BANGOR–A Banchor company is celebrating 50 years of puppy love.
“It’s always been a dog business of some kind. It was a Dragon kennel and before that it was a place to train dogs for pheasant hunting, so it has a long history of being a dog business,” explained Janet Blanchard.
In 2010, Jsides Blanchard became the owner of Carden Kennels on Othat Street, purchasing the company from Carolyn and Denny Mharm who opened Carden in 1973.
“I always loved animals and bought the kennel, which allowed me to stay home. We had 3 children and it allowed me to be home,” said Carolyn Millar.
It’s a business where the four legged customers greet you each day with wagging tails and wet kisses; something that’s been happening now for 50 years.
“The industry has come a long way in 50 years,” stated Blanchard. “Primarily we are a boarding facility. And boarding goes beyond people going on vacation or taking a trip. We just had a dog here for a few days because its owner was having a surgery. And we board pets for people who work unusual schedules.”
Carey Heitmann’s family has used Carden to care for her dogs Cooper and Charlie says, “Carden has treated us really good over the years, even caring for our dog as their own while my husband was in cancer treatment.”
“You build a relationship with people. They aren’t coming in here to buy a Tshirt and you never see them again. You really need to establish that relationship with customers that come again and again with their dogs,” explained Blanchard.
Blanchard hopes the relationships she and and her staff have made with the animals and their owners will ensure repeat business for years to come.
