Big Times Kennel

Kennel Big Times Kennel was founded in 1969 as a boarding kennel with the original building having 30 indoor/outdoor runs an if !vml endif d a small office in the front part of the facility. Some time in the early 70's the kennel was expanded to its present size of 50 runs and the legion was born. The kennel was named after a Special Coonhound owned by the original owner and the name has stuck for over 3 decades. Over the years we have added many other pet related services such as grooming, training and pet transportation services to better meet the needs of the Dayton dog community. The kennel is presently owned and operated by John J Reilly and Maureen Varvir a well established team of over 13 years. John left an upper management job in corporate America to fulfill a dream. Having spent almost 30 years in numerous retail positions and companies he felt it was time to settle down. Leaving his final position as Vice-president General Merchandise Manager for Leslie Pool Supplies in Chatsworth, California he purchased the kennel here in Centerville after only a single 2 hour visit. John started his dog showing career in the early 70's with Old English Sheepdogs. He changed to his present bred of choice in 1986 with his first Bouvier des Flandres and has remained with the breed ever since. John competes on a regular basis in agility, confirmation, herding and obedience. He has titled dogs in all venues and started teaching obedience 20 years ago and agility 12 years ago. Maureen left a bilingual teaching career in the Cleveland School district to follow her dog passions. After taking classes in dog grooming at the Chatsworth School of Dog Grooming in Chatsworth, California she worked at several shops and the Agora Humane Society to polish her trade. Once the kennel was purchased and we moved in, the grooming service was added to the venue immediately. Maureen does it all from simple nail trims to complete grooms. Maureen prides herself in making every dog look his or her best, she uses no tranquilizers and treats each pet with the same gentleness and care she gives her own. Maureen continues to work in the Bouvier Rescue program here in Ohio and competes on a regular basis in Agility and Obedience and has titled dogs in both venues. Recently she has added English Angora rabbits to her collection of pets. As Maureen is an avid spinner and knitter she uses her new pets not only as a fiber source for her knitting projects but also shows her rabbits in the Tri State area.