by Leanne
Ritchie
Morning Star Writer
Providing a family with peace of
mind about their beloved pets is the reason Trica 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 |
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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.
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"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 Tricia Epp.
"People like to leave their animals with someone they
trust."
Hy Country
has six separate facilities
- indoors
|
for dogs with outside
access in each pen, an indoor for smaller dogs and cat
facility with windows for a view. The Epps
took over the facility in spring of 1999.
"We pride
ourselves on a providing a safe and caring
envirnoment with plenty of exercise and
socialization," 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 Tricia Epp. "There pets are just like
their kids..." Recently,
they've begun offering a doggie daycare service. They
have five regulars who get dropped off in the morning
and picked up in the evening. |