A day in the spa from the dog's perspective....

 

Bark Avenue Grooming & Bath is ranked as one of Toby’s top groomers in North Vancouver. Not only is the staff PAW-some, but they share the same interest and goal as Team Toby; sharing the message of kindness.They sold our cut out paper pawprints to raise funds for putting Toby's books in local schools.

Bark Avenue Grooming & Bath provides top quality grooming services by certified groomers who also hold a certificate in pet first aid. They welcome all breeds of dogs and cats are welcome too! They even have a facility where you can wash your own and leave the mess to them! Perfect for owners who don’t have the space or resources to wash their dogs, or for getting your pup primped up in a hurry.

I Love the smell of this shampoo.  And, I am focusing on the treat on the shelf.

I am SO relaxed I can hardly keep my eyes open. 

Bark Avenue takes great pride in having a hygienic, safe and fun environment to provide the best grooming experience for your pet.
 

I love squeaky toys.... did I say I love them?

Just got a puppy and not sure how to approach grooming? Bark Avenue suggests you get your puppy in for their first grooming session within the first 4 months. This will help get them used to the sounds, smells and experiences of a grooming salon. They also suggest to play with your dog’s paws to help your puppy get used to getting his nails done and to being touched.

We asked Bark Avenue how kindness has impacted their business and why they chose to support Team Toby with an act of kindness of their own.  Here's what they said:

Becoming part of the Lower Lonsdale business community was daunting at first, however upon starting here, we were welcomed and understood the importance of friendship and neighborly support because our neighbors were so welcoming. This feeling inspires us to be supportive of our fellow business community and entrepreneurs and it has driven us to supporting more local businesses and giving back to our community.

Team Toby's message of kindness is perfect for young children as it teaches them to be kind and respectful of other people and animals. At Bark Avenue, we see every single day the undying support and kindness animals show to their owners and us; dogs are so unconditional in their love and Team Toby's message conveys that perfectly.

Social Media Links

Website: http://barkavenuegroomingandbath.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/barkavenue

Instagram: www.instagram.com/barkavenuegroomingnv

Thank you Bark Avenue!!

I look good and smell great!!

3rd Avenue Businesses 4 Paws Up for Kindness!

There is a beautiful quote that says "It takes a community to raise a child" and the kindness of local businesses on third street in North Vancouver have helped us in creating a kinder community during our Million Acts of Kindness Tour.

Prior to leaving on our Million Acts of Kindness Tour we decided to take a walk down to two businesses on 3rd Avenue in North Vancouver that we love.

Mom always goes to Escape Hair and Body to get her hair done.  Not only do they do an awesome job, there is always great conversation there!

...and....I get my hair done at Bark Avenue Grooming and Bath.  

I love that they have squeaky toys... I love squeaky toys...... I realllllly love squeaky toys.....

I was so relaxed and zenned out after my pawsome spa......just like mom is after she gets her hair done!

Stella owns Escape Hair and Body, and is a huge champion for my books and our kindness tour!  She made a donation so we could provide some schools with my books!  Thank you for the kindness Stella and Escape Hair and Body!

Bark Avenue Grooming and Bath has been doing the Twoonie for Team Toby, raising funds in the spa which also support local schools.

We are so excited this week to go and pay forward the kindness from these two amazing businesses and surprise some schools with books. 

Thank you to Bark Avenue and Escape Hair and Body for all you do for the community!  You make a difference.

What an incredible journey our six week Million Acts of Kindness tour was.  We travelled in the Kindness RV, sponsored by Fraserway RV.

This tour was on our bucket list.... what's on your travel bucket list?  Check out Canadian Traveller and share what your travel bucket list items are, and see what others are doing to make their travel dreams come true.

Thank you all from mom, dad and I:

Santa Ana was a four paws up stop!

The Million Acts of Kindness Tour stopped in Santa Ana California, and a great time was had by all!

It started off by Dogtopia South Coast picking us up in Sport, the Dogtopia mobile pick up service.  They came right to our motorhome which was parked at Bolsa Chica State Park campground.  This was most appreciated as otherwise we would have had to move the motorhome.

Toby was greeted by the Dogtopia South Coast staff and enjoyed a day of play and fun at doggy daycare.  The standout for me as a pet parent was the:

- cleanliness of the facility,
- the engagement and support from Dogtopia South Coast clients, 
- the exceptional customer service from the Dogtopia South Coast team, and,
- the way in which Dogtopia South Coast supports so many great community organizations and causes.

The team also created a fundraiser for Toby's kindness mission, supporting local schools receiving copies of Toby's book. 

Dogtopia South Coast also launched their blanket and towel drive supporting a local shelter. This was the support the minute they launched.  Got to love the Dogtopia South Coast client support :)

At the Saturday Park and Bark Beach Bash, three more huge bags of blankets and towels were dontated.  Talk about kindness!

 On Satuday Oct 10, the Park and Bark Beach Bast was a huge success!

   

A good time was had by all.... tour legged and four legged attendees!

 

Thanks again to Dogtopia South Coast for hosting us in Santa Ana, and for all that you do to make a difference in the community you serve!

A big thank you to our tour partners who helped us travel North America to share our message of kindness.

What is on YOUR bucket list for traveling this year and next?  Follow Canadian Traveller Magazine to see where people are travelling and what they are crossing off their travel bucket list.

Choosing the righ Pet Sitter for your pet...

You are going away on holidays... your dog really does better in his/her home environment.... Who do you call?

A pet sitter!

Where do you find a pet sitter?

What about an organization like Pet Sitters International?

Beth Stultz- PAWsitive Radio Guest  (photo credit Beth Stultz)

Beth Stultz was a guest on PAWsitive Radio talking about Pet Sitters International and provide some great tips for pet families when planning to be away and how to choose the right pet sitter. Beth is the Marketing & Communication Manager for Pet Sitters International.  She has worked int he pet industry for close to ten years.  Pet Sitters International is the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters and represents more than 7,000 pet sitters in the US, Canada and abroad.

You can listen to Beth's tips here:


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/12/31/pet-sitters-international-and-setting-goals-for-the-workplace 

Here's the highlight of Beth's tips for pet parents:

1. When researching a pet sitter, make sure that there is a good fit between your pet and the pet sitter.
2. Meet the pet sitter ahead of time.
3. Ask about the pet sitter's training and what associations he/she is a member of.
4. Ask if the pet sitter is bonded and has insurance.
5. Ensure proof of clear criminal record.
6. Ask for a service contract (details are important!)
7. Notify the pet sitter of any medical needs  your pet may have or concerns you have

Want to hear some more tips?  Listen to Beth's conversation at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamtoby/2013/12/31/pet-sitters-international-and-setting-goals-for-the-workplace 

Remember to visit Team Toby on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamToby2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalTeamToby

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/teamtoby1

 Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/charmainehammond

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/On-Tobys-Terms/209331272432608?ref=ts&fref=ts

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hammond-International-Inc/161986823865485?ref=ts&fref=ts

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPSYourBestLife?ref=ts&fref=ts

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