Bone & Biscuit is excited to announce the opening of our new store location in St. Catharines! Read on to learn about the new store owner as she shares her story.
1. When do you open?
The store opening has been delayed due to COVID-19. With our restrictions lifted, I am happy and excited to say we opened on July 10th!
2. Where are you located?
Bone & Biscuit St. Catharines is located at G1-295 Fourth Avenue W. In the new Fourth Avenue West Shopping Plaza with the brand new Farm Boy St. Catharines location.
3. What are the best ways for customers to contact the store for questions and stay up to date?
Follow us on Instagram: @boneandbiscuit.stcatharines
Like us on Facebook: @boneandbiscuit.stcatharines
Or give us a call at: 905-688-8353
4. What’s your name?
My name is Laurie McNeill.
5. Who else has been integral to the opening of the new store?
My two daughters, Dayna and Abby, have been with me on this journey from the start. They have supported and contributed to every aspect of the process and I would not have been successful without them. In addition, I have many friends and family who have supported and encouraged me along the way. None of this would have been possible without learning from each and every animal that has come into my life and touched my heart leading me on this path.
6. What inspired you to own a Bone & Biscuit location?
I have wanted to follow this path for more than 10 years now and just needed to find the perfect opportunity to do it. I followed an education and career in human health and nutrition for many years. In addition, I was actively engaged in volunteering at the local SPCA with the dogs, cats and small animals. I often foster animals that need extra care and attention to meet their needs in order to be able to become healthy and well adjusted allowing them to be adopted. During this process, I learned how important excellent nutrition is to their success. I have owned a grooming business for several years, and as much as regular grooming can help with many health related issues, I found I was often educating customers on nutrition in order to improve their pets skin and coat and reduce issues such as allergies. I look forward to working on the health of customers’ pet family from the inside out.
7. Do you own any cats or dogs?
Our family is full of love and we always have room for another that needs a leg up in order to find their forever home. Currently, we have our permanent residents 3 dogs; Corina, Memphis, and Mojo, 4 cats; Chuck, Mabel, Chiclet and Ellie, two bonded rabbits; Dunkin and Mallory and a leopard gecko named Baltistan.
8. Your pets hit the jackpot now that you run a specialty pet supply store! What’s their favourite treat or toy from Bone & Biscuit?
Memphis is very happy that now she can enjoy a large variety of raw foods that she can have in rotation. No more boredom for her! As a dog with EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), she is very vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies which is now no longer a concern. She is thriving on all natural foods and supplements that make her life much more enjoyable. Our feisty little Maltese is a fussy eater and he is now enthusiastically devouring Ziwi Peaks. I look forward to sampling the many healthy options for the cats until we have settled on their favourite.
9. How do you stay involved in the local pet community?
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made it difficult to remain active in hands-on volunteering. I am committed to helping animals and providing assistance regularly. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and new platform to maintain and develop strong working relationships with our local animal organizations to better serve my clients and community. In addition, I would like to start a recreational walking group for pets and their owners on the many beautiful trails we have in the area.
10. What’s your favourite product from Bone & Biscuit and why?
I cannot choose one favourite. Right now I love the huge variety of natural supplements that are helping to maintain optimum health for my pets from the young ones to the oldies.
11. Where is the nearest dog park?
The nearest dog parks are the Carol Disher Leash Free Dog Park
and the Burgoyne Woods Dog Park.
12. What is the best advice you could give to new pet owners?
The best advice I can give new pet owners is to enjoy each moment as it comes with their pets. Provide them with the best they can offer with respect to their time, attention, love, and physical requirements like nutrition, exercise and veterinary care. These pets will provide years of unconditional love and entertainment that keep us healthy and happy too!
Thanks for the spotlight, Laurie!
Are you interested in opening your own Bone & Biscuit pet store? See our franchise information page and inquire about opportunities in your area! ?
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