Loch Countryside Kennel in Peru celebrates 10th anniversary Saturday

After a decade serving the Illinois Valley, Loch Countryside Kennel will host a celebration event to thank the community that has supported them.

The celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22, and run until noon at 3266 East First Road in Peru. The festivities will feature a live radio broadcast with from WALLS 102 and have different prizes and giveaways.

In conjunction with Illinois Valley Animal Rescue, the event also will feature an adoption challenge.

Every rescue dog that finds their forever home will be given a congratulations adoption package including a free weekend at Loch Countryside Kennel. Brother’s Country Supply also will be contributing a gift package as well.

Owner and Operator Laura Loch has been at the helm of the animal care organization for 10 years and wanted to put this event together to show her appreciation for those that have supported them through the years.

Loch originally began as a customer at the kennel when it was under different ownership and never expected to be where she is now.

“It’s not something that I knew I was going to do, it wasn’t like a lifelong plan or dream that I had,” Loch said. “I’ve always just been really good with animals in general. At that time I barely had any customers at all.”

Through the years in business, Loch grew the organization from a small facility with eight kennels to a larger building that has seen three renovations. Today Loch Countryside Kennel has expanded to include 23 kennels.

Loch’s kennels are indoor and outdoor, which allow visiting dogs the opportunity to experience more than a typical kennel. Dogs also have access to a large play yard that allows the animals to get the daily exercise they need.

Loch personally provides the care for all of the dogs she takes in seven days a week.

For Loch, the growth didn’t happen overnight but because of the word of mouth referrals and support of the community it has been steady.

“I had to gain the trust of the people of the Illinois Valley,” Loch said. “I didn’t know anybody when I came here. I was an unknown and because I’m so heartfelt in what I do, I gained the trust of enough people that they started referring customers to me.”