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The Kennel

Big Times Kennel was founded in 1969 as a boarding kennel with the original building having 30 indoor/outdoor runs and a small office in the front part of the facility. In the early 70's the kennel was expanded to its present size of 50 runs and the legend was born. The kennel was named after a Coonhound owned by the original owner and the name has stuck for over 4 decades.

The kennel is presently owned and operated by John Reilly and Maureen Varvir a well established team of over 16 years. Since purchasing the facility in 1997 they have added other pet related services such as pet grooming, obedience training and agility training to better meet the needs of the Dayton dog community.

After a successful career in the retail world, John felt it was time to settle down and grow some roots. Having been involved in the dog world as a hobby since graduating from college and always enjoying working with canines, the plan was made to make a hobby an occupation. And so the journey began to find a kennel with enough land and opportunities to become a full service facility, boarding, grooming and training. After 3 years and a nationwide search the perfect landing spot was found here in southwestern Ohio and the plans were put together to leave southern California and relocate once again in Ohio. John's dog showing career started in the confirmation ring with an Old English Sheepdog in the early 70's. He then moved to his present breed of Bouvier des Flandres in the mid 80's as he got more involved in competitive obedience and herding. When agility started in the early 90's John and his Bouviers were there. His initial training was with one of the early leaders in the sport Karen Moureaux in California. Over the years John has titled dogs in all the venues he has perused and has been consistently in the top 10 Bouvier rankings nationally for performance dogs. His latest ranking in agility placed him and Laura (Ch Reillys First Lady of Lajeron CD AX AXJ OF CGC) number 2 Bouvier nationally after competing in the National Invitational in Long Beach, California in December of 2010.  LINK TO NATIONAL INVITATIONAL VIDEO

After graduating from The Ohio State University Maureen pursued a career in teaching with the Cleveland public schools in a bilingual 6th grade classroom. Upon moving to California Maureen followed her canine passion and enrolled in the Clippership School of Dog Grooming in Chatsworth , California. After graduating Maureen honed her skills at several shops in the Moorpark area and the Agoura Hills Humane Society. Once the kennel was purchased and the move was made, Maureen immediately set up the grooming business. She does it all from simple nail trimming to the full spa treatment. Maureen is also well versed in the competitive dog world as she has been involved showing in the conformation ring as well as in the obedience and agility rings. Being involved in the sports of dogs really gives Maureen the inside track to knowing not only what your dog should look like but also the insight to know how to make your dog more comfortable whether in the competition ring or laying on a coach.

Dogs are not the only animal interest Maureen has, being an avid knitter and fiber spinner lead Maureen into the English Angora rabbit world where she now spends a lot of her time. With limited showings in only the Ohio area she has made her mark in the English Angora world by taking 4 Best in Shows in 2010.She now maintains and shows 13 English Angoras (9 Grand Champions, 2 babies and 1 grouchy older fiber bunny).In the near future her rabbitry will be expanding to a new larger area specifically set up for her rabbits. Maureen also maintains a blog about her rabbits here  and a website dedicated to her angoras here. .

 

 

10650 Clyo Rd.
Centerville, OH 45458
937-885-3427
info@bigtimeskennel.com
Click here for Directions

 

 

 

Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.