSI”

Coeur d’Alene