The Perfect Pack

01/29/2025

Barleys off to some new adventures, so we had to have a party !! 🥳 🎉 we’ll miss you, buddy!

01/28/2025

Want to know a sure way to my heart ? Give me a Bernese Mountain Dog ♥️ it feels like home ♥️

01/28/2025

The snow pups are full of attitude today !😂♥️

01/27/2025

Indie ♥️

01/27/2025

Marked safe from blowing away ! 🌬️🙃🙂

Windy weather didn’t stop is from having fun! ♥️ took extra precaution , but still got that exercise and socialization in!

01/25/2025

We had a fun week in the snow ! Sure it was cold, but we took the necessary precautions and the pups sure were happy about that ! We Always make it work :)

01/24/2025

Hope your day was as fun as mine 🥰

01/23/2025

Just SOME of the barn kids today :)

01/21/2025

It’s with the heaviest heart that I share the sudden loss of one of our beloved pack members, Logan. For over seven years, Logan was more than just a dog in the pack—he was family.

Since October 2017, Logan has been the heart of my St. Catharines group, an unofficial mascot with an unforgettable presence. Watching him grow from a mischievous, food-stealing, leash-chewing prepubescent into the wise, happy-go-lucky adventurer he became was one of the greatest joys of my life. Logan was pure magic—always up for an adventure, always making friends, and always teaching me lessons (like never leaving my lunch unattended!). His goofy smile and larger-than-life personality made him a favourite among dogs and humans alike.

Logan and I shared countless adventures, exploring Niagara’s most beautiful spots. I don’t think I’ll ever visit those trails without thinking of him. He was my go-to when introducing new pack members—his warm, confident energy made everyone feel welcome.

While writing this post, I took a trip down memory lane and looked through the archive of photos. It brought so many smiles and happy tears, reminding me of all the fun we were blessed to share. Each photo sparked a memory, and I found myself saying, “Hey, I remember that walk… it was great!” What a gift it is to have those moments to hold onto.

Logan was there for every milestone of my life—my wedding, my pregnancies, and building my business into what it is today. He was also there in my hardest moments, offering comfort when I felt I couldn’t go on. He was the perfect mix of stoic, cuddly, energetic, and mischievous.

Over the past year, Logan faced a difficult battle with a fast-growing tumor. Despite all the tests and procedures, he stayed strong, joyful, and full of life. St. David’s Vet Clinic performed a complicated surgery that gave us more time with him, time I’ll always be grateful for. Even during his recovery, Logan’s spirit never wavered.

I’m heartbroken that we didn’t get one last adventure together. I thought we had more time. I’ll always carry the regret of missing that final outing, but I hope Logan knew just how deeply he was loved—not just by me, but by everyone who met him.

I find a small bit of comfort in knowing Logan’s been reunited with his best friend, Dezi, across the rainbow bridge. I can picture Dezi wagging her tail, ready to welcome him home. Losing Dezi eight months ago was beyond devastating for me, but now I find solace knowing they’re together again. I can picture Logan giving her his signature nudge and her wagging her tail with joy, just like old times. They’re reunited now, exploring new trails together beyond the rainbow bridge, as they were always meant to be. Take care of each other up there, my sweethearts.

Thank you for everything, Logan—for the lessons, the laughter, and the love. I will miss your bark, your nudge, your big goofy grin, and that focused look you gave when you wanted a ball. My heart aches without you here, but I’ll carry your memory with me forever. You were one of the best.

01/16/2025

Snowy morning :)

01/15/2025

Oodles of poodles and doodles 🥰

01/14/2025

One of our favourite persons came out to the Meadow with us for a quick hike! The dogs were absolutely thrilled to see Jessica ♥️. Jessica has spent the last 9 years helping me off and on with pack walks and play groups, so when she’s down visiting she always makes sure she visits the pups too. Love you, kiddo xo I’ve got the best sister in law (s) ♥️

01/14/2025

Wind swept doggos !

11/07/2024

Service dogs.
Probably one of the most unpopular topics for any pet dog trainer.
And with the recent rise of scammy online courses offering to train your dog to get "service dog level obedience in 2 days" 👀 this has gotten even worse.
I cannot begin to count the amount of service dog training requests I receive.
“Can your online courses train my dog to be a service dog?”
“I need to make my dog a service dog so he can ride on the bus with me” (Yes, someone seriously asked me this)
“Do you certify service dogs?”
No - no - no - and more no.
Service dog training is completely different from pet dog training.
If your dog is trained to walk nicely on a leash and sit and stay, they are a pet dog.
If your dog comes up to you and nuzzles you when you are sad - they are still a pet dog.
If you want your dog to accompany you into stores or fly in-cabin on planes … they’re still only a pet dog and these privileges are not for them.
Service dogs are task-trained.
They are specifically taught to work for people with disabilities.
A dog that solely provides comfort is not a service dog.
I see a lot of people acquiring dogs, labeling them as “my service dog” and *then* going about training them.
This is not how that works.
You cannot just select a dog, put a service dog harness on them and figure the rest out as you go.
We regularly receive requests from dog owners who tell us that their “service dog” pulled them over on leash or nips at visitors.
That their service dog relentlessly chases wildlife on walks or has intense anxiety in social settings.
One time I got a request from a lady who told me that she got a dog from the shelter to be her son’s service dog, but that “service dog” was now biting the son and could I please fix it.
I’m sorry - none of those dogs are not service dogs then. And they likely won’t be service dogs in the future either.
Please be honest about the dog you own.
Unless you worked diligently to train them as a service animal with specific tasks, they are a pet.
A beloved, (hopefully) well-behaved, wonderful pet.
But not a working dog, and you should not demand the privileges that are reserved for true service dogs and their disabled handlers.
Staying clear with this distinction protects the actual service dogs and their owners 🙂

10/22/2024

09/27/2024

This Masterclass is for obsessed dog lovers who are seeking a new satisfying career with dogs without having to leave their dogs home all day!

09/19/2024

Special event coming up in our Bark & Fitz Beamsville section! Meet Eileen and Unleash the Paw-Sibilities with your pooch! 1st Saturday of the month until December!
See below for details!

07/31/2024

Some of our summer fun ♥️☀️😎