Photos by Libby Rogers
“We take all kinds of pets,” said receptionist (and Katherine’s daughter-in-law) Amber Dosey. Amber’s three-year-old son Zane played on the floor with a black miniature schnauzer while Mickey Mouse Clubhouse played in the background. “This is a family place, and our regulars know their pet is happy and safe here.” Amber explained with a smile that this includes dog customers like Bella, “who jumps out of the car when she gets here and has to say hi to everyone and visit each building when she returns.” The facility is truly an animal sanctuary. Along with the rotating kennel guests, Katherine raises schnauzers, takes in rescue dogs, and has chickens, horses, miniature horses, cockatiels, and 12 cats on the property.
“I’ve raised schnauzers for 30 years,” said Katherine. “I believe in schnauzers. My first dog was a schnauzer, and that was it—I was sold.” Aside from raising schnauzers, Katherine worked for many years in various positions, from sales, insurance, with The Huntsville Item, in the lab at Huntsville Adults and Pediatric medicine, and she even worked at a snow cone stand. “I was looking for an opportunity to do more of what I love and work from home, and I had this idea to open a kennel.”
In November 2014, she did just that. “Two weeks after I had the idea, I had the slab poured and made my move,” Katherine said. “All the skills I learned from my previous jobs really prepared me for this. I had customer service experience, I understood sales, and I knew a lot of people. This was a natural extension of what I was already doing.”
The business took off and soon was ready to expand. Katherine shared, “I had great results through Postcards advertising. I intended to put an ad in here and there, but I kept getting calls and ended up doing it every month!” In June 2017, LoneStar Poochie Palace added more kennels and a grooming salon.
LoneStar Poochie Palace also sells some of their favorite pet-related products and brands in the main office, including pet odor eliminating candles, sprays, and car fresheners, all of which keep the kennels smelling great despite the many canine residents. They also carry NuVet Shampoos and dog beds and bowls.
A lot of pride is put into maintaining the facility. Flower baskets hang from the grooming shop. A freshly painted welcome sign on the red barn greets customers. A disinfectant mat at the entrance to every building keeps germs away from the animals. LoneStar Poochie Palace welcomes potential customers to come tour the facility before boarding their pet. Amber said, “Pets are members of the family, and people want to know they are in a good place. So people come to see it and usually are so happy with how clean and friendly everything is, they book their pet’s getaway immediately!”
LoneStar Poochie Palace is open 7 days a week. Tours and appointments can be made by calling them directly at 936-714-2273. They are located at 6499 Halliday Lane in Madisonville, and on Facebook (LoneStarPoochiePalace).