BALLARD W.Va. (WVDN) – In June 2022, one woman’s lifelong love of animals became her dream job when she and her husband decided to start a boarding facility. Crystal Ferguson along with her husband Chester, have created a facility that can house dogs, cats and other small pets. “Animals have been my life,” says Ferguson. “I’ve always been around them and I love seeing the dogs wag their tails. In fact, that’s my logo,” she adds. “When I go in to see them or play with them, just to see them wagging their tails – that’s my favorite part.”
Located in Ballard, West Virginia, All Tails Delightful offers a climate-controlled facility that can accommodate 28 dogs and 10 cats. “The dogs and cats are kept in separate facilities,” says Ferguson. “We keep the kennel area the same temperature as we keep our house.” Sleeping quarters measure 5’x5′ with and are monitored 24/7 with security cameras. “Every inch of our property is on camera,” Ferguson confirms. “We have cameras inside and out, so I can always hear and see what the animals are doing.” With several acres for play and run lots that allow for plenty of exercise, Ferguson reassures customers that the dogs are never left unattended outside of their kennel.
Customers with multiple fur babies may be able to take advantage of a special discount providing they are boarded together and can remain in the same enclosure for the duration of their stay. For example, the regular price for dog boarding is $30 for the first dog, $15 for the second and additional dogs are boarded free. For cats, the cost is $10 for the first cat, and $8 for the second with each additional cat being boarded at no additional cost. All prices are per animal per night and do not include sales tax. Doggie daycare is also available for $15 per day.
In February, All Tails Delightful will be offering a Valentine’s Day weekend special where dogs may be boarded for $20 per night for one dog or $30 for two dogs. The following month, their Spring Special in March will allow dogs that stay for two nights to enjoy their third night free of charge. “We have over 400 clients that have boarded with us since we opened, and we’re growing,” says Ferguson. “We always get new customers, and it’s all about word of mouth.”
With a brand new year underway, plans are already being made for holiday events. On Saturday, April 5, All Tails Delightful will welcome the Easter Bunny for digital photos with kids, pets, or both! From noon until 3 p.m., free digital photos will be taken and delivered via Facebook, text, or email. Additional new projects include the annual refinishing of the kennel floors and newly painted dividers.
Even with a few changes taking place, one thing remains the same: Crystal Ferguson’s love of animals. From dogs and cats to rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas and even reptiles, all are welcome as her adoration knows no limit. Well, with one exception. When asked what others may be surprised to know, she took a moment to think before beginning to laugh. “I’m pretty much an open book, and all of my clients know me,” she says. “As much as I love animals, they may be surprised to know that I don’t like spiders and that’s probably the only animal that I won’t keep,” Ferguson jokes. “I love animals, but just not spiders and If I’m ever asked to keep a tarantula, I just can’t do that.”
As the company nears its third year in business, the Fergusons know that customer relationships are the backbone of their business. “We really appreciate our customers and we could not do this without them,” says Ferguson. “We appreciate them entrusting us with their pets, and we make sure to give them lots of love and fun while they’re in our care. When they leave, we always message the customer with a thank you,” she adds. “We also send daily videos or photos to our pet parents while their baby’s are in our care, and we will also do FaceTime if that’s something they want to do. I don’t want anyone to bring their pets here and ever worry about their safety or if they are okay.”
All Tails Delightful is located at 60 Minnie Dunn Road in Ballard, West Virginia.
For more information, call 304-994-0352 or visit fergusonsalltailsdelightful.
