Wendy Astle the ‘concierge’ at Lilac Grove Boarding Kennel

Born in Niagara-On-the-Lake, Ontario, Wendy Astle came to Thunder Bay in1977 after managing a standard bred thoroughbred horse farm in Effingham,Ont., for several years.

Working for the Canadian Grain Commission, she had the opportunity to takeearly retirement to chase her dream of owning her own kennel. It was only whenWendy and husband Bruce had won a trip to Jamaica and went hunting for a kennelfor her two dogs, Amber and Olivia did she realize that what she was looking for wasnot available in the city. This started the ball rolling to build her dream in 1994.

Opening the kennel, they offered all pet boarding, which included cats, dogs,reptiles, birds, any and all exotics. Twenty-five years later, they have built a businessfocusing on one-on-one care of dogs and cats, with an emphasis ongeriatric care.

“We love the seniors. I am their concierge!” says Wendy.

They not only look after their physical health, they also look after theirmental health with exercise programs geared for them. Leash walks downgroomed trails along with an interactive dog park and Friday afternoon artclasses round out their day. Bedtime stories with nighttime snacks mark theend of a very busy day.

“My five ‘aunties’ — they are honoured to be extended family to theircharges —work tirelessly providing the best care for both dogs and cats,”she says.

Husband Bruce, who wears many hats, maintains the property and thesmall hobby farm.

He is my biggest cheerleader, supporting me with all my crazy ideas,along with son AJ, who is a musician living in Toronto,” Wendy says.

So, does Wendy ever think about actually hanging it up and retiring for good?

“I’m not quite there,” she replies with a laugh. “I feel I can physically keep going,so that’s what I'm going to do.”