CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Almost a year after their business was wiped out by the tornado that touched down in Clarksville on Dec. 9, Kathy’s Pampered Paws held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate a new beginning.
Kathy Conn, owner of Kathy’s Pampered Paws, told Clarksville Now that while they had their doubts throughout the process, they’ve spent the last year trying to piece their business back together and it’s been a roller coaster of a journey. “It has been a hard-fought battle with a lot of emotions and a lot of sleepless nights,” Conn said.
Kathy’s Pampered Paws, which was located on Hadley Drive just off Fort Campbell Boulevard, specializes in dog boarding, dog daycare, cat boarding, grooming, bathing and retail items.
When the tornado hit, they had one employee, 38 dogs and a cat on site. Conn said it was a miracle that the employee and the animals didn’t have a scratch on them. However, the same can’t be said about the building, which was leveled by the storm.
Kathy’s Pampered Paws relocated several times after the tornado, including time in a rental home. She also had a dog living in her daughter’s spare bedroom at one point since the owner was overseas and her daughter was off at college. Conn said her business is currently using two locations: Saints and Sinners Tattoo studio off Fort Campbell Boulevard and Conn’s farm.
Conn said the last year has been hard for her employees, who have all stuck by her side.
“I kept all of my employees, and I’ve been taking care of them too, I hope,” Conn said. “They’ve had to struggle. … It’s not easy, it’s not fluid like having a normal place of business where you know where everything is. … Just to know it’s actually going to happen is really amazing. For a while, we didn’t think it was, and we thought it was over.”
With limited space, Kathy’s Pampered Paws hasn’t been able to take new clients. But that will change upon the completion of their new, two-story building, which will include new features such as an indoor play area for their furry friends.
Conn said she is praying for construction to be complete in the summer of 2025, but they will certainly be reopened before the holidays next year. Kathy’s Pampered Paws new facility will once again be located at 127 Hadley Drive.
Conn said she is thankful for her employees, customers and the community as a whole. “People have really stepped up when we needed them most.”
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