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About Us: Our History

In September of 1987, Tim Ritzman and Lauren Hatfield-Nicholson met and began their education in dog grooming at New York School of Dog Grooming.

Upon graduation, Tim returned to Millerstown and opened Bark of the Town Pet Grooming in a small room in the back of his parents' car dealership and Lauren returned to her job as a dog groomer at the Hair and the Hound in Hornell & Corning, New York. After outgrowing the small room at Ritzman's Cars, Tim purchased a small building off the square in Millerstown. He rebuilt it and relocated Bark of the Town to 109 West Sunbury Street, its current location.

After marrying in November 1989 and moving to their new home, Tim and Lauren began their lives together. Two years later, Bark of the Town Kennels were added on to their home with six indoor/outdoor runs. Four years later Bark of the Town Pet Grooming received a complete renovation with a totally new building in its same location, this time allowing for more room for retail sales. That same year Tim and Lauren's first child, Margaret was born. Soon after came their next child, Ian and then came Daniel--all future dog groomers and kennel operators! In August 2004 the completely new Bark of the Town Kennels opened. The modern, state-of-the-art kennels have 24 indoor/outdoor runs with heated indoor floor, air conditioning, natural lighting, kennel webcams and much more!

Tim and Lauren live happily with their family (including three dogs, two cats and three rabbits) on the kennel premises. When a pet is dropped off to begin his or her "vacation" the owner can rest assured that their pet will be treated like one of the family.

The Ritzman Family

 

Our Kennels - click to enlarge