by Leanne
Ritchie
Morning Star Writer
Providing a family with peace of
mind about their beloved pets is the reason Trisha Epp,
with Hy Country Kennels, is February's Grand Go-Getter.
Chosen from more than 100
nomination, Melanie Watson, Go Award liaison, said Epp
was nominated by a family after she took exceptional care
of their healing cat.
The Go Award is about rewarding people who go the extra
mile. Each month the nominations are collected and the Go
Award committee |
 |
chooses the best story of outstanding service.
According to Watson, the cat
named OC had an open wound which needed time to heal and the
family had a rambunctious puppy who was eager to play
with his friend.
The wound required regular
cleaning, antibiotics inserted
into the wound, oral antibiotics administered twice a day
and most importantly OC needed to remain indoors in a
calm setting.
According to the family who
nominated Epp, it was the level of care OC received at Hy
Country that helped the wound to heal. In half the time
the veterinarian predicted.
Epp set up a spacious kennel
which took into consideration OC's needs, provide special
toys and |
bedding and a climbing area that OC could access while
wearing his head gear.
"I came away from
the Hy Country Kennels feeling fantastic, knowing that in
Vernon someone had found their passion and is truly an
incredible worker who is very deserving of Vernon's Go
Award," wrote the nominating family.
Hy Country Kennels is located
within city limits on Mission Road. It's a ten acre lot
with triple security fences and two acres of dog runs,
grassed and seeded. Because of the security, it's a leash
free facility.
"It's peace of mind that's
most important," said Trisha Epp. "People like
to leave their animals with someone they trust."
Hy Country has three separate facilities - one |
indoors for dogs with outside access in each pen,
one indoor for smaller dogs and cats with windows for a
view and one outside for full time outdoor dogs.
The Epps took over the facility
in summer of 1999.
"We pride ourselves on a
nice sterile environment but without the smell animals
associnte with the veterinarian office," said Russ
Epp.
The pair carries cell phones
when they are looking after the animals so owners can
stay in touch.
"People get worried,"
said Trisha Epp. "There pets are just like their
kids..."
Resently, they've begun offering
a dog day care service. They have about five regulars who
get dropped off in the morning and picked up in the
evening. |