About Big Blue Barn

What it is

A boarding, grooming and basic-obedience operation in Durand, with a gun-dog kennel attached. The services listed are "Boarding dogs, cats and small pets," "Grooming for dogs and cats," "Basic obedience," "Yogurt or carrot treat for boarding guests, at a nominal cost," "Unique retail items," "Play time" and "A ton of petting and interaction with your pet." A separate section covers "Griffonwool Gun Dogs," including "Our Dogs" and "Breeding / Litters."

Who runs it

Larry Hanson, who introduces himself directly: "Hello, from Larry Hanson, owner of Big Blue Barn. I have been interested in and around animals of all wide variety from a young age. From a pet racoon to a Caiman (a type of alligator from Central or South America), in my younger years, to our home which now includes four dogs, and sometimes a bunch of feathered friends, I enjoy them all!" He says the barn was the resolution of a domestic problem: "Sometimes, more than my wife wants in the house….so now we have the Big Blue Barn!"

His teaching background is part of the pitch: "I have been a docent at Potter Park Zoo, in Lansing, and loved handling and teaching people about the animals. My background in elementary education however felt too restrictive in a classroom. Instead, I coach sports and like to teach kids about the outdoors and animals." He lists his own dogs: "My current pack of canines include our two Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, 4 years old, and 1 of their offspring," and notes a loss: "We lost our mascot Goldendoodle, Buttercup in 2025 after 14 amazing years!"

The vaccination rule, stated hard

This is the site's most emphatic passage: "WHEN BOARDING OR DROPPING OFF YOUR PET FOR GROOMING THEY MUST BE UP TO DATE ON ALL IMMUNIZATIONS. FOR GROOMING OWNERS MUST BRING RECORDS. FOR BOARDING THE RECORDS NEED TO BE RECEIVED IN ADVANCE OF DROP-OFF FOR YOUR FILE, NO EXCEPTIONS!" Bordetella gets a specific warning: "Bordetella is NOT a routine vaccination and must be requested at your veterinarian. Your dog must receive this vaccination a minimum of 2 weeks before services or boarding, if they have never received it before. If they are receiving a booster, the minimum is 1 week in advance."

Services that have changed

Two notices sit at the top of the site: "We no longer offer FULL grooming services. Please call if you are interested in a bath for your dog," and "We no longer offer $6 Saturday." Booking is by phone: "Book boarding over the phone at 989-288-1919."

Youth tours

"Big Blue Barn offers tours for school, scout and other youth groups to learn not only about dogs and cats, but other species of animals. Youth can learn about where animals live, what they eat and so much more. Call us to arrange a tour."

Where it serves

"Big Blue Barn is looking forward to becoming a larger part of the Durand, Flushing, Swartz Creek, Corunna, Owosso, Byron, Vernon, Perry, and surrounding communities."

Before you book

Ask what each service includes and what it costs.