Four Paws Bed & Biscuit LLC in the Town of Farmville held an open house Sunday, Dec. 9, to show guests a new kennel site and to raise funds for a Jetersville-based organization that serves to rescue dogs.

The open house, held from noon-4 p.m., saw several four-legged friends who explored the space and their owners, who toured the site.

“We had a good turnout, even with the weather,” Wells said. “We had pets come and do a pet portrait. We had people come that didn’t bring their pets, but we had a good time.”

Four Paws owner Amanda Wells said the new kennel site includes an indoor play space with space for the dogs to exercise, sofas and TV sets.

“It’s basically, kind of like a living room, but for dogs,” Wells said.

Wells said the fundraiser yielded $210 for Jetersville-based organization Morgan’s Mutts Rescue & Adoption Center, which offers a kennel and access to veterinary care for dogs.

Wells said she connected with the founder, Debra Morgan and wanted to support a similarly small animal organization with expenses relating to veterinarian bills.

“I wanted to help a small organization, kind of like me, that could help,” Wells said.

Morgan said she was appreciative for the fundraiser.

“I was so honored that she reached out to another small business,” Morgan said. “It was awesome.”

Morgan noted the winter and holidays could be an overwhelming time for area shelters, and said after Christmas, shelters can get an influx of animals after owners receive pets for Christmas, but are unable to take care of them.

“Winter is a tough time for a lot of different reasons,” Morgan said.

Wells said the Four Paws space is located on her family farm property of 280 acres, and said the kennel houses dogs for day care service, overnight and long term stays, noting she has a dog currently at the kennel for two months.

Wells said while the kennel provides shelter and grooming solely for dogs, she also housesits for dogs, cats and farm animals like chickens and horses.