OUR STORY
Forty years of care on Humbert Road, and a new chapter.
The kennel at 205 Humbert Road has cared for Troutville’s pets since before 1984. Today it’s Two Girls and a Kennel: me, Jess Barber, and my mom, Mary Ann.
Where it began
The kennel started out as Crest Hill Kennels. In 1984, Doloris H. Wells bought it and ran it as Crest Hill Animal Inn for nearly forty years.
Doloris lived for the show ring. She groomed and showed Giant Schnauzers, traveled constantly for dog shows, and her dogs won numerous championships over the years. She was always eager to teach anyone who would listen about breed standards, dog facts, and the latest herbal and vitamin remedies.
Many knew her, but few understood her.
After Doloris stepped back in 2022, the kennel was rented out for a year, and it closed in August 2023. Doloris passed away at home on September 25, 2025.
How I got here
I met Doloris in 1999, when I started working at this kennel. I worked here for several years, until I left for college in 2006. Even after that, I kept coming back to help on weekends and holidays when she needed me. Later I helped with grocery runs and hospital visits, especially in the winters when it was hard for her to get around.
Over the years I’ve worked and volunteered at dog kennels, animal hospitals, and shelters. I managed kennels and worked as a veterinary assistant in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, and I earned a bachelor’s degree in science/biology from Old Dominion University.
When Doloris passed, she left this property, and her own dogs, to me. I’m humbled and honored to carry on what she started.
— Jess
Meet the two girls
Jess Barber
Owner
Jess has known this kennel since 1999 and brings years of kennel management and veterinary assisting. She lives on the property, in a separate house up the hill, close enough to hear the dogs and walk down to check on them any time.
Mary Ann
Weekends and the office
Jess’s mom and biggest fan. She and Jess’s dad bred pugs through the 1980s and 1990s, until selling the puppies got too hard because she wanted to keep them all.
Our journey
- Before 1984
Crest Hill Kennels
- 1984
Doloris H. Wells buys the kennel and opens Crest Hill Animal Inn
- 1999
Jess starts working at the kennel
- 2006
Jess leaves for college, but keeps coming back to help
- 2022
Doloris steps back, and the kennel is rented out for a year
- August 2023
Crest Hill Animal Inn closes
- September 2025
Doloris passes away and leaves the kennel to Jess
- 2026
Two Girls and a Kennel opens its doors
- Today
Dog boarding, cat boarding, and dog baths for families of every kind
Peace of mind, day and night
Because I live up the hill, someone is always close by. If the dogs bark at night, I can hear them and walk down to check. Your pets are never alone on the property.
All pets. All families. Always welcome.
Whether your pet stayed here in the Crest Hill days or is visiting for the first time, we can’t wait to meet them. Your fur babies will be in great, loving hands.