A BnB Retreat For Your Pets Where They Are Treated As Individuals
Owners
As you are entrusting us with your family members, we thought you would like to know a little about us.
In September 2018 Michelle and Sybren Mensonides purchased BnB Kennels, formally known as Happy Camp.
Before purchasing the kennel and moving to the Tri-Cities Michelle and Sybren lived in the Sunnyside, Yakima Valley are for 14 years (Sybren for almost 20 years) with their two sons who are now married and have relocated to the Tri-Cities.
Before coming to Washington, Michelle worked at JELD-WEN as an administrative assistant to the Sr. Vice President of Financial Services.
Michelle's love of animals and being raised on a hobby farm led her to raising Yorkies with her mom for several years and then Min Pins and Bouviers on her own. She spent several years volunteering as a dog 4-H leader and Livestock Director of the Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo where she strengthened her leadership skills and immersed herself in the local community.
Michelle enjoyed the people coming for puppies but has since stopped breeding so she can focus her time on the boarding kennel.
Sybren grew up on a dairy farm in the Netherlands and immigrated here with the dream of having his own dairy farm one day. He gained first-hand business experience from his hoof trimming business in the Yakima Valley that he established in 2002 but later discontinued his services in 2022 to dedicate more of his time to the kennel. While he might not have a dairy farm, they have recently added 2 beef cows to their mini farm.
Raising dogs and livestock most of their lives has made them better equipped to care for your pets. With their extensive backgrounds in animal care, you can trust that BnB Pet Retreat will treat your dog as an individual.
Employees
Tanner - Kennel Manager
Nicole - Kennel Attendant
Cyth - Kennel Attendant
Tanner has been working at the kennel since June 2022. She grew up around all sorts of animals and previously worked as a pet sitter and at a groomer. Also, she is currently a foster parent with the POPP organization we work so closely with! Tanner has loved animals since she was a child, but has always had a soft spot for dogs (especially old grumpy ones). Coworkers and family have crowned her 'The Dog Whisperer' after she has proven she can get almost any pup comfortable with her and usually gets a few cuddles as well. Her goal is to help your pet be as confident, happy, and relaxed as possible while they're with us. She can't wait to create a home away from home for your amazing fur babies!
Cyth - Kennel Attendant
Nicole - Kennel Attendant
Cyth - Kennel Attendant
Cyth (Scythe) started at the kennel in November 2022 but has worked with dogs and horses for years. Growing up with large breed dogs taught her that even the scariest-looking dogs have a soft side to them. She also has a deaf mini Australian Shepherd who's taught her the importance of patience when building trust with fearful dogs. She looks forward to getting to know all the different personalities of every dog that comes in. She also enjoys other animals such as Apollo, our Runner Duck that visits.
Nicole - Kennel Attendant
Nicole - Kennel Attendant
Nicole - Kennel Attendant
Nicole started working at our kennel in September 2023. She has worked with animals for 5 years and counting. She has worked as a stable hand, been a bather for a local groomer, worked as a professional pet sitter/dogwalker, and has now joined us at the kennel! Nicole has always considered animals to be family; From horses to dogs and everything in between. She has two dogs and a red tail boa of her own. Nicole loves to work here and make sure your animals are loved and cared for while your away.