This week we introduce the Bone & Biscuit Guelph to share their experience and local insight! Read on to learn about the new store owner as she shares her story.
1. When did this location open?
We opened on March 15th, 2019 but just recently had our grand opening event on the weekend of June 7-9th. There was free nail trimming, prizes, amazing deals, and double the Biscuit Bucks the whole weekend!
2. Where are you located?
We are located in Clair Market Place, the Longo’s plaza corner of Clair and Gorden, at the South end of Guelph.
3. What are the best ways for customers to contact the store for questions and stay up to date?
They can follow us on Instagram @boneandbiscuitguelph
Like us on Facebook at Bone & Biscuit (Guelph)
Or call the store at 519-265-6444
4. What is your best selling product/toy right now?
Right now we have 3 best selling items:
- The Hurtta rain drizzle coat, very popular because of the tummy coverage and the toggle for head cover.
- Our Churpi Durka cheese made in Nepal, the Himalayan mountains made from goats cheese.
- The Tall Tails toy’s fly off the shelf every week. Here in Guelph we have quite a lot of “chewers” and this is the best toy I can find for them, it’s almost indestructible!
Store Owner/Manager:
5. What’s your name?
Ellen Scott
6. Who else has been integral to the opening of the new store?
My daughter Sarah has been helping out when she can, and of course my junior salesman Bodie, our Cockapoo! It is very much our little family’s business.
7. Do you own any cats or dogs?
My daughter and I are very outnumbered at home! We have 3 dogs and 1 special cat, he must be to put up with all those dogs who think he’s there to be chased!
Berkley is our oldest dog, he is 2yrs old a Havashu with the biggest personality. He’s very smart and makes us laugh every day.
Boston, our second dog, is a 6-month-old Golden Doodle. We call him our gentle giant. He is extremely friendly, and loves to give hugs with his big gorilla arms! He thinks he’s a lap dog most times, in his mind, he’s 20lbs. You will see him at the store sometimes when my daughter can come in and bring him along.
Then we have Benson, our 11-month-old Ragdoll cat, he is chocolate brown and thinks he is a dog. He plays fetch and is the most gentle, lovable cat we’ve come across in a while. His favourite pastime is sitting in one of his beds looking out the window wishing he could go out! Poor guy!
Lastly, our newest addition to the family is Bodie, an 11-week-old Cockapoo. He is the cutest thing weighing in right now at 7lbs, very calm and gentle. You will see him at the store everyday with me. He loves to come and greet you, say hello and get his daily customer lovin!
8. What has inspired your interest in owning a Bone & Biscuit location?
I have always loved pets, growing up we had cats, but transitioned to dogs in 1986 when I purchased my first dog, Aster, a Shitzu. I went on to own quite a number of dogs throughout my life as well. But before we got Berkley, I went 10 years without a dog. Mainly because I had to put down my American Cocker Spaniel due to health issues when she was only 5 months old. It was so hard I said no more dogs, I couldn’t go through that again at such a young age as she was. When I agreed to get Berkley it was the best decision I had made in a long time and obviously, I haven’t looked back!
A big part of the reason I was interested in owning a Bone and Biscuit was because of issues with Berkley. He struggled with feeding issues and would go days without eating. I would go talk to stores about the issues and no one seemed to have answers for me. He also suffered from the “red tear” issues and for anyone who has a white dog knows it can alter the look of their beautiful faces. I started doing some research on the problems he was having, especially the eating issue. I came from the food industry, and for the last 20 years, have had a nutritional background, which I find is closely related to nutrition for dogs as well. My last job I was working for a company that we supplied hormone free and organic beef and chicken to the industry. I was out visiting a vendor, as I was leaving I noticed a pet food store, a small one that didn’t belong to a big chain. I went in to sell him some bones for his customers and had a conversation with him about how to overcome my issue with Berkley not eating. I listened to what he had to say and realized that this is what I wanted to do, help dogs live their best life, and longest life without issues. I called my daughter told her I was quitting my job and we were going to open a pet food store! I went home to do some research and found Bone and Biscuit. Their core values and their products were all in line with what I believe we can give our pets, their best life! And here I am!
9. Berkley, Boston, Benson & Bodie hit the jackpot now that you run a specialty pet supply store! What kind of toys/treats do they currently love?
So Berkley and Boston’s hands down favourite is the yak’s cheese by Chirpi Durka, and the smoked Kangaroo bones. As far as toys go really anything that squeaks! Bodie who is in the store all the time loves all the toy’s that are hanging low for him to check out! Benson has a favourite toy and it is the “Feline Frenzy” frisky furball with catnip, but the dogs love to play with it too! Poor Benson!
10. Where is the nearest dog park?
In Guelph there a quite a few dog parks, but the off-leash dog park on Hanlon Rd, would be the closest, it’s about 10 minutes away.
11. What is the best advice you could give to new pet owners?
Make sure you have them on the best food you can give them. It is the most important health care we can give them. Do your research, google the ingredients so you too can give your new best friend their best healthy life.
Thanks for the spotlight, Ellen!
Are you interested in opening your own Bone & Biscuit pet store? See our franchise information page and inquire about opportunities in your area! ?
Joe MacNeil
Very good and honest replies to these questions! Your path is right on with nutrition values with our pets.
Thank you!