MBC Media file photo
A Petawawa pet retailer is marking a milestone this summer by inviting the community to celebrate five years in business.
End Of The Leash will host its fifth annual Anniversary Block Party on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Petawawa location, commemorating the business’s fifth anniversary and thanking customers for their support.
The locally owned pet boutique opened in 2021 with a focus on pet education, nutrition and training, rather than traditional retail sales, according to co-owners Jill and Tina. Since then, the business has expanded its services to include Petawawa’s first dedicated dog training facility and an online store serving customers across Canada.
The owners say the anniversary event has become an annual tradition, providing an opportunity to recognize customers, staff, volunteers, suppliers and community partners who have contributed to the business’s growth.
Jill, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran originally from Cape Breton, N.S., is a certified dog trainer and co-founder of Watch My 6 Service Dogs, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs and support programs. Tina, an Ottawa Valley native from a military family, has worked in the pet industry for decades in retail, pet nutrition and professional dog training. Together, they established End Of The Leash with a focus on education, customer service and community involvement.
Over the past five years, the business says it has served thousands of customers, hosted educational seminars and community events, supported local charities and animal rescues, and earned national recognition. End Of The Leash was named a finalist for the Pets Canada Independent Retailer of the Year Award, while Jill was recognized as a finalist for the Prince’s Trust CANIE Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
This year’s block party will feature local vendors, community organizations, food, live music, demonstrations, giveaways and raffle prizes. Customers who spend $50 or more will receive a complimentary anniversary loot bag while supplies last, and purchases of every $10 will earn an entry into the anniversary raffle.
The event is open to the public and is intended to celebrate the business’s five-year anniversary while bringing together pet owners and community members from across the region.
(Steve Berard)
