Hometown: Mountain Home
County: Baxter
Family members: Husband Devin Duggins, and sons Wyatt and Bayler Duggins
In Town: Karissa Duggins owns The Dog House in Mountain Home, Ark.
“My job involves a mix of hands-on pet grooming, customer service, and business management. I get to work closely with dogs of all breeds and sizes, ensuring they are clean, healthy, and well-groomed. It’s a joy to see the transformation and the happiness it brings to both the pets and their owners. Additionally, I enjoy building relationships with our clients and being a trusted part of the community. Managing the business also keeps me on my toes, from scheduling appointments to maintaining the shop, but it’s all worth it to do what I love in a place I call home.
In the Country: “My husband and I run a 10-acre specialty cow/calf operation in Mountain Home. We focus on raising miniature Herefords and Nigerian Dwarf goats. Our miniature Herefords are known for their docile temperament and efficient grazing, making them perfect for our small-scale, sustainable operation. The Nigerian Dwarf goats are a wonderful addition, prized for their friendly nature and high-quality milk production.
“We primarily market our animals and any products, such as milk, through direct sales to the community, emphasizing the quality and care that goes into raising our animals. Our goals are to maintain a sustainable, ethical farm that produces healthy, happy livestock while contributing to the local economy and fostering a connection between our community and agriculture.”
What do you enjoy most about being a farmer/rancher?
“What I enjoy most about being a farmer is the deep connection I feel with the animals, and the lifestyle it provides for our family. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that the hard work I put in directly contributes to the health and well-being of our miniature Herefords and Nigerian dwarf goats. Watching our kids grow up on the farm is another major joy. They learn valuable life lessons about responsibility, nature, and the importance of community. Sharing our products and experiences with our neighbors and customers, and seeing the joy and appreciation they have for what we do, makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s a challenging yet rewarding way of life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
