Although we are new to the area, we are definitely not new to caring for dogs. We recently purchased the well-known dog kennel in Smithsburg and are in the process of restoring it. Parts of the kennel are already fully functional, and we’re excited to begin welcoming dogs while we continue improving the property. It’s a place many people in the community already know, and we feel lucky to be able to carry on its history. Dogs have always been a big part of my life. I grew up with them and honestly can’t remember a time when I didn’t love being around them. That same love has followed me into adulthood. Over the years I’ve naturally become the neighborhood go-to pet sitter. Friends, neighbors, and family have trusted me with their pets for years, and I always care for them the same way I care for my own dogs — with patience, attention, and lots of affection. One of the things I’m most proud of is the therapy work I did with my dog. I trained and certified her as a therapy dog, and for 10 years we volunteered together in hospitals and nursing homes. That experience actually inspired my career path, and I went on to become a certified occupational therapist. My sweet therapy dog has since passed away after a long and wonderful life. She was incredibly special to me. I’m now starting that journey again with my new puppy, Merango, and hope to continue therapy work in the future. Right now I’m taking some time away from my occupational therapy work to focus on renovating and restarting the kennel. It’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing, and I’m excited to bring new life to a place that so many people in the community already know. I also have experience caring for senior dogs and dogs with medical needs, including giving medications like insulin injections. Our property has large outdoor fenced runs that give dogs plenty of space to move around and enjoy the fresh air in a quiet farm setting. injections.