About the Owners 
The owners of The Lodge at New Tampa have dedicated their lives to the care and health of man’s best friend.
Dr. Kenneth Judson, a veterinarian for over 35 years, started his veterinary career in Manchester, Connecticut. In 1976 he opened his own practice, Animal Medical Clinic which he owned and operated until April of 2008. Starting out as a mixed practitioner, Dr. Judson treated farm animals as well as small animals. As the demand increased on the small animal side of the practice, Dr. Judson was forced to give up the large animal practice, concentrating on dogs and cats for over 33 years.
In 1979, Dr. Judson met a very special client. Little did he know that client, Carla Hamilton would become his wife. Carla continued her education after their marriage in 1981 and joined with Dr. Judson to purchase a large boarding kennel called Canine Holiday Inn. Carla reluctantly gave up her education to run and operate the kennel; a position that was going to be only a temporary one.
Twenty-six years later Carla was still owner and operator of a very successful boarding kennel and grooming facility. Under Carla’s expert direction, the kennel went from a small family operation employing only 3 people, to one employing over 15. It was a passion for dogs that motivated Carla to provide the very best for her clients and their pets.
After a lifetime of animal care, Ken and Carla decided in December of 2007 to sell Animal Medical Clinic and Canine Holiday Inn and concentrate on a new venture here in Tampa, Florida. The Lodge was born in 2003 and after almost 3 years of permits and planning, their multi-million dollar dream began to take shape in July, 2007. Carla, an extraordinary decorator has designed and decorated the entire kennel in a Lodge-like theme. From the beamed great room ceiling to log beds in the upper end suites, you are surrounded by the ambiance of a Western Lodge.
Almost a year later, that dream has been realized and The Lodge, a unique testament to the care and boarding of pets, has opened its doors to the pet owners of Tampa Bay. I hope you will join us and come visit The Lodge at New Tampa and see for yourself what a very special place we have created for your special pet.
Ken and Carla share their home in New Tampa with two very special daughters, Kathryn and
Natalee who will be an integral part of The Lodge’s operation. Also sharing their home are two
Borzois, Hidalgo and Sakari and a Great Dane named Boo. Carla has shown both Borzois, with Hidalgo earning his Championship in 2009. Sakari too, is on his way to becoming a champion as well, having earned two points towards his Championship last fall.
