Local dog owners will soon have a place to board their pups in the community.
A new dog kennel is in the works just east of Ashern, with the goal of officially opening this June. Amanda Ruchotzke has wanted to do this for a while and is excited to open the kennel’s doors.
DogKennel: (L to r) Joey Ruchotzke, Mandy Ruchotzke, Jay Ruchotzke, and their dogs Polo and Popcorn and cat Autumn. They’ll be opening a dog kennel this June
“It’s kind of always been on. My mind,” she said. “I just love animals, so I just wanted to do it. One of my friends was saying they have to go as far as Warren to kennel their dogs, and I said, ‘I’ll do it for you.’ Then I was like, I can do it for everybody.”
Ruchotzke recently boarded her cousin’s dogs too, and her own dogs were just as thrilled with the arrangement as she was. She has two cats and two dogs herself, one of which is a Great Pyrenees who takes his guarding job very seriously. When Ruchotzke had the two dogs she was watching in a kennel in her house for the night, her other dog, Popcorn, slept in the crate with them.
Backwood Cabin Kennels will have four kennel spaces when it opens, each attached to its own run, and a larger run outside. The space will have covered areas for the pups to stay and will be surrounded by a fence within a fence for extra safety. The dogs will sleep in kennels inside Ruchotzke’s house at night so she can keep a close eye on them. If more spaces are needed at Backwood Cabin Kennels, they’ll expand as needed.
The kennel will also provide basic grooming services like brushing and nail trims, and will offer trail walks and exercise for the pups.
Ruchotzke knows from her own experience how to care for animals. She’s rescued two herself and has always been surrounded by furry friends.
“My heart is definitely with the animals,” she said. “We travel as well, and I know how it is when you need someone to watch your dogs. They’re your babies.”
Right now, Ruchotzke plans to be up and running by June. She’s accepting bookings already and has had people reach out to learn more about Backwood Cabin Kennels and inquire about touring the facility first. While they lay gravel and add finishing touches to the kennel, Ruchotzke is happy to talk people through the business and set up a time for them to see it for themselves.
To reach her, call or text 204-768-0584.
