TWO OF THE BIGGEST CLIENTS at Critter Hill Kennel are Jake and Emily, English Mastiffs owned by Bob Hunt and pictured here with Christine Robinson, kennel owner. Robinson said the pups are also two of her best customers.

    PRESQUE ISLE — Hate to leave your pet home while you work? Planning a weekend getaway or family vacation and need someone to watch Fido or Fluffy? Then look no more. Critter Hill Kennel is the place to take your four-legged companion when you have to be away, whether it’s a day, weekend or the entire week.

    Located at 97 Ashby Rd. in Presque Isle, Critter Hill Kennel is owned and operated by Christine Robinson, who brings a long history of working with animals to the business.
    “As the director of the Central Aroostook Humane Society and having numerous animals myself, from dogs and cats to chickens and horses, I know a lot about animals and their needs,” said Robinson.
    Robinson said what started several years ago as watching dogs for friends has evolved into a fully-operational kennel.
    “About three years ago I began watching animals for people in my home. My husband, Tom, and I saw such a need we decided about a year and a half ago to put up a building and have a real at-home business,” said Robinson, noting the convenience is a real plus.
    “The business is at my house but not in my house,” added Robinson. “With two young daughters, it allows me to be home with them and operate my business at the same time.”
    The kennel itself measures 30 feet by 30 feet and features a large penned-in area for pets to get their exercise.
    “I can house up to 20 dogs and also have the ability to board up to four cats, although I don’t get as much request for cats as I do dogs,” she said.
    Robinson is also a certified dog trainer and can help owners address behavior issues, teaching both owners and their pets how to work together for a more pleasant family experience.
    “Owners need to know how to talk to their pets to get the desired response from the animal,” she said.
    Robinson has been a certified trainer for two years.
    “I earned my animal behavior certificate in November of 2007 from Animal Behavioral College. I also bathe animals, trim toenails. In lieu of the guillotine doors and play pens, I have three yards for animal recreation. With the owner’s permission, dogs are paired with other dogs and they can go out and play,” said Robinson. “I don’t do grooming. I do ‘fluff and buff,’ which includes bathing, toenails and ear cleaning.”
    Robinson requires owners to provide up-to-date shot information.
    “That includes for kennel cough (Bordetella), and I also recommend flea treatment,” she said.
    The kennel is open seven days a week.
    “Since I house pets sometimes for a week at a time or more, I’m open basically seven days a week — Monday through Sunday. Hours for pick-up and drop-off are 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. That gives me time in between for a family life,” said Robinson, adding she recommends the ‘grand tour’ before boarding clients board their pets.
    Robinson said she enjoys the work and the many breeds she encounters.
    “I enjoy the variety. Each dog has a different personality and breeds differ in behavior,” said Robinson, giving as an example two of her largest boarders. “Jake and Emily are English Mastiffs owned by Bob Hunt. They’re 180 pounds each and are two of my biggest reasons for starting a home business.”
    Having two dogs of that size in her house proved a bit of a challenge, making the construction of the kennel a necessity.
    “Having such large dogs in my house, in addition to my own, was difficult,” she said.
    Business has been so good since the kennel opened over a year ago, the Robinsons are considering expanding the facility.
    “It’s amazing. Pets are like children and folks don’t seem to mind traveling from surrounding communities for me to watch their babies,” said Robinson. One client, according to Robinson, lives in Caribou, brings her dog to the kennel, then travels to work at Loring daily, then reverses the process to pick the dog up and return home each evening.
    Plans include a future expansion of the facility.
    “We’re (Tom and I) considering expanding. I’ve had such great recommendations from local vets and have had such great people behind me — my connection with the shelter, people know me through my articles in the newspapers. Business is growing as word spreads,” said Robinson.
    “Whether you’re looking for ‘doggy daycare’ for a day or need someone to watch your pet for a day or a week, that’s what I’m here for. I can bathe them, feed them,” said Robinson. “I provide food bowls, water bowls and bedding. All I ask owners to provide is their own food to prevent tummy upset. I try to feed twice a day, unless the owner specifies otherwise.”
    Exercise is also provided.
    “I’ll take dogs on walks upon the owner’s request. I also offer individual training packages and problem-solving,” said Robinson.
    For more information or to schedule a pet’s stay at the kennel, call 551-8201.

Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
    GABBY AND DAISY, boxers owned by Karen Duncan, of Presque Isle, were recent ‘guests’ at Critter Hill Kennel. 

Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
    A SAFE PLAY AREA is provided at Critter Hill Kennel, where dogs can play with other pooches in an enclosed area outdoor when weather permits. With owner’s permission, dogs can enjoy romping the yard with their four-legged friends, which gives them much-needed exercise and prevents the boredom they’d experience if they were cooped up in a house all day.