About The Owners

In 1999, Joe & Laura Kaddis had thirteen rescue dogs. A pack of this size wasn't exactly planned, but it wasn't totally a surprise! As active volunteers with local shelters, the two had discovered a passion over the years for taking in abused & tough-to-rehome dogs, adopting six & earning the nickname “the last resort couple.” 

When Joe visited the Bridgeport pound that year, intending to adopt "just one more," he learned there were seven dogs scheduled to be euthanized that day - so he brought them all home! The Kaddis' housed the rescues & worked with volunteers to find them loving families.

With space being a little tight, Weston, CT residents Joe & Laura recognized a perfect opportunity to sustain their rescue efforts when their vet, Dr. Chuck Noonan, mentioned a kennel was for sale in Wilton. The Kaddis' envisioned a canine retreat that would serve as a trusted resource for the pup-loving neighbors of their community, giving pets a vacation spot with plenty of outdoor space to "let dogs be dogs." The couple purchased Passage East Kennels, originally home to a breeder of Labrador Retrievers, in July 2000 - and the rest is history :)

Since then, Passage East has grown in physical size to include the adjacent property at 503 Danbury Road, now used as a staff residence and home to The Cat Cottage. We've also expanded our pet care services from dog boarding to include grooming, daycare, and cat boarding, and proudly continue to collaborate with local rescue groups to find homes for pets in need. 

Joe & Laura also expanded their pack to include four amazing daughters: Mary, Amy, Becca, & Anna. When not in school, you can often find them here at Passage East carrying on the family love for animals & caring for your cats & dogs.