About US
Baronwood was founded in 1971 and is currently owned by Brian and Terrie Bert. We took over ownership in 2007 and are very involved in the day-to-day operation of the kennel. So, as you are dropping off or picking up, don’t be surprised to see us checking you in or walking your pet to the car. Most importantly, we live on the premises, allowing us to provide your pet with around-the-clock security and care.
At Baronwood, we realize your pet is part of your family, so you need peace of mind while you are away. We provide your pets with the same loving care they receive at home, or as Terrie likes to say, “We give our warm hearts for cold noses.”
We are also in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Terrie & Brian - owners
Terrie started working at Baronwood Kennels in 1999 as a kennel worker, taking care of the dogs and cats. When the original owners decided to retire in 2007, she loved the place so much that she bought it to make sure the pets who stayed here would continue to receive the quality care Baronwood’s customers had come to expect. She loves to say, “I started by scooping poop, and now I own the place.”
Prior to joining Baronwood, Terrie owned an antique business and bartended for 94th Aero Squadron. With her previous experience running a business, tending to customers, and taking care of animals, she was a natural fit to take over as Baronwood’s owner.
Terrie loves a story with a happy ending, so it’s no surprise she’s a big supporter of St Louis rescue organizations such as Stray Rescue of St. Louis. One of the few major changes Terrie implemented after taking over ownership was to improve the business’ relationship with rescue groups. She and her husband Brian attend several benefits for rescue groups every year and have even hosted pet events for rescue groups at Baronwood Kennels. Furthermore, she increased Baronwood’s participation in the Florissant Fall Festival by becoming a corporate sponsor and creating a popular raffle and craft sale. She donates all of the proceeds from Baronwood’s booth at the festival to a dog-related charity.
Terrie lives with Brian (her husband), Pam (a muppet-like rescue dog), and Boo (a cat afraid of his own shadow).
JJ - Manager and Trainer
JJ began her career teaching Writing Composition and Management Communications at the college level in New Orleans in 1997. In 2003, after a two-year apprenticeship at Phydeaux’s, she began teaching dog owners how to train their dogs. She joined Baronwood in October 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home. Over the years, she has taught dog owners with a wide variety of breeds and mixes.
JJ currently lives with three borzoi, Grendel, Tigger, and Jove. Borzoi are an unusual choice for a dog trainer because they have been bred for centuries to make their own decisions, not to take direction from people. However, she loves the challenge of working with them and finds their personalities are a perfect match for her sense of humor. She has also had mixed breeds and cats whom she rescued directly from the street.
JJ competes with her dogs in obedience, rally, conformation, lure coursing, and straight racing and has trained in tracking, K-9 nosework, and agility. She is a member of the Borzoi Club of America and St. Louis Area Sighthounds.
JJ holds a B.A. in Classics (Greco-Roman stuff) from Westminster College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans. When not working with dogs or attending dog events, she enjoys watching anything written by Aaron Sorkin, reading about crazy Roman Emperors, and trying to write cool sonnets. Secretly, she likes really bad romantic comedies.
Kat - groomer
Kat got her start with pets in 1994 and has been grooming dogs, cats, and the occasional pocket pet and farm animal since 2004. She joined Baronwood in 2008 and stayed through 2017, until she had to take some time off from grooming due to a back injury. Her time away was spent as a veterinary assistant, learning about the medical side of the pet industry. We are thrilled to announce that she is finally back, doing what she loves, and once again running Baronwood's grooming department!
Kat is a certified pet CPR and First Aid Instructor and is the owner of Midwest Pet CPR & First Aid. She holds an AKC certification for Salon Safety and Sanitation and sits on the Program Advisory Committee for The Academy of Pet Careers (a state accredited trade school in St. Charles).
At home she has 3 feline overlords, Ricky Bobby, Cal Naughton Jr., and Reese. Rounding out her furry crew is Renfield, a Brussels/ Pug mix and Boston, a long coat Chihuahua. Top all that off with multiple freshwater aquariums. She also has a soft spot for reptiles and amphibians and has been known to rehab them over the winter so that they can be released back into the wild come spring.
When Kat isn’t working with animals, she likes puttering around in her garden, reading horror novels, and dreaming of the day the zombie apocalypse happens.