text: Giving this place two stars is a stretch but the front service people have always been friendly so there you go nnNow about my experience with Hickory HillsnnI was a loyal customer for three years for one of my dogs Although I never felt like the service was great there the prices were good and they seemed to care about the dogs so I kept coming back nnI do not know if something changed but over time my dog started coming back sore and covered in blood He started acting terrified whenever I would pull up front and it was clear he was having bad experiences there I asked the owner about this and she said that nothing was going on and that he played well with other dogs nnWell two months ago my healthy four year old dog came back barely able to walk It took weeks before he recovered and he still has not seemed himself I cannot help but wonder what goes on there but it seems like something fishy is going on nnTo make matters worse I boarded him at a different kennel last weekend The owner immediately called me after I dropped him off and explained that he was acting traumatized and terrified of the kennel He said it was very obvious he was not suited for kennels nnUnfortunately he also told me that some kennels are known for taking dogs that do not do well and lying to the owners to keep the business When I mentioned Hickory Hills he laughed and said they were the worst kennel in Madison He also told me a story about how the owner or manager killed several dogs by leaving insect poison out in the play areannI feel so lucky my dog was not more hurt at this horrible kennel and I hope nobody else has to lose a beloved pet to this subpar facility This is a harsh review but these things matter