Thee Place for Paws pet retreat and spa was able to operate through the initial pandemic closure, but only as a pet boarding facility.
Shutting down completely would have put some clients in an impossible situation - especially pet-owning frontline workers, facing 12 to 24-hour shifts, who would have been scrambling to find pet care for beloved companion animals.
It truly was an essential service.
But it wasn’t until May 19 that Thee Place for Paws was permitted to open up the pet-grooming side of the business as part of Stage 1 of Ontario’s economic recovery. Since then, the Innisfil business has been busy, as dog owners make appointments to bring in their pets.
“Such a high demand and a long wait! At least now the service is available,” said Sandy Berube, owner.
However, Thee Place for Paws has another focus. The pet retreat is also a major supporter of Finding Them Homes – James Bay Pawsitive Rescue, an organization that rescues strays and unwanted litters from northern communities, and brings them south for adoption.
Even now, during COVID-19, Thee Place for Paws has maintained that connection, and continues to support the charity – now holding a charity plant sale, with all funds raised going to Finding Them Homes.
The plant sale started on Monday May 25, inviting gardeners to drive onto the property and check out the reasonably-priced potted annuals, perennials, bulbs and cuttings set out in a small tent near the house.
“We bought some, we had some donated, we grew some ourselves,” explained Berube’s partner Shawn Taulien. Along with donations of gardening tools, garden art, bird feeders, bee houses and more, there’s a great selection for any gardener.
The sale will continue daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to May 29, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. Payment is by cash, or debit for large orders.
On the first day of the plant sale, the response was wonderful, Berube said, with about half a dozen supporters dropping by to purchase over $200 in plants. She’s hopeful that the support will continu, during the weeklong event.
It’s not Thee Place for Paws’ biggest fundraiser, though. That’s the annual ‘Charity Dog Wash’ held each year in August.
“We’re kind of brainstorming ideas on how to do that,” said Berube, as she potted more plants for this week’s sale – floating ideas like a drive-through dog wash, and other ways to preserve social distancing and public safety.
Like everything these days, she said, “You just have to try to make the best of it!”
Thee Place for Paws is located at 2849 Innisfil Beach Road, just east of 10 Sideroad; for more information, check the Facebook page by clicking here.
