The Thermokennel concept was created by Rosie Todhunter to directly deal with this problem. She first approached Locus Research at the Lab, part of the 2014 Fieldays Innovation Centre. She was working on a rugged dog kennel that would keep hardworking farm dogs at the optimal temperature for better performance. Her first prototype won a Grassroots Merit Award from Fieldays Innovations and caught our attention as well. One of the most important aspects of the project commercially was understanding if the product could be manufactured for the right price in a scalable method. Our team worked on the design, and materials were refined to increase thermal capabilities, water tightness and security, while maintaining a well-ventilated and comfortable space for a hardworking farm dog. This concept was thermally analysed to deliver R2.8 (warmer than your average house). This was then taken to leading agricultural and residential distributors for discussions. Once this was locked down the team also developed a brand and marketing plan to support

the kennel alongside manufacturer Shoof International at the 2015 Fieldays. The new brand, Kelvin the Thermokennel, embodies the temperature stabilizing properties in a friendly manner to appeal to farmers and dog lovers alike. Kelvin is a stable, easy care kennel that captures and retains dogs’ body heat through quality insulated walls, floor and door and can keep your dog up to 15º warmer on a cold winter’s night. This insulation keeps them cooler through a hot summer and reduces noise, too.