SALMON RIVER, N.S. — When the people renting Trish Sproule’s property decided to close their doggie daycare business, she felt it was a good opportunity to open a new one.
Sproule recently opened Pilot’s Doggie Daycare on Salmon River Road, where All My Pets used to be located.
“I was working as a cook at the NSCC and was going to be laid off, and this was going to be empty, so I decided to do some renovations and open a new doggie daycare and boarding facility,” she said. “I’ve worked with animals before and I love dogs.”
When Sproule formed All My Pets in 1995 it included retail space with pet supplies and fish. Puppies and kittens in need were often taken in, given veterinary care and vaccinated, and then made available to new homes. Kennels were added in 1997.
Sproule later sold the business name and rented the property to a couple of women who focused on daycare and boarding. All My Pets closed at the end of May.
“I have a few dogs coming in now,” said Sproule. “I was here doing renovations and there were people coming in who didn’t know All My Pets had closed so they were relieved to hear I would be offering the same services.”
Sproule has operated an equestrian facility, and done plowing and excavation work, and she’s now doing much of the work on the grounds of her business. She named the facility after her own dog, Pilot, a six-year-old German shepherd.
A groomer is working with her a couple of days a week.
Sproule plans to offer a puppy program, for canines less than six months old.
“I want the dogs here to be able to socialize and have a positive experience,” she said. “It’s nice to see dogs enjoying themselves.”
An opening celebration will be held at the facility once renovations are complete.
Pilot’s Doggie Daycare is located at 1205 Salmon River Road and is open Monday to Friday
7 a.m.-6 p.m. and on weekends 8 a.m.-6 p.m. It can be reached at [email protected] or 902-896-0256.
