With the holiday season in full swing, pet owners in and around Squamish are seeking the perfect gift for their furry friends.
From all-natural treats to handcrafted toys, there’s something for every dog and cat right here in Squamish.
From homegrown to Himalayan
One such local business is WOW Treats and More, founded by a couple, Tina and Constantine Smishny, passionate about providing healthy and delicious treats for dogs.
“It all started with our dog, Uma. She was a rescue with a rare eye condition and severe skin allergies,” said Tina.
As new pet owners, they were overwhelmed.
Despite vet care and shelter support, they saw her suffering and “started researching dog nutrition, realizing that many commercial treats had fillers and additives that could exacerbate her condition.”
Constantine, who is a chef, began making homemade treats with natural ingredients.
“Our goal was to create something that was both tasty and beneficial for Uma's health,” said Tina.
This led them to make all-natural, dehydrated dog treats, made with Canadian grass-fed beef liver and organic toppings like hemp hearts, eggshells, and sweet potato.
“Initially, we weren't thinking about starting a business. We just wanted to help our furry friend. However, as our neighbours saw Uma's improvement, they started asking for treats for their own dogs,” said Tina.
To find these treats for your furry friend, you can visit Peaks Family Pets or Firetail Pets in Squamish. They are also available for purchase in their online store starting at $7.50.
“We're proud to partner with these independent stores and avoid larger chains,” she said.
Another local business, called Nepalaya Chews, is bringing a taste of the Himalayas to Squamish.
The company offers all-natural dog chews made from yak milk.
Ankur Sud, the co-founder, explains the inspiration behind the product.
“It all started with a unique wedding gift, a yak! Intrigued, I visited my in-laws’ yak farm in Nepal and was amazed by the community’s love for animals and their traditional cheese-making practices. One particular product, Yak Cheese Chews, was a favourite among dogs."
Recognizing the potential of this traditional product, Sud and his team decided to introduce it to the Canadian market.
“We saw an opportunity to support these communities, preserve their traditions, and share this delicious treat with dogs worldwide,” he told The Squamish Chief.
“The yak milk chews are not only tasty but also offer several health benefits,” Sud said.
“They are highly durable, making them a long-lasting chew toy. Additionally, they are a great source of protein and can help promote dental health.”
Peaks Family Pets store carries a range of these yak chews, priced from $11 to $36.
A more sentimental gift
For those who want to go to a different route, Squamish-based artist Sira Pocovi is bringing a personal touch to the local art scene with her custom pet portraits.
"I just really like pets," Pocovi says. "It just brings me joy making cute little dogs, and I just wanted to spend more time doing it."
With every commission, $5 is donated to Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), the animal shelter where Pocovi adopted her own furry friend, Wednesday (named after Wednesday Addams).
"Every purchase helps maintain a great organization," she said. "So I kind of like giving back."
The pet portraits go anywhere between $95 to $190, depending on the size and style.
To learn more about Pocovi's work or commission a portrait of your furry friend, visit her website at www.its1958.ca.
Looking for more businesses to buy from?
- Siiri & Stone: https://siiriandstone.com/products/pet-print-necklace A Pemberton-based jewelry maker, Siiri offers custom pet print jewelry, allowing you to carry your pet’s unique nose or paw print close to your heart.
- Ollie Moly: https://ollie-moly-pet-collars.square.site/ The Squamish-based maker who creates handmade, custom paracord and biothane pet collars. These collars are durable but also colourful, fun & stylish.
- Little Pine Pet: https://littlepinepet.com/ The Whistler-based company offers sustainable and ethical pet apparel and supplies. They repurpose materials from the local mountain community—like climbing ropes and ski instructor jackets—to create eco-friendly, handmade products (leashes, collars, etc).
- Paw Prints Pet Photography: https://www.pawprints-photo.com/pricing Roberta Holden is another photojournalist who specializes in pet photography. From just wall art to a complete coffee book for your pet—there are tons of options to choose from.
- Bandanas By Denise: https://www.instagram.com/cdcwood/ Denise is a WAG volunteer who creates beautiful and fun double-sided dog bandanas. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the WAG shelter. You can find her creations at the Whistler Happy Pets store or order directly from her. They are the perfect gift for anyone looking to support a great cause while spoiling their fur kids.
Bonus Tip: Many local businesses participate in holiday markets and festivals throughout December. Keep an eye out for these events to find even more unique and locally-made pet gifts!
Note: If we missed any of the local businesses that cater to our furry friends, please email [email protected].
The Squamish Business Beat is a regular series featuring local business openings and closings as well as doing unique things. If you would like your business to be considered, write to [email protected].
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
