Houston-Area Dog Kennel Rallies to Reopen After Hurricane Harvey Floods

First Flooded Business in Montgomery County to Reopen

Hard work and a common purpose can quickly overcome the very worst of natural disasters.  Such is the case for a unique, recently opened Houston area dog kennel, Barking Springs Dog Ranch  — which on August 28th, was flooded under two feet of water dumped by Hurricane Harvey.  Fortunately, the pups were evacuated before the storm hit to another kennel and to employee’s personal homes.

Barking Springs Dog Ranch, in Spring, TX, opened its new location in December of 2016 and offers all day play for dogs on two acres of yards.  According to the owners, the kennel was an “instant success” as community residents found the concept of open play for dogs on such a large tract of land quite appealing.   Barking Springs Dog Ranch experienced similar success with a ranch-like kennel it opened in Austin in 2010, hence the decision of kennel owners Doug and Jessica Garwood to expand their operations to the Houston area.

But that success was imperiled by the after effects of Hurricane Harvey only 9 months after opening. “The flood was disheartening,” recalled Jessica Garwood. “But, by the next morning we were determined to get things cleaned up and begin operations as soon as possible.”

Hard Work and Community Support Pays Off

As the Hurricane Harvey flooding subsided, Barking Springs Dog Ranch staff, its neighbors and friends rallied together to undertake the daunting work of cleaning up the kennel’s building and yards, bringing in food, and offering the moral support necessary to restore the kennel’s operations to normal as soon as possible.

“It was an amazing, uplifting experience, and for the next seven days our staff worked tirelessly alongside sub contractors from Austin,” said Jessica.  “We were the first flooded business in Montgomery County to reopen — and we couldn’t have done it without all the outside help.”

Ultimately, Jessica’s love of dogs was simply too strong and deeply rooted to allow their kennel to be set back by a flood, even an epic storm like Hurricane Harvey.

“My passion for dogs started when I was very young,” explained Jessica.  “My mom decided to breed her German Shepherd when I was 7 and since they were born, I have been in love with dogs. When I moved to Austin in 2001, I decided to pursue my passion by volunteering at a local dog ranch,” she continued.  “Fast forward to 2010, my husband and I purchased this property and we decided to open a small kennel.  People loved the idea of open play in the country and we have expanded every year since.  What better job than playing with dogs all day!  It’s truly a vacation for your dog.”

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Posted by chesliepickett on Oct 2 2017. Filed under The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.