A Barcaldine-based boarding house for cats and dogs has become the recipient of Local Pet Awards’ Kennels of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Run by mother and daughter team Fiona and Anna-May Woodhouse, Lochandubh Kennels and Cattery was nominated for the 2023 awards anonymously and won.
Last year’s success meant the local outfit were automatically entered for the 2024 awards and thanks to a loyal following, who took part in the public vote, Fiona and Anna-May once again found themselves taking to the rostrum at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow to accept their trophy from Scottish TV presenter, actress and model Carol Smillie.
Speaking to the Oban Times last week Anna-May said: "I really thought we would be more blasé about it this year and I think I was at the start of the night but as our award got closer I started to feel really nervous.
"Apart from the adjudicators no one knows who has won until it is announced. I couldn’t believe it when they read our name out. It was a real surprise to hear we had one it again."
The event, held on Saturday April 27, highlights the dedication and commitment of those working within the local pet sector.
This year separate awards were held in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland - shining a light on the best in each area.
Lochandubh came out top for the Angus/Stirling/Aberdeenshire/Perth & Kinross/Fife/Argyll & Bute area.
Fiona told us: "It was a grand event covering all categories of the pet industry.
"We would really like to thank all our customers and friends who voted for us. People come to us from all over Scotland because they know that their pets will be well looked after.
"We understand how anxious people get when they have to leave their pets, they are part of the family, so we make sure they are kept as happy and comfortable as possible during their stay.
"It works as people keep bringing them back."
Set in secluded woodland 15 miles north of Oban, Lochandubh has 24 purpose built heated kennels and eight cat chalets with heated beds.
A lifelong animal lover, Fiona has 40 years of experience in animal care and kennel management. Anna-May joined the partnership in February 2023 and the pair now share the workload as well as the enjoyment of their family business.
As well as managing the kennels and cattery, the pair also run the registered charity Fiona’s Ark for the rehoming of animals in Argyll and surrounding area.
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