Jack Graves, of Sequim, kneels beside two medium-sized dog houses he built. In his hand is a photograph of large and medium-size dog houses from a happy customer with two dogs. Photo by Ashley Miller

Jack Graves isn't afraid of a little hard work. The calluses on his hands tell the story of a man who has spent many years holding a hammer.

When he was younger, Graves worked as a general contractor. In retirement he builds, sells and installs cabinets. But when work is slow, you won't find Graves in the house watching television or taking a mid-afternoon nap. You'll find him in his 1,200 square-foot shop building dog houses - his latest hobby designed to curb boredom.

His wife, Barbara, can be found nearby in the garden.

Graves builds three doghouses at a time and sells them almost as fast as he finishes them. Made from plywood and three-tab roofing, the houses come in two sizes - medium or large - and are left unpainted unless otherwise requested.

Some customers have asked to have the doghouse painted to match their own house.

"I was surprised," Barbara Graves said of when her husband announced his intention to build and sell doghouses, "but I thought it was a good idea because there are a lot of people in Sequim who have animals that are like children to them."

Large-sized houses measure 30 inches by 40 inches; medium-sized houses measure 21 inches by 27 inches. The tops come off for easy storing, cleaning and moving.

Graves will deliver doghouses by request.

Model houses are on display in the parking lot of Hardy's Market at the Sequim Avenue roundabout.

The Graveses moved to Sequim 16 years ago from Hawaii. They both speak fondly of the area.

"This is home for us now," Barbara Graves said.

"Between the mountains and the ocean, you can't get lost."

To purchase a handmade doghouse, call 360-797-1279.