Store Owner Spotlight: Bone & Biscuit in Edmonton (Summerside), Alberta

This week we introduce Wendy and Karen: sisters and co-owners of our location in Edmonton (Summerside). 

 1. When did this location open?

We bought the existing location June 3, 2013. We hit the ground running as the store had a customer base already. We had closed for 3 days to turn over the store, so our first day back open was a catch up welcoming both existing and new customers.

2. Where are you located?

We are located at The Market at Summerside. 1058-91 st SW. By Save On Foods!

 3. What are the best ways for customers to contact the store for questions and stay up to date?

Instagram: instagram.com/boneandbiscuitsummerside

Facebook: facebook.com/BoneAndBiscuitSummerside

Phone number: 780-761-2663

 4. What is your best selling product/toy right now?

We are big believers in the benefits of raw feeding. We have been witnessing a lot of success stories where pets have been living better after switching to raw pet food.   

 5. What’s your name?

Wendy Piper Kulak and Karen Charland.

 6. Who else has been integral to the opening of the new store?

This is Family run. We are sisters. Our mother (who is 70) was a huge part of the opening year. Wendy couldn’t be in the store much as she had another business. Our mother, whom we affectionately call Gramminator, helped with stock and cleaning in the first year. Hauling those big 30 LB bags of food out from the back room!

 7. Do you own any cats or dogs?

Karen has Gucci, a long hair Chihuahua who was a foster fail at 12 years old. He is now 15 and comes to work with Karen, where he keeps all visitors in line if they are having too much fun, by barking with his “smokers bark” from behind the counter.  Leroy is a Min Pin/Chihuahua mix who stays home with Gramminator, keeping her company and ensuring both their waistlines stay svelt with their daily walks.  Wendy has Bailey a 3 year old Morkie. She is loud, tries to rule the roost, and is trained in agility. And a 15 year old rescue cat, named Cleo, who is ALWAYS hungry. He has mastered the art of lying to family members about not getting his meal. Often times succeeding on getting seconds.

 8. What has inspired your interest in owning a Bone & Biscuit location?

Karen served in the military for 23 years, and Wendy was a hairstylist for 33 years, owning a hair salon for 20. We have always wanted to own a business together after Karen retired from the military. We just didn’t know what that looked like until Karen walked into a neighbourhood Bone & Biscuit and it hit her. This was the business she wanted to have. Karen had a terrier a few years previous, who had developed extreme allergies. Not knowing about the importance of pet nutrition, Karen took the vet at his word using steroids and immunotherapy, to no avail. Her pet had become sicker where the final option was chemotherapy. Karen made the painful but humane decision to put her loved but suffering pet down. A few years later, after walking into that Bone and Biscuit, and revisiting the store over the course of a year, realized there may have been better options for her allergic pup. We are now passionate about helping other pet owners find other potential options for their pets needs.

 9. All your pets hit the jackpot now that you run a specialty pet supply store! What kind of toy/treat do they currently love?

Baileys favorite is the beef chompers. And will joyfully point them out to anyone who asks. Gucci and Leroy love any of the freeze dried treats. They are soft for Gucci, who has no teeth, and Leroy loves the taste.

10. What is the best advice you could give to new pet owners?

Research, research, research. There is so much available online in regards to training strategies, nutrition, and requirements of different breeds. Pets are often rehomed due to a family realizing the pet has behavioural or health issues they don’t have the skill to deal with. Some breeds simply require more than the family can provide, time or financial wise, and end up in shelters.  Socialization in the first 4 months is critical to a new pup. And training is crucial for the well being of all in the home. Like it is for people, proper nutrition and exercise is also vital for keeping a pet healthy and happy.

Thanks, Wendy and Karen!

Are you interested in opening your own Bone & Biscuit pet store? See our franchise information page and inquire about opportunities in your area! ?