By an Anonymous PAQK Member
When a dear friend reached out to me this past autumn and said a client of hers was looking to outsource a third party to help with some odds & ends at her business, I said “Absolutely I’m interested, what kind of business does she own?”
If you saw my face when she responded with “dog kennel,” I’d almost guarantee that my nose turned up ever so slightly. The words triggered my imaginary senses and the aroma of 100 wet, muddy dogs and loud, obnoxious barking filled my subconscious. Let’s just say, the business wasn’t exactly my type.
The drive to my first interview with QK felt the same to me as a cruise to a blind date does… you know, the blind date that your friend sets you up on, with encouraging words of your guaranteed compatibility and stories of how amazing and ideal the anonymous stranger is for you. A car ride filled with anxiety, half the exciting kind of anxiety (that you may share a single glance with Prince Charming and find your everlasting soulmate) and half the uneasy kind of anxiety (that you may be climbing out of a bathroom window and sprinting to your getaway car before you’ve even tasted your chicken parmesan).
I was almost certain that I’d fall somewhere in the middle when it came to this potential new partnership. But, you know what they say about assuming… because I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Never, in a million years, did I expect what happened next… I fell madly in love with QK Dogs.
There’s a feeling that happens when you fall in love, and if you’ve been truly been in love, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Words wouldn’t do the feeling justice, but simply, it’s the best feeling in the world… and I ALWAYS get that feeling when I am lucky enough to spend time at Quinebaug Kennels.
Watch the Video
When you fall in love with the PAQK, here’s what happens:
- You’re head over paws in love with the PUPPIES. And I mean puppies of all ages, all sizes, all breeds, all dispositions. The dogs as a unit have palpable energy and eagerness to learn. They are challenged and stimulated, mentally and physically, with a contentment to be at the ‘Puppy Hotel’ with other canines who share in their same joy. With wagging tails and happy yawns, the foundational belief settles into your heart & soul that “a tired, trained dog is a happy dog.” And let’s face it, there is nothing more endearing than a smiling puppy.
- You’re enamored and fascinated by the PEOPLE who embody QK. These dog trainers are truly incredible humans and the chemistry they have with their canine clients is unmistakable. The work can be grueling, but their grit and grace keeps them calm and centered during their days of doing what they so obviously love to do. Equal parts art and science, and like a moth to a flame, the magnitude and depth of dog training is nothing short of captivating. And behind the scenes, are just as many passionate team members that operate in love when it comes to their careers & their clients (whether the human kind or the canine kind).
- You’re swept off your feet when you recognize the level of PRIDE that goes into every aspect of the business. From the perfectly landscaped grounds to the sparkling clean kennels, each component of the business is meticulously maintained (I mean… it’s a dog kennel, and I’ve never seen dog poop… swoon)! The company culture is contagious to both employees and clients alike and all who walk through the doors not only adore dogs, they respect them. How can you not be attracted to a company who embodies that kind of commitment and confidence when it comes to canines? You can’t!
When I drive to QK now, I drive too fast and I sing loudly (and sometimes to Who Let the Dogs out), because I am THAT excited that within minutes, I’ll be apart of something much bigger & much more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. From the puppies to the people to the insurmountable pride… it’s safe to say, I’m just a fool in love with the PAQK. May your Valentine’s Day be as pawesome as mine is sure to be here at Quinebaug Kennels!
(Have a QK Love Story of your own? We’d love for you to share it with us)!
