Sunday, March 26, 2000
Haven for dogs closing
Kennel operated here since 1947
BY ANNA GUIDO
Enquirer Contributor
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — Windcrest Kennels, Cincinnati's first and oldest kennel, will close March 31.
Owner Cindy Hoskins said she needs the time to devote to her sick mother.
“I'm an only child, and I have an only child who's in Florida teaching scuba diving, so there isn't anybody to carry on the family business,” Ms. Hoskins said.
Windcrest Kennels, at 501 Meadowcrest Road, was founded in 1947 by Ms. Hoskins' father, the late Robert E. Schwartz.
Mr. Schwartz trained military dogs during World War II. He worked with the Army K-9 Corps in Fort Robinson, Neb., in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. He and his canine partner, Tuffy, cleared mines, guarded prisoners and searched caves. In his years as a kennel operator, Mr. Schwartz trained hundreds of dogs in obedience, protection and tracking. He was a Norwood High School graduate.
“I regret, that after my father spent a lifetime building up his reputation and this business, to have to say goodbye,” Ms. Hoskins said. “But Mom and I just can't do it.”
Ms. Hoskins said she doesn't want to sell the business.
“It takes a special individual to fit into this niche and it's getting harder and harder to find that kind of person,” she said.
Customer Barbara Wood of Clifton said Ms. Hoskins and her parents fit the calling well. Mrs. Wood and her husband, Horacio, have taken their dogs to Windcrest for more than 30 years.
“I always knew that our dogs would be well taken care of because it was like they were going to stay with a member of the family,” Mrs. Wood said.
Windcrest's closing means it may be even more difficult for Tristate dog owners to find kennel space.
“Some of the people I know who have kennels are always full,” said Linda Biddle, vice president of the Northern Kentucky Kennel Club.
The job requires a strong commitment from kennel operators, she added.
“Running a boarding kennel is a seven-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year job,” said Ms. Biddle, an animal technician for Florence veterinarian Dr. Tom Angel.
“It's not just another business. You just can't warehouse these animals for 10 days or two weeks, throw food at them and think they're going to be all right. Ninety percent of the animals you're going to board are people's house pets that are used to a lot of attention.”
The end of Windcrest also marks a new beginning for Ms. Hoskins, whose life has centered around the kennel.
“I went back to school and became a medical massage therapist,” she said. “I'm interested in working with the geriatric population.”
As with her father's business, Ms. Hoskins said she expects it will take some time to build a loyal clientele.
“Loyal customers — repeat business — they're the ones who keep you eating regular,” she said.
Latest updates on Microsoft negotiations
Tourism takes local economy for a ride
Local slot machines not a bad bet
Stay a while, visitors urged
Top banana leaves Chiquita
Restaurant alternative: Personal chef
Haven for dogs closing
SMALL-BUSINESS DIARY
Tristate's priciest homes
