The Doghouse Kendal

OUR STORY

In this section we just wanted to let you know a bit about ourselves and our journey to opening the doghouse.

Who is we/ us?

We are sisters Laura and Anna Dixon. Together we opened The Doghouse Kendal. a Dog Boutique and Grooming salon at 26 Market Place, Kendal in April 2021. The most often asked question is are we twins as we look and sound quite alike, the answer is no. Laura is the eldest and she is out resident Groomer. Anna is the taller and she runs the boutique.

Our Background

In the summer of 2019, we sold our family business. For close to 20 years, we had a Dog friendly bed and breakfast in Ambleside. Our parents have now retired and rightly so. This left us both looking for something new to take us into our next chapter of life.

Our Loves/ Love known as Hugo

One of the constant loves in our lives had always been our family dogs. We are a family of doggie folk and have always had terriers. Our first dog called Tara was a Heinz 57 of a Lakeland terrier and Beagle, Max our second a mix of Airedale and Lakeland Terrier. Our current boy the lovely Hugo is 100% a Bedlington terrier.

Having a Bedlington terrier means a full groom every 6-8 weeks. Which means we know the importance of having a good groomer who you can trust with your dog. However, Bedlington’s are also a very interesting shape. Which also meant every harness, collar and jacket for Hugo had to be ordered from the internet. With the obvious hassle of returning items when they did not fit.

What to do x2?

Just as we sold the business our lovely groomer went off to New Zealand. Two huge problems. No one we knew could recommend a groomer who could cut a Bedlington. We were at a loose end. It was always our desire to do something together and work for ourselves, but what to do!

The Solution

So, Laura decided that she would like to try Dog grooming herself. Anna has always wanted her own shop. Combine all the above factors with our hospitality experience and the idea of The Doghouse sprung to life.

Laura trained at The Canine Groom School near Clitheroe. She gained an OCN qualification in dog grooming as well as City and Guild Levels 2 and 3 in dog grooming.

We knew our hometown of Kendal, with its high street, local cafes, shops and great town centre parking would be the perfect location.

What could be better than being able to drop off your dog for a groom and go for a coffee, lunch or do some shopping. Then when you come to collect your dog, get your doggie essentials at the same time.

Anna has spent time sourcing fabulous products from all kinds of companies with the aim of keeping both dogs and their humans happy.

The Doghouse Comes to Life

Our aim in opening The Doghouse was to create a warm, friendly and relaxed place for you to visit time and again. So come along to see Anna in the boutique at 26 Market Place, Kendal or give us a ring on 01539 735941 to book an appointment with Laura in the Grooming salon.

We look forward to seeing you soon!!!!