Avalon Pet Care, which has served island pets and their owners for more than 20 years, will close next month, and an online fund-raising account has been set up to assist the owner with upcoming expenses.
Laurie Hardtarfer, 59, first started the business in 1994, caring for animals in people’s homes. She said she came to realize the business might be more profitable if she brought the animals to her, so on land she co-owned with two other people, she built one kennel — and that grew to the 17 kennels she has today that house dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit. She said she must be off the property by May 31 and hopes to stay open until at least May 15, proving boarding and daycare to island dogs.
Due to financial difficulties several years ago, Hardtarfer filed for bankruptcy, she said, and the land was put in one of the other owner’s names. That person is moving to Italy and decided to sell the land. After four months on the market, there was just one offer, and it barely covers the mortgage and closing costs.
“We are coming out of this without a dime,” she said last week. “We were hoping this would be our retirement.”
Aware of her financial need, three islanders — Merrilee and John Runyan and Karen Biondo — set up a GoFundMe account with the goal of raising $75,000 to help Hardtarfer move ahead.
“We feel she has been a stalwart that is really valuable in a way that is generous, kind and caring to the people involved,” Merrilee Runyan said last week. “We wanted to return the favor.”
So far, more than $10,000 has been raised.
“It has been a lifesaver,” Hardtarfer said about the money. “I cannot believe the generosity and love and support from my customers. I cannot express in words what it has meant that so many people have stepped up to help me in this difficult time.”
Adding significantly to Hardtarfer’s challenges is that she had a life-threatening stroke in December.Amazingly, she said, she came out of it without paralysis, a speech impediment or memory loss. Still, she said, she is only able to work an hour or two a day and credits her employees — one in particular — with keeping the business afloat until now. She has applied for Social Security Disability Income, but that is a long process, and it could be a year before she finds out if she has been approved.
When she leaves Vashon, Hardtarfer said she will move to Everett with her mother, who is in poor health.
In addition to Hardtarfer, her employees and business partner, Avalon’s closure will effect pet owners and the other island boarding and dog day care facility. Janet Miller of NW Canine Connection said she does not have room for all the dogs that could need care at peak times and encourages pet owners to find alternatives — and to arrange care with her early.
Vashon Island Pet Protectors’ (VIPP) Amy Carey said that organization will also be affected, as Avalon tended to many of the dogs in the nonprofit’s care. Now, VIPP is looking to expand its dog foster program quickly. She encourages anyone interested to contact the nonprofit.
“Laurie has been a remarkable partner to us,” she added.
