Ritter

As a side note to the cold weather,....I'm happy to report that Paula had another good day in the Mobile Grooming Unit yesterday, even in spite of Mother Nature's attempted interferance. One of the highlights was her ability to groom a magnificent German Shepherd, named Ritter, that we have cared for for many years. Ritter is 14 years old now, and unfortunately, we probably won't have the honor of caring for him much longer .....but the Mobile unit seemed to be a good alternative for his devoted owner to choose as it was becoming harder and harder to get Ritter in for his monthly 'spa dates'. We missed having Marty come in and the banter that usually ensues..... but I trust that he found this a satisfactory alternative. Paula said after his bath that he (Ritter, not Marty!!) he got down and even as wobbly as he was,...... went back to the house, took his position, and sat there just as alert and regal looking as ever!!! Refreshed, and ready to do his job!!

Dang, It's Cold!!

Crapinolla!! Geez, its cold out here this morning. -6 degrees by the 'weather alert' here on my computer. A true reality check for those of us here in Nebraska where by MY standards I think we've gotten by w/ some pretty darned mild winters the last few years. Makes me sooooo very much appreciate the fact that somehow, even 20 years ago, (when everyone labeled me as totally crazy!) that I had the foresight to build an all indoor facility for the pets we were going to take care of!! Even those folks in the boarding kennel industry that heard of my plans were doubtful but now that that is even more the industry norm ...... I guess it wasn't such a bad idea after all. :)

The Closing.........

And, whew, here we are tonight,.............. the "official" last night of our "holiday" season. Its been a good one. Very little illness (on either the pets or the staff's part) Patty & crew are over there right now doing the final 'exit' routine. Oh, there will be plenty of pets left yet but we are out of the "frantic" phase and into just a nice good routine now. Lots of "catch up" to do now. We've not had any real emergencies and things have gone pretty smooth. Kudos, as always to the staff that have rallied ---worked extra shifts, worked extended shifts, worked other departments to help out and to Alisyn who made it back from China in time to even get in on some of the fun!! Folks are already looking ahead and planning for some well deserved time off. And once again, thank you to all those great customers & to Mother Nature for her help!! I can honestly say that its been 21 Christmas's and each one just gets better & better!! We'll "cruise" now for awhile until 'spring break'.

Multiples.....

One of the things I was going to blog about last week was what fun we were having w/ "multiples" of pets ......all of the same breed. Obviously, in the picture shown, we were having fun w/ dachsunds that day. On the day last week when we were noticing it........it was beagles, beagles, & beagles!!! Beagles have always been a real popular breed but have seen a big increase in popularity since Uno won the Westminster show last year. We had 16 beagles last week one night! --only to be outdone by the 37 labs we had! (that's a lot of 'labbing') That was followed by 11 Cockers & Jack Russels and 10 Golden Rtrvrs. Then we had 9 Boxers, ShiTzus, & Germ. SH Pointers. Then came 7 schnauzers, & 6 each Bichons & Shepherds. 7 Max's & 4 Zoey's..... is the best I can get on repetitive names. (Usually, there's more of that!!)

Not ALL work :)

Well, I've had lots of 'things' to write about but little time to do it. That, and I had a note started one day about some interesting little statistics we had going on one day...... and then as I was finishing up..... discovered that our internet connection had given up so, subsequently, lost what I had written...... oh, such is life..... I'll get back into that one later but it just won't be as 'timely'. Today, I just bring you a picture from earlier last week-- Doug had fun in the new play yards being creative after our snow last week. On that note, we are grateful for what Mother Nature has ordered up for us this week.... a tad bit milder weather sure makes the job of working w/ water and consequently, on a lot of ice ...... a whole lot easier.
Things are still pretty frantic here at the 'ol KENL INN but I think I can say that we have all adapted well and we can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. Here's hoping that you all had safe travels, fun new memories, and lots of reasons to celebrate for 2009!! (and of course!!-- Go Big Red!!)

Holiday Cheer

Just thought I would do some checking today as I heard a rumor that we had a certain "excessive" number of one particular breed all in one spot in the kennel. That's not uncommon during these exceptionally busy times but I thought I would just pass on some statistics.... it does get rather fun sometimes. As of last night........we had 37 labs, & 16 beagles..... that's pretty typical. Labs have been on top in the AKC most popular catagory for a long time. Beagles have shown an increase ever since the Beagle won the Westminster show

Christmas Eve Day

Well, okay...........here we are.......the day before Christmas......and all through the house.....little KENL INN elves are EVERYWHERE!!! what a crew!!! what a plan!!! what a wonderment of cohesive cooperation. 104 Arrivals this morning here before we close at Noon!!!. Much of the crew has been here since 5am........ "pottying", cleaning, clearing snow & ice, getting all the spots readied & preparing for the majic 7am hour. Now, I can already tell you, some of you aren't coming in near fast enough....... we've had a little spurt here this morning but I KNOW what's going to happen............ about 10am.......you're ALL going to start screaming in!!! Fortunately, this is one of those times when we don't have to do a lot of switching around or waiting .....there's a spot open and ready to go for everyone. Hopefully, we get you all taken care of fairly expediently!!
The 'Chef' is starting around w/ all the food and I've seen the 'medication nurse' out doing her thing. Stuart just left on a hike (that will be a big chore today) Doug is here early for Half Day Play fun, and the groomers (that are left and not reassigned to the KENL somewhere) are in a scramble to get everyone out by noon. All the 'front staff' are here except Patty...... to get folks checked in. Patty drew the straw to come in at noon and 'clean up' whatever gets pushed to the side after the big mob hits. ..... and you know, life goes on.........Jo's here getting payroll done and other routine stuff to boot!!
Travel looks good for all of those of you that are traveling......... hopefully, no big delays. Here is our wish for you............that you are able to share your holiday in peace, love, and appreciation for all of those in your life.