Kelly Josling, Owner, Fetch Dog Boutique

Exclusive dog boutique caters to its customers ...and owners

Thanks to Kelly Josling, Vancouver dogs (and their owners) have a place to call their own. Fetch is an exclusive dog store and "spaw" - a place to mix and mingle, especially during Yappy Hour. Dogs who are celebrating a special event can enjoy a catered party in their honour; owners can celebrate the arrival of a new family member with a hosted puppy shower.

It's serious fun, and it's quite a success - especially considering how difficult it was to find financial backing. Kelly discovered that even with a solid business plan drawn up over two and a half years of consultation with retailers and counsellors, securing the start-up funds proved almost impossible. Finally, with a $15,000 loan from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and $50,000 from Women's Enterprise Center, plus some assistance from family, she was ready to go.

She opened her doors in January of 2002, and within two years it was clear that Fetch was a runaway success. The store offers everything a dog could need to look his best, from the latest in apparel accessorised with stylish and serviceable collars and leashes, to grooming aids like Buddy Wash - pure, natural ingredients to keep coats shiny and fresh. (Of course, spaw treatments are available too.) There is food for every appetite and serving ware to suit every taste, treats galore, and toys to help dogs stay fit. There are beds for every shape and size, and Canine Coolers - innovative "waterbeds" to keep dogs cool in hot weather, and properly supported while healing.

Appreciative of the help she received in making her dreams a reality, Kelly notes that it's hard for women to take the plunge. She had no plans to start a family any time soon, and enjoyed working the 75 hour weeks during the business's critical start-up years - both considerations that she feels sometimes stop women from pursuing business ownership. Finding mentors and developing business networks can go a long way toward ensuring success.

Regular events at Fetch allow dogs and owners to socialize, and proceeds benefit local associations. Donations collected at the door of the 2005 Yappy Hour Christmas Party benefited the Vancouver City Pound, while money collected at the Breakfast with Santa photo session went to the BC Guide Dogs.

Fetch provides so much more than the average pet shop. Dogs - and their owners - are delighted with this unusual alternative to meeting in the park, while Kelly gets to thoroughly enjoy what she does every day. Her combination of pooch passion and marketing savvy is sure to make Fetch a continuing success.

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