On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, members of the Daviess County CEO Cohort took a short trip to Viking Country Kennel, where owners Norma and Marvin Stoll gave them a tour of the new facility.
The Stolls have been raising healthy puppies with care and integrity since 2001, when they first became licensed; opening their new building in the spring of 2022. Their kennel follows USDA regulations and meets the highest industry standards, and their love for the animals showed in every part of the operation. The vet visits every Thursday to perform health checks and follow vaccine protocols, and each puppy is microchipped for safety and identification.
Preparing puppies for life in a home is a big part of the process. The puppies are socialized from the start and introduced to a variety of objects and sounds so the move to their new families goes smoothly. They even begin leash training before they leave. The Stolls also said they are happy to help new owners with their puppies' continued education as they grow.
Marvin spoke candidly with the group about the realities of the business. He explained how hard it can be to overcome the "puppy mill" stigma, and described the significant financial investment it takes to run a breeding operation while holding to high standards under economic pressure. He also warned about the number of scammers in the pet industry and urged anyone looking for a puppy to do thorough research first. Viking Country Kennel is one of the only retail kennels in the area, which gives buyers the chance to meet their puppy in person.
The highlight for many was the playroom, where cohort members got to spend time with the puppies. By the end of the visit, a few hearts had clearly been won over.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort thanks Norma and Marvin Stoll for opening their doors and sharing what goes into running their business. For anyone searching for a new four-legged family member, Viking Country Kennel is well worth a visit.