In 2022, Heather and Andy Cook of Adrian, began a journey on a dream that has become a fruition of success. After Heather’s parents, John and June Jones, left them her grandparents, Ida and Harley Jones, 1930’s Craftsman Bungalow and the plot of land that it resided on, Heather knew that it needed to be preserved with as much love as it was built with.
“I always promised my daddy that the property would remain in the family as long as it was mine.” Heather explained.
Unfortunately, however, after observing the damage and wear the home had undergone over the past 90 years, the Cooks were made aware that there was no way of saving her grandparents beloved home without breaking the bank, but Heather was determined to uphold her family’s legacy and the memories that were created on their property.
“My grandparents’ house had been there for almost 100 years. It was just the central place where everybody met up for family gatherings, Christmas’s, and Thanksgivings.” explained Heather, “I didn’t want to just leave the land vacant. We knew we were going to put something there, so we waited until we knew what we wanted to do before we started tearing it down.”
After giving it some thought, the couple decided to create a farm and build a metal building for a tractor shed on the property. Then, Heather had an idea that fueled an existing passion within her, and a family business was established.
“When we began building the tractor shed, I said to myself, ‘Well we got to pay for it one way or another’ so I convinced my husband to make it into a boarding facility for dogs. We finished it out with 11 5x8 inside kennels and 5x8 outside kennels that have individual doggy doors, stalls, their own air conditioning units and two 40 by 40 play yards.” She explained.
In March of 2023, the Cooks opened their farm and kennels to the public but not without first giving it a proper name that tributed the home that built their dream and the man whose own little piece of heaven made it possible.
“We decided to name the Boarding Facility Harley Hill Farm & Kennel after my grandfather, Harley.” Heather said with a smile.
In addition to the name, the Cooks quite literally left no stone unturned and incorporated pieces of Heather’s grandparents’ home into the building. Different mementos of the original brick and boarder can be found throughout the facility including the stones from the original fireplace that her grandfather built by hand.
“The land is filled with so many memories that they established so we wanted to do something special to symbolize them as much as possible. My grandparents always believed in the power of community. They even used to host a community BBQ there every year on the fourth Sunday in April. That event ran from 1957 to 1991 and people from all throughout Adrian would attend and bring their own covered dishes for everyone to enjoy.” Heather shared.
Although Harley Hill Farm & Kennel was originally meant to be a hobby and a secondary way to afford extra expenses, it soon became the primary focus for the Cooks. This ultimately changed their lives in a profound way that they never imagined before.
“Dogs have always been my passion.” said Heather, “We have seven dogs of our own, so I just figured that this was a good way to pay for the building and maybe a future retirement plan, but the retirement came sooner than I thought.”
Since opening the boarding facility, Heather was able to retire after 20 years of service for Swainsboro’s, Cadle Law Firm. Now she centers her attention on each and every pup that’s treated to a stay at Harley Hill, providing them with the best dog-gone experience a fur-baby could receive.
“Because the kennels are located on our property, we’re able to go four or five times a day and let them out. We also provide them with a ‘turn down service’, so-to-speak, between 9:30 and 10 p.m. every night. We let them out to do their duty, give them a treat and let them calm down to go to bed.” She explained.
Harley Hill Farm & Kennel is located at 167 Jones Lane in Adrian. The boarding fee is $25 per night. For reservations contact Heather by phone at 478-494-5120 or by email at harleyhill2023@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook by searching Harley Hill Farm & Kennel.
“Dogs hold a special place in my heart and bring my husband Andy and I so much joy and happiness. We know how important your pets are to you and we promise to treat them like family. Keep Harley Hill Farm & Kennel in mind as you plan your next trip.” Heather concluded.
