It seems like we have been waiting forever to open our family veterinarian practice… Because we have! We originally intended to be in the SOPA Square development; however, the development has seen innumerable delays, and still to the date of this post has not been ready for tenancy. After a few years, there is only so long that you can put your family’s life on hold. So we decided to shop around for new location.

What is that expression? When one door closes a window opens?

We were delighted to find out that Worman Commercial was building the perfect space for us on Richter Street. This is only a block and a half from where we originally intended to house our business, and I think it has a lot better exposure. It won’t be as busy for coming and going, and there will be lots and lots of parking. The building is still before city council for approval, but since it fits so well with the neighbourhood, we’re confident in it going through.

For you locals, Pandosy Veterinary Hospital will be located on Richter Street right between Raymer School and Osprey Park. Our little shop for pets will be embedded in the same main floor space. In the new building, there will be four more or less tenants on the main floor, some office space above, and more than adequate parking within the building’s parkade. This is a big deal in South Pandosy, which is hurting for parking spots. We will even have a special “sick pet” parking spot close to the elevator on the second floor of the parkade. And of course, many people will simply walk their pet in, or park on the street on Osprey Avenue.

The vision for our integrated veterinary hospital and pet shop remains the same; a warm, uptown, non-clinical neighborhood practice with brick walls, stained concrete floors, local friendly staff, and a selection of the best socially conscious pet products around. As we develop what exactly the clinical look like inside, we will be sure to post pictures so you can virtually walk through.

Oh, and let’s not forget the 100-year-old 10 foot-long general store counter, and the glass jars full of cookies and catnip for our best friends. Delicious!

Wish us luck moving forward with our project. We can’t wait to open our doors in just 11 months from now!

Unfortunately, our camera died before we could take pictures of all the gorgeous pugs in costume. But here are some of the delightful little characters we got to meet before the camera ran out of batteries.

Happy Halloween to all our pug friends!

The unattended bowls of candy, the constant opening of doors and boisterous strangers make Halloween a spooky occasion that requires special precautions to keep your dogs safe and sane. Dr. Nancy Kay offers some timely tips ar theBark.com!

Wild Line-caught Salmon Chips and Golden Apple Oat Cookies were some of the delectable treats we gave away to Kelowna cat and dog owners. We were often asked about the contents of our treats, and we were happy to report that all of the ingredients are either local, organic or sustainably harvested. After all, when we purchase eco-anything for our family members, we aren’t only voting with our dollars for good heath… we’re also making change by supporting regional industries and intact ecosystems.

That’s why we are creating a select line of products for the Pounce & Hound that reflect our company’s apporach to business. Many of our toys, bowls and beds will be crafted by artisans right here in the Okanagan. We are planning on offering a full line of organic food, as well as homemade treats and local meat jerkies. Our “clean,” biodegradeable Apothecary line will include exclusive shampoos, conditioners and cleaners. And it just goes on!

Thanks to all who came and visited – we hope to see you when we open our location in SOPA Square on Pandosy in late 2012! We’ll meet you all at the treat bar!

Why are we at this festival? Well, it’s because the principles of the festival reflect the ethos of our upcoming store.

We think that some of the best products in the world are grown and produced right here in the Okanagan. We also think that organic and natural products are better for the planet, and often are a much better choice for your pet. that’s why our merchandise plan is focussed around artisan-made, high quality, and socially and environmentally responsible products… Many unique to our store.

Please come out and get your delicious Pounce and Hound cat and dog treats, and lots of ideas about sustainable living at the annual Organic Okanagan Festival.

NOTE: Pandosy Vet Hospital and Pounce & Hound are not yet open – we look forward to seeing you in December at our permanent location in SOPA Square!

Thanks to everyone for coming out – and a special shout out to Casey at Power 104 and Q103.1! who gave us mention on the radio a couple of times.

We really enjoyed meeting all of you… can’t wait to see you in our permanent location in SOPA Square in December!!

Can’t wait to see all you animal lovers out today!

Noon-4pm, SOPA Square Discovery Centre (beside Chutney on Pandosy). Well-behaved, leashed pets WELCOME!!

I also made up our sprinkles…. We are having two dog gelato flavours:
- Savory windfall apple bacon sage (below) made from apples and sage from our own garden
- Sweet fallen fruit with local organic peaches, and raspberries, mint and marigolds from our own garden

Hopefully the gelato makers don’t eat it all and save some for the dogs!

Don’t miss bringing your canine companion to our pop-up store this Sunday August 12 at the SOPA Square discovery Centre noon-4pm!
3013 Pandosy Street Kelowna.