Freedom for Fido

Happy Hounds in Fernie, British Columbia, gives dogs a place to play and socialize

Kayta Choroszewski relaxes with Parker in the midst of some amazing Fernie scenery. —

Photo courtesy Happy Hounds

Fernie entrepreneur Katya Choroszewski was on the right track when she started up her one-woman canine care operation, Happy Hounds, in 2008. The business operates five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and provides dog owners with a way to ensure that their four-legged family members get the exercise and socialization that they need.

Happy Hounds offers group walks that last one to two hours, private walks, puppy play sessions and dog sitting in the owner's home. Pickup and drop-off are included with all the services, providing a convenient option for busy clients. The most popular service is the group adventure walk—a two-hour stroll with up to six dogs per group, wherein the animals get a chance to play and get to know each other.

"The aim of Happy Hounds is to provide dogs with a few hours of fun and exercise," said Choroszewski, "so that they will be tired and have had a good day while their owner is at work/busy/injured. Many owners send their dogs along to Happy Hounds for the socialization aspect, as people don't always have access to other dogs for their own to play with. The reasons are varied, but the results are the same—(the) Happy Hounds catchphrase is 'A tired dog is a happy dog.'"

The perfect setting

While weather conditions can dictate where the walks take place, Fernie is a terrific location to run a business of this nature. There are plenty of pet owners, and no shortage of places to take an excited group of dogs on a scenic jaunt.

"I have access to numerous trails off the beaten path, all within a quick 10-minute drive," said Choroszewski. "The views every day are amazing. On a personal level, I love living in Fernie for the great outdoors lifestyle that I am able to lead. The community is amazing, and there is a vibrant energy to the town."

Choroszewski takes pride in watching shy, unsocialized dogs become confident with their new playmates, honouring the natural canine drive to be accepted into a pack dynamic. The groups are close-knit and friendly, making a trip to Happy Hounds a rewarding occasion that contributes to the mental and physical health of every dog that visits.

"Happy Hounds provides an important release for dogs," said Choroszewski. "Getting enough exercise is very important to having a happy dog. If they do not have an outlet to get rid of that energy, they will get rid of it in other ways (for example, being destructive in the house). The combination of exercise and social interaction with other dogs is an important aspect to a happy dog's life."