Add En On Pet Resort & Play
Where dogs come to play and have fun!
History of Add En On Kennels
Add-En-On is a third generation family owned and operated business that was established in 1937. In the early 1930’s Dr. Carl T. Harris and his wife, Grace Peck Harris, were living in the City of Rochester. Dr. Harris was a prominent orthopedic surgeon. In addition to serving as a board member to many of the hospitals in Rochester, he had his office on Alexander Street. The Harris family were polietly asked to “move to the country”. They were caring for 27 dogs and puppies of their own, in the City of Rochester. In the spring of 1937, Dr. Harris, his wife Grace, their two children Carl Jr. and Elizabeth, and all of their beloved dogs moved to the farm located on 112 Pond Rd. They purchased 86 acres and a lovely Victorian farm house, next to Mendon Ponds park for their family. Add-En-On started out as a breeding kennel for the families Great Pyrenees and Norwegian Elkhounds.
In the 1940’s, showing, training, and raising dogs was a hobby for Dr. Harris and his wife. It was something they dearly loved. In addition to being a breeding kennel, Add-En-On began hosting dog shows. Their Great Pyrenees champion line, can still be found today in breeding history books. Dr. Harris passed away in 1945. That left a great hole here at Add-En-On and for the dogs.
W. Bruce Coates came to Add-En-On in search for a job after serving in WWII. It was where he served as an Advanced Scout dog handler. He, along with his Doberman scout, “Duke” came to find a place here working, and showing dogs. In 1948, W. Bruce Coates, married Elizabeth Harris, Dr. and Mrs. Harris’ daughter. They would come to be the second generation owners when they purchased Add-En-On from Grace Peck Harris in 1960.
Throughout the 1940’s there were many grand champion Pyrenees were raised and shown on the grounds of Add En On. Grace Peck Harris, started a “Kennel Management Course”. It grew so large that it became a correspondence course for people all over the world. The 1950’s was the start of a new era. People, whom had purchased puppies from Add-En-On, needed a place to leave their beloved dogs when they went away. In their minds there was only one place to go......Add-En-On. In the 1960’s, Add-En-On was no longer a breeding kennel, however they kept “adding on” to accommodate their clients growing dog boarding needs.
W. Bruce and Elizabeth raised their own family of three at the farm. They worked helping Add-En-On continue to grow. Lawrence, Bruce and Lynn grew up loving dogs. Lawrence took a turn at running the kennel only to find his true calling took him to the West Coast. Lynn also found her calling away from Add-En-On, in horses, eventing. Bruce, continued to help his mother, Elizabeth run the kennel.
In 1982, Bruce W. Coates, purchased Add-En-On and the 5 1/2 acres it sits on today. The Monroe County Parks system over the years had purchased the rest of the 80 acres, making Mendon Ponds Park what it is today. Bruce built Add-En-On to the size of being able to accomodate 350 dogs and cats, with very hard work and patience.
On October 23rd, 2014 we lost Bruce's Mom, andAdd En On's daughter, Elizabeth "Betty".
We will always love and miss you.
May she rest in peace.
On Sunday morning, March 8, 2015, Add En On Kennels was forever changed. A devastating fire destroyed 95% of what was the kennel everyone knew and loved. Firefighters, neighbors, people from the community, and two very brave employees of Add En On, Jessie and Cullen, acted quickly, without thought or regards for themselves, getting the dogs out as fast as they could.
They were able to save 29 dogs. Our hearts will always remember and feel great sadness for the 15 dogs who did not survive that day. They were, and are forever a part of our family.
The outpouring of love, support, hugs and shared tears, Monday morning, March 9th, was overwhelming. The Add En On family, community, friends, valued clients, and new friends were there, amidst the devastation and heart break. The support and love s what convinced both Bruce and Michelle that they needed to rebuild Add En On, and continue doing what they do, and have done for generations........ which is care for their dogs, as they have always done.
Add En On is today, is still a 3rd generation family owned and operated pet resort. Bruce and Michelle continue to be devoted t0 the dogs, the clients, and are involved in the daily running of the business.