THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510270162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, when a Saint Bernard came to stay at Kay Duke's animal hotel, Love N Care Pet Getaway, she cooked and served him chicken and rice for three weeks.
No problem for Duke. ``I treat them like I'd want to be treated,'' she said with a laugh.
``I do a lot of picking up, petting and hugging. Some bring a toy, just like a child. Some take medicine, some don't.''
About 250 dogs and cats have been guests since Duke's ``hotel'' opened in May. When one guest doesn't like another, dividers separate them. Most times, only pets from one family are allowed to mingle.
The hotel is in a building outside Duke's home on Manning Road. It consists of one room with 20 separations to house 20 pets.
Duke said the idea of the hotel came from her daughter, who operates a pet grooming business next door.
As much as Duke loves animals, she draws the line at snakes. ``I could never hug or pet a snake,'' she said.
What brought you to Suffolk? I have lived in Suffolk all my life.
What do you like about it? I enjoy walking down the street or into the stores and having friendly faces and hello's along the way.
Birthdate? Young as I feel.
What's your fondest childhood memory? Being around my parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles.
Marital status and children? Widow, two daughters.
Pets? Lots of dogs, horses and cats.
What was your first job/worst Job? Working at Bowden's Florist; never had a job I was unhappy with.
Occupation? Girl Friday at Oak Ridge Florist and owner of Love N Care Getaway.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? None. I like what I'm doing.
What's your favorite hangout? My home.
Favorite food/drink? Steak and Pepsi.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Going out west and trail riding.
I can't resist? Chocolate and good music.
Few people know that? I love NASCAR racing.
Most embarrassing moment? I fell in the street with a bushel of butter beans.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Enjoy giving it away.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Keep God in whatever you do and go for the best in whatever you do.
What do you think is best thing about yourself? I feel that I am good at meeting people. It's something I attribute to my beloved husband, Louis, who never met a stranger.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I'm happy with myself. I wouldn't trade places with anyone.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My family and their love. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Kay Duke gives some reassurance to Devlin, an Irish wolfhound,
before they take a walk.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB