Most dog owners know from experience that their canine companion appreciates a healthy diet, friendly company and regular walks outside. But what about mental stimulation?
“We offer services like play groups, pack walks and we also condition them on treadmills,” said Kristin Sapinski, owner of Prairielands Kennel. “The treadmill provides really good mental and physical exercise for dogs.”
Sapinski, who has operated Prairielands Kennel on an acre just outside Portage la Prairie since 2006, provides overnight care for dogs, whose owners can go on a planned trip, among the a move or just a night away from home. Along with boarding service they also provide daycare for families who want to socialize with their pet as well as grooming services.
“We can do ‘Bath & Tidy’, which is a bath, blow-dry, brush, nail trim and trim feet and ears,” he explained. “There’s also the ‘Full Groom’, which is a bath, blow-dry, tailored haircut, nail trim and ear cleaning.”
Owners looking for a specific grooming service can also choose a nail trim, a nail trim and paw tidy, or ear cleaning from the a la carte service menu.
Then there are Prairielands daycare and boarding services.
From 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, the daycare allows dogs to socialize, play in the fenced yard and walk or run on a trail just down from the property. Sapinski said some dogs come every day, some once a week and others for a day here and there.
“It really depends on your schedule,” she says. “If someone comes over and you need them to be here for the day, it helps to get your dog out and socialize, and burn off some energy.”
When it comes to boarding at Prairielands Kennel, which operates 365 days a year, Sapinski recommends trying a few days of daycare if the dog isn’t already boarded. He says it helps them get used to the facility and staff, and relieves some stress – especially if they haven’t been away from home.
“They’re like children, aren’t they? It’s like sending your child to school,” he said. “We want to make the transition as comfortable as possible for families and their pets.”
He also advises owners to consider booking their boarding in advance, especially if it happens to be on a long weekend or holiday, though he says he will always do his best to meet last minute requests.
A self-described life-long animal-lover, Sapinski recalls her grandmother’s German Shepherd as the inspiration behind the breeding operation she launched in 2003. After registering with the Canadian Kennel Club, she began breeding and showing German Shepherds. and continue to be proud. in placing puppies with suitable families.
“We try to allow families to choose their own puppies, but we also want them to have the puppy that best suits them,” she explained. “Some puppies are obviously a little more energetic, and that may not necessarily make them the best companion for some families. If a family is looking for a calmer, more relaxed puppy, we try to place that puppy in the right home – so that it is an eternal home.”
She says she’s particular about where the puppies go, because she recognizes that German Shepherds aren’t for everyone.
“It really all depends on what you’re looking for in a family member,” he said.
With Sapinski’s experience and renowned expertise in providing exceptional hospitality and care for furry friends, Portage area owners can rest assured that their dog will receive a healthy, welcoming and enjoyable experience at Prairielands Kennel.
Located at #34042 East Angle Road, Prairielands Kennel can be reached by calling (204) 856-0985, by emailing [email protected] or through their website.
