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With the holiday season in full swing, pet owners in and around Squamish are seeking the perfect gift for their furry friends.
From all-natural treats to handcrafted toys, there’s something for every dog and cat right here in Squamish.
One such local business is WOW Treats and More, founded by a couple, Tina and Constantine Smishny, passionate about providing healthy and delicious treats for dogs.
“It all started with our dog, Uma. She was a rescue with a rare eye condition and severe skin allergies,” said Tina.
As new pet owners, they were overwhelmed.
Despite vet care and shelter support, they saw her suffering and “started researching dog nutrition, realizing that many commercial treats had fillers and additives that could exacerbate her condition.”
Constantine, who is a chef, began making homemade treats with natural ingredients.
“Our goal was to create something that was both tasty and beneficial for Uma’s health,” said Tina.
This led them to make processed dog treats, with the main ingredient benign dehydrated beef liver, for under $10.
“Initially, we weren’t thinking about starting a business. We just wanted to help our furry friend. However, as our neighbours saw Uma’s improvement, they started asking for treats for their own dogs,” said Tina.
To find these treats for your furry friend, you can visit Peaks Family Pets or Firetail Pets in Squamish.
“We’re proud to partner with these independent stores and avoid larger chains,” she said.
Another local business, called Nepalaya Chews, is bringing a taste of the Himalayas to Squamish.
The company offers all-natural dog chews made from yak milk.
Ankur Sud, the co-founder, explains the inspiration behind the product.
“It all started with a unique wedding gift, a yak! Intrigued, I visited my in-laws’ yak farm in Nepal and was amazed by the community’s love for animals and their traditional cheese-making practices. One particular product, yak cheese juice, was a favourite among dogs.”
Recognizing the potential of this traditional product, Sud and his team decided to introduce it to the Canadian market.
“We saw an opportunity to support these communities, preserve their traditions, and share this delicious treat with dogs worldwide,” he told The Squamish Chief.
“The yak milk chews are not only tasty but also offer several health benefits,” Sud said.
“They are highly durable, making them a long-lasting chew toy. Additionally, they are a great source of protein and can help promote dental health.”
Peaks Family Pets store carries a range of these yak chews, priced from $11 to $36.
For those who want to go to a different route, Squamish-based artist Sira Pocovi is bringing a personal touch to the local art scene with her custom pet portraits.
“I just really like pets,” Pocovi says. “It just brings me joy making cute little dogs, and I just wanted to spend more time doing it.”
With every commission, $5 is donated to Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), the animal shelter where Pocovi adopted her own furry friend, Wednesday (named after Wednesday Addams).
“Every purchase helps maintain a great organization,” she said. “So I kind of like giving back.”
The pet portraits go anywhere between $95 to $190, depending on the size and style.
To learn more about Pocovi’s work or commission a portrait of your furry friend, visit her website at www.its1958.ca.
Bonus Tip: Many local businesses participate in holiday markets and festivals throughout December. Keep an eye out for these events to find even more unique and locally-made pet gifts!
Note: If we missed any of the local businesses that cater to our furry friends, please email [email protected].
The Squamish Business Beat is a regular series featuring local business openings and closings as well as doing unique things. If you would like your business to be considered, write to [email protected].
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
© 2024 Squamish Chief