
Cody O’Kelly, owner and president of Hunky Hound Handlers, with his dogs Mia, a black lab, and Tepper, a Weimaraner, outside HHH Canine Lodge and Ranch at 332 Norfolk Road in East Canaan.
L. Tomaino
Cody O’Kelly, owner and president of Hunky Hound Handlers, with his dogs Mia, a black lab, and Tepper, a Weimaraner, outside HHH Canine Lodge and Ranch at 332 Norfolk Road in East Canaan.
EAST CANAAN — With cozy quarters, canine cuisine and professional handlers, HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch opened its doors in March.
The operation at 332 Norfolk Road in East Canaan is run by Cody O’Kelly, owner and president of Hunky Hound Handlers, who has recently expanded to include the location formerly known as Pooch Palace.
O’Kelly assured customers that the retail store at 11 Railorad St. will remain open and “continue offering raw food, gently cooked kibble options, supplements and nutrition guidance, and grooming, while the Canine Lodge & Ranch will handle boarding, training, and structured care.”
“The expansion isn’t just about adding more services — it’s about raising the standard for dog care in a way that makes sense,” O’Kelly said. “Everything we do is about helping dogs live their best lives in the real world — not just when they’re with us, but in their everyday lives with their owners.”
HHH is dedicated to the “real world approach” to dogs. “This means focusing on what actually works, not just what’s trending,” O’Kelly said.
O’Kelly’s inspiration came years ago. “It all started with a love for adventure and a realization that most traditional pet care wasn’t meeting dogs’ real needs.”
His Australian Labradoodle, Nikki, was his first hiking partner. “When she wasn’t up for intense trails, I started bringing other dogs along. That led to running a hiking service, which turned into a deeper passion for structured exercise, training and nutrition.”
HHH’s real world approach consists of balanced training in which O’Kelly said they “use clear communication — both rewards and corrections — to help dogs gain confidence, reliability and off-leash freedom.” Custom nutrition is important with “everything from raw feeding guidance to supplements that actually support a dog’s needs.”
Also key is adventure and movement. O’Kelly stresses “Dogs need more than a walk around the block. That’s why we prioritize pack hikes, structured outdoor time and confidence-building activities that help them thrive.”
HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch offers an “a la carte menu” of activities to choose from for the dogs staying there.
“We offer standard boarding, private luxury suites, and double kennels for multi-dog households. Dogs staying with us get structured outdoor time, enrichment activities, and a calm, balanced environment — not just a place to sleep,” O’Kelly said.
O’ Kelly will also offer workshops on topics such as nutrition and training.
HHH Canine Lodge & Ranch is open and ready for guests.
To contact HHH and ask about services, visit www.hunkyhoundhandlers.com and fill out the contact form to register or call or text 959-227-9013.
State, local and federal officials responded to a "hazmat incident" at the Becton Dickinson and Company facility in the afternoon Thursday, May 15, Norfolk Public Information Officer Jon Barbagalo said.
The BD facility in North Canaan is on lockdown May 15 due to a "hazmat incident," according to emergency responders on scene.
Norfolk Public Information Officer Jon Barbagalo said BD "received a suspicious package this morning" and "numerous state and local authorities" responded, including the FBI and CT DEEP.
About 300 people are going through a decontamination process after a hazardous material exposure at BD.Photo by Riley Klein
BD released a statement saying "We are working closely with law enforcement and emergency personnel to thoroughly investigate the situation, and we are following their protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, we have suspended operations until further notice."
"At this time, two individuals have been transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution," a release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. "Approximately 300 to 350 personnel at the facility are undergoing a decontamination process as a precautionary measure. DEEP has deployed a contractor to the site to manage the decontamination operation, including shower trailers and the safe collection for clothing for those exiting the facility."
Employees inside were reportedly instructed to remove clothing and shower for decontamination protocol.This a developing story, check back later for more updates.
Anna Amachowski and Steve Wilcox of Canaan enjoyed the sunset and some grilled chicken from the top of Tory Hill outside Sharon on Thursday, May 1. They were welcoming in the warm breezes of spring with some fishing and some ridgeline views at the end of a warm evening.
Amachowski and Wilcox's dog, Chuy, enjoyed a soft spot of cool grass and the view over the ridge.Photo by Nathan Miller
Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.
A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.
Trinity Lime Rock, 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to: Malta House of Care, Inc.,136 Farmington Avenue,Hartford, CT 06105 www.maltahouseofcare.org
SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.
He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.
Keith was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and Cornell University where he was editor-in-chief of the Cornell Daily Sun and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
After serving his active duty in the New York National Guard, he joined the New York Herald Tribune as a reporter in 1957. Four years later he moved to Time magazine where he served as a writer and editor in New York and as a correspondent based in Los Angeles, Washington, Paris and London, with temporary assignments in Africa, Germany, and Vietnam. He was executive editor of Money magazine and later of Discover magazine. He retired as a member of the board of editors of Fortune magazine in 1993.
Before his retirement, Keith served on the vestry at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City where he was also chair of the Choir School. He later became a member of the Lime Rock Episcopal Church.
After retirement, Keith served on the executive committee of the Lakeville Journal where he also contributed a column called “Cars” reflecting a life-long interest in performance automobiles. He also served as a trustee and treasurer of the Hotchkiss Library in Sharon and was on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut. He was a member of the Cornell University Council and at one time chaired the Advisory Council of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell.
Keith is survived by his brother, Leonard Johnson, and his wife, Patricia, his son, Stephen Main, his niece, Paige Johnson Roth, his nephew, Keith Raven Johnson II, and his niece, Heide Novado Johnson. He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew, Eric Anderson Johnson.
Donations may be made in Keith’s memory to ACLU of Connecticut, 765 Asylum Avenue, Hartford CT 06015, or Keith Johnson ’52 and Leonard Johnson ’56 Scholarship Fund, Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main Street, Exeter NH 03833.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 11 am at the Lime Rock Episcopal Church, followed by a reception in the parish hall.