ABOUT CATHY

I love dogs. While an elementary school teacher in British Columbia, I decided to become a dog guardian for the first time, and it changed my life forever! There’s no other soul like that of a dog. They are teachers of patience, living in the moment, and forgiving quickly. Dogs offer an unconditional love and bond like no other. 

I discovered dog daycare when I was working long hours as a teacher. I felt guilty leaving my dogs in a crate for 9 plus hours a day, and I was often too tired to give them the exercise they needed every night. So, I registered them for dog daycare 2 days a week at a kennel type boarding facility. It was there that I learned about Canine First Aid and decided to become certified. I felt empowered knowing that I had prepared myself to prevent and handle many k9 emergencies and illnesses. I needed first aid training to teach kids, why not to save my dogs’ lives in an emergency? I loved the course so much I became a Dogsafe Authorized Instructor in 2011. I left the Dogsafe network in 2018 and have since created my own course SafeK9 First Aid!

Returning to my family roots in Ontario in 2018, I took the leap, followed my new found passion, and changed my career path. I found the perfect location for my vision, and expanded my SafeK9 First Aid business to include Kennel Free Dog Daycare & Overnight Stays, Bite Prevention Workshops, SK9 Essentials - EOs & Pets, Dock Diving, and host of Sniffspot - SafeK9 Private Dog Park & Trail.

I share my life with a young fawn Pug named Cardi, and an adult yellow Labrador named Silas. Both attend daycare regularly and enjoy socializing and snugging with all of our dog guests! 

I look forward to loving and caring for your dogs as my own, and supporting you all in the care, health, and happiness of your beloved family members.

Cathy

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Dogsafe Canine First Aid Certification, 2010

• Dogsafe Canine First Aid Authorized Instructor Certification, 2011

• Owned and Operated Keep Your Dog Safe - K9 First Aid & Bite Prevention, 2011-2018

• Dog Trainer Walk into Excellence Conference, 2014

• Animal Anatomy & Physiology Instructor Veterinary Hospital Assistant program, Centre for Arts and Technology, 2014

• Dog Daycare Attendant Watson’s Hound Lounge, 2014

• Pet Food Consultant, Bosley’s Pet Foods, 2013

• Owner and Operator, SafeK9 Professional Dog Services

• Creator and Instructor, SafeK9 First Aid & SafeK9 Bite Prevention, 2019

• Owner and Manager, SafeK9 Kennel Free Dogcare, 2019

ABOUT HAILEY

ASSISTANT MANAGER 

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Born and raised in Midland, my first dog came into my life the week I was born, and my love for canine companions only grew from there. Connecting with dogs has always come naturally for me and I feel truly blessed to be able to include my passion into a career. There is no greater feeling to me than seeing a challenged dog overcome its challenges and learn to live their best life!

My main man, and dog Eddie, is a shining example! We spent the past year hiking with Tiny Tay Pack Hikes (off-leash hikes specializing in dog reactivity and fear, based in Tiny, Ontario), to work on his socialization challenges. With consistency and socialization work, and the additional support of the SK9 Essential oil Copaiba Eddie is on his way to being an emotionally balanced and well socialized dog!

When I’m not enjoying my time with my dog friends alongside Cathy at SafeK9, I own Sincerely Yours - Sincerely Dog - a small business creating quirky wares for dog lovers, as well as personalized bandanas and collar accessories for your canine companions. Over the summer months, I travel around to vendor events hosted by agility clubs and the dog community throughout Ontario customizing bandanas on the spot and selling a variety of handmade items. The highlight of these events is truly making new fur-friends!

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I’d love for you to follow me on social media at https://www.facebook.com/SincerelyYoursMidland/  or go directly to my etsy store to shop for that special dog or dog lover in your life. https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SincerelyDog

ABOUT NICOLE

DOG DAYCARE ATTENDANT

I am a lifestyle and wedding photographer, a dog lover, and memory maker. My husband and I moved to Lafontaine in 2017 and officially moved into our newly built home in October 2018. Not even a week after moving into our new house, we found our first family dog — eager for the addition to the family was an understatement. I have been a dog mom to an energetic German Shepherd named Bow since 2018, and I have had family dogs and pet responsibilities my entire life.

The first family dog was introduced when I was 3 years old, a german shepherd/lab mix named Lucky—  ultimately this defined my spark in canine connection.  In my free time, I love going on hikes with Bow and other dog friends. In the off-season my husband and I go to the beach with Bow for the sunsets and some ball time. We have free range chickens that also get herded and protected by Bow.

When I am not at SafeK9 having fun with all the daycare dog friends, I am at home editing/doing admin for my own business (Nicole Davidson Photography) or on location capturing a session or wedding. I will always be thrilled when clients bring their pets to their sessions! I truly treasure the work that goes on at SafeK9, I find it rewarding to participate in creating a safe and fun environment for other people’s dogs to thrive in. 

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For more information on Nicole Davidson Lifestyle Photography visit: