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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In addition to this update from Bellevue, Iowa, we will share other developments in Tuesday’s edition.
BELLEVUE, Iowa — After living in north-central Iowa for 14 years, Haley and Jason Edwards recently moved back to the county from whence they came.
And now that their roots are planted in Jackson County yet again, they have gone all in.
Haley and Jason are the new operators of Mississippi Ridge Kennel just north of Bellevue and have been at the helm since early February. It took them a couple months to get up to speed on all the inner workings of the operation, but now they are full steam ahead with the business that offers dog and cat boarding and dog baths.
This is the family’s first full-time foray into operating a professional dog business — though growing up, Haley’s family fostered dogs and she grew up around furry friends. The family has three dogs and three cats of its own, too.
Both Haley and Jason quickly have discovered the fact that the pooches who stay at their facility all have their own personalities.
“They’re like kids,” Jason Edwards said.
And, speaking of kids, the Edwards family includes four. Brody, 14; Payton, 10; Riley, 7; and Jason Jr., 4, all have a part in the business to varying degrees. Brody helps with some of the chores around the property, and they all have perhaps one of the most important duties at the business — helping the dogs and cats staying there feel welcome and loved.
“We like to have our kids involved,” Jason said. “They take (the dogs) outside and play with them. There’s lots of interaction. Stuff like that is a personal touch, and we treat (the dogs) like family.”
While the Edwardses are still relatively new in their endeavor, they also are looking toward the future, which they want to include a new facility with a retail component selling pet treats, toys, shampoo, food and other items.
The couple stays busy and runs a commercial agriculture staffing agency. Jason also is renovating the former Hank’s Place bar in Bellevue.
The decision to move back to Jackson County and take over Mississippi Ridge Kennel — while following their other pursuits, as well — ultimately came down to one thing.
“It’s that we are able to do this as a family,” Jason said.
Mississippi Ridge Kennel is located at 31821 U.S. 52 near Bellevue. It is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays and 6 to 7 p.m. Sundays. For more information or to book a stay, visit the kennel’s Facebook page or call 563-872-3735.