BY BRIAN GOSSET
It had been a dream for Elizabeth Fouts to have her own dog resort. She once helped mange a doggy care before getting out of it and focusing more to breeding – mainly frenchies and watching her daughters grow up.
A volleyball lover – her youngest, Ashley, was becoming a star of her own while playing for Justin Northwest and Boyd High Schools. As a junior, she helped the Boyd Yellowjackets to the state tournament. Taking the next step in her journey, Fouts was projected to be one of the area’s best players as a senior in 2019, especially in Wise County.
But a month into the season, Ashley Fouts died in her sleep.
Since then, Elizabeth and her husband Bill Fouts have dedicated their lives in remembering and honoring Ashley’s life. It ranges from supporting Boyd volleyball – which won the Class 3A D2 state championship in November, the program’s first title, staying involved in the community and raising money for scholarships.
The Fouts worked hard to build their own dog resort and after months of labor, designs, setbacks and waiting – they finally opened in Justin, TX – the K9 Kind Resort located at 17522 James C Jack Rd. They officially opened their doors on Dec. 17 and offer boarding, daycare and grooming services. With more than 60 kennels – the K9 Kind Resort is the only thing of its kind in that area.
And what does the name mean?
It’s more than just K9 “canine” for man’s best friend.
9 was Ashley’s number and her motto was “Be Kind.”
With over 20 years of experience as dedicated pet parents — including active involvement in AKC conformation shows — the Fouts built this resort to be the safe, fun and nurturing space we always wanted for our own dogs. Our mission is to treat every dog with the same level of love, compassion and attention we give our own Labradors and Frenchies.
The heart of K9 Kind Resort is our beautiful daughter, Ashley, who passed away at 17 from Long QT Syndrome (an electrical heart condition) in her sleep. Ashley was known for her kindness and was a dedicated dog lover who once told us she wanted to rescue every dog on the side of the road. We are proud to honor her memory through this resort, carrying forward her spirit of giving and compassion. Our name, K9 Kind Resort, is a tribute to her legacy, inspired by her personal hashtag: #bekindlike9 given to her by her Boyd high school volleyball team. Every wagging tail here is a testament to the love and kindness she embodied.
With its doors open for a short time, please show the support to the Fouts as the Fouts have for years. The K9 Kind Resort is open 7 days a week and can be reached at 940-910-1133 or through their website at https://www.k9kindresort.com/
