About Us

Kim & Harry Zippel are the proud owners of Blue Ribbon Boarding and Training.

We share our home with 4 dogs: Barlowe – Rottweiler, Twist – Giant Schnauzer, WeeGee – Bichon Shih Tzu, and Julee – Pekinese. 3 Cats” Asker, Bandit and Tami.

We also enjoy fostering and rehabilitating dogs for the Southern Alberta Rottweiler Rescue. We will bring in one or two at a time and have them live with us for a couple of months. We will work with the dogs and teach them how to be a loving, stable, member of the family before they are placed up for adoption through the rescue group. You can check out SARR at www.albertarottweilers.ca

Kim’s dog background began in 1986 when she took her first dog, a Siberian husky to obedience school. She became involved with the training academy as an assistant trainer and eventually became a full time trainer with the academy. Kim and her business and personal partner opened up a full time training centre with dog grooming and one of Calgary’s first doggy daycares.

In 1997, Kim’s life took a big turn and she was on her own, looking for a new venture. Especially For Pets became the venture that would soon become her passion.

In 2006, Harry and Kim discussed how busy the store was getting and decided life would be much easier if Harry just joined the Especially For Pets Gang!!! So after 25 years with Atco Gas, Harry joined Kim in the business of Pet Retail, Grooming, Training and Doggy Daycare.

In 2008, they were told by a little birdie that a kennel was for sale south of Bragg Creek. Having no intention on selling their wonderful neighborhood store, they went to look at Blue Caleb Kennels. The opportunity and the fit for them seemed so perfect, the decision was made to try to sell everything, business, new home, cabin, and try to make this work.

Harry and Kim have made this work and hope to bring their passion for people and their pets into Blue Ribbon Boarding and Training. Looking forward to seeing you and welcoming your pets into their home away from home.