Russell's career move from repairing cars to running a pet shop
An established pet shop in Melton Mowbray is entering an exciting new chapter after being taken over by local business owners with a passion for dogs.
Situated in Bowley Court, next to Pearces The Jewellers, K9 Chaos has long been a familiar name for pet owners in the area.
The shop was originally founded by Kelly Hill, who also gave the business its distinctive name, before recently passing it on to new owners Russell Barnes and his wife, Jue.
I popped down to the store to meet the couple and find out more about their motivation for getting involved in the business.
Russell, formerly the owner of Barnes Automotive in Melton Mowbray, says he made the move into the pet industry after deciding to step away from mechanics.
Having fallen out of love with the trade, he chose instead to pursue his long-standing love for dogs – a passion reflected in the couple’s ownership of several pets of their own.
Although the business is jointly owned, Russell now runs the day-to-day operations and has already begun shaping the future of K9 Chaos.
The couple have been at the helm for less than two months, following Kelly’s decision to move on to new ventures.
K9 Chaos specialises in natural dog treats and a wide range of accessories, catering for dogs of all ages, from puppies through to seniors.
Prices remain in line with the wider market, ensuring accessibility for local customers while maintaining quality.
Looking ahead, Russell is working to expand the shop’s offerings through partnerships with other specialist brands.
Among them is Hawk K9, a business run by an ex-army veteran dog trainer who produces collars and leads built to military standards.
These products were expected to arrive in-store in the near future.
As a proudly local business, K9 Chaos is also growing its presence online, building a community of dog lovers and customers.
The shop is already nearing 1,000 followers on Facebook, reflecting strong local support for the new venture.
With fresh leadership, new partnerships, and a clear passion for canine care, K9 Chaos looks set to remain a key destination for dog owners in Melton Mowbray.