Gibson Kennels
Providing the care pets deserve
By Kate Daly Contributing Writer

Mel and Bob Gibson, owners of Gibson Kennels PHOTO/KATE DALY

Region - Animals are the Gibson family business. Mel Gibson's idea of running a small kennel while staying home to raise her three sons has grown into a full-time operation with up to 15 employees that has been temporary home to nearly 6,000 pets over the last six years.

"I grew up on a farm," Mel said. "I have always been around animals."

She still is. The family lives in a house they built as they were renovating the building that now houses dogs, cats and the occasional bird. Their oldest son, Michael, works at the kennel, while David and Christopher sometimes spend time with the dogs in one of the play yards.

The renovations have continued throughout the 2,100-square-foot kennel's history. Last year, the Gibsons relocated the entrance and added a retail store for leashes, toys, beds and highquality foods.

The most recent renovation has been the installation of an epoxy floor that will resist damage and allow for more thorough cleaning. Gibson Kennels is known for cleanliness, a point of pride for both Mel and her husband, Bob, who co-owns the business.

"We have two dishwashers to sterilize all the [pet food] dishes," Mel said.

"We wash all the dogs' bedding on a daily basis," Bob said. "We pressure wash every room."

Along with the epoxy floor, the "Nantucket Room," as this part of the kennel is called, has been repainted. All the kennel rooms are airconditioned and have heated floors. The 85 kennels are all ground level and roomy, some with outside runs. Having once left her dog at a facility that put dogs in crates piled one atop the other, Mel was determined to improve the quality of boarding.

"We don't believe in crating," Mel said.

Only the day care dogs are crated for an hour a day to allow them to rest, because they would otherwise run all day, Bob said.

Not only do dogs have individual kennels, but they also have play yards where they can romp in small groups and get individual attention if their owners choose.

"When they're here, each and every dog has its own kennel so they can get up and move around," Bob said.

Pets from the same family are sometimes in a kennel together if the family requests it, Bob said. Cats have their own kennels, and a birdcage is on hand for the occasional winged guest.

The Gibsons have done most of the renovations themselves, as well as building their home on the 10-acre property that includes the kennel.

Another animal that gets attention at Gibson Kennels is the horse, specifically the barrel horse. Mel and Bob are directors of the area district of National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA). Barrel horses are named for what they do, which is race around a short course of barrels as quickly as possible. The family owns six quarter horses.

They host NBHA events and fund-raisers at the Gibson Arena. Mel started barrel racing about five years ago.

"I just got hooked [on] it," she said. "This is me and the horse against the clock."

Gibson Kennels, at 139 Upton Road (Route 140), Grafton, is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 5 to 6 p.m. Reservations for pet stays are recommended at least a month in advance. The phone number is 508-839-1757 and the website is at www.gibsonkennels. com.
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