"I am currently in the process of looking for a London version of you and Frida and it is not going well - we miss you!!! Toronto dogs are very lucky to have you!!"
Happy Trails offers dogs a unique service.
Dogs who benefit from Happy Trail adventures are those who thrive on trails and wide open natural spaces. Not all dogs enjoy traditional dog parks; many find joy on the trail with two or three canine companions. The rich environment found in trail hiking appeals to their love of fresh discovery and exploration.
Walking solo or in groups, each dog is an individual. So I might attend to each dog within the group, companionship walks involve no more than four dogs (along with my lab assistant Frida). I strive to group dogs who might enjoy each others' company, allowing for safe and highly enjoyable excursions.
Hikes are generally 90 minutes (and may extend longer). My interaction with your dog is animated and mindful. We become part of each others' world. My tone is kind and respectful at all times.
I understand the importance of knowing how your dog has fared during his explorations. During our hikes, it is my habit to take photos of my canine friends as they explore and play. I love sharing these photos of our times with my dogs' humans (either during or immediately following the hike).
Bonding visits help prepare your dog for walks/hikes with Frida and me. It is quite common for us to have three dogs exploring our house and garden before setting out on a hike. Frida shares her toys and space, and I love just sitting on the kitchen floor, cuddling and offering occasional treats. I always do this with new dogs, as well as with dogs who hike regularly with us. I think it helps develop a powerful bond - we become relatives.
Out-of-city Hikes
For the city dog who loves to roam and explore, we offer out-of-city hikes within thirty minutes from downtown. Locations are chosen with safety and lengthy trails in mind. This is a new service and at present is limited to 5 dogs per hike. Dogs on this hike must have good recall. Trail hiking is invigorating; still, a proper response to "come" and "leave it" is essential. We do not accept aggressive dogs. (We have introduced puppies into our pack, and we have successfully and safely helped them evolve into wonderful hikers!)
I am dedicated to sharing forest trails with my dogs. Their joy as they explore new trails is inspirational!
Home Daycare! As ours is a home daycare, dogs have access to a setting similar to their own in a warm, safe, loving environment. A day at Happy Trails home daycare is truly like visiting with a dear friend or favorite relative. Our guests share trail hikes at least twice daily and in season, enjoy daily swims in Lake Ontario. (Extended hours are offered upon request.)
Sleep-overs
Home-away-from-home environment. My lab Frida is always part of the sleepover. She is an amazing, happy, generous soul and her canine presence helps put her friends at ease.
Included in sleepovers are two (and often three!) long hikes and additional outdoor play. Our yard is totally fenced in; we are ten minutes away from High Park and the waterfront for dogs who love swimming in season. (Walking hikes may take place on other protected trails and park lands.)
Our home in Roncesvalles really is your dog's home-away-from-home. For those dogs who sleep on a bed, our Happy Trail's home is no different. Our atmosphere is loving and relaxed. The safety of your dog is an ever-present consideration in daily routines and explorations.
Long-term Home Boarding - Frida and I - and my sweet daughter Caroline - give our hearts to all dogs who stay with us. They really do become part of our family, and we are always a bit saddened when they return to their full time families.
Dogs staying long term have the option of home cooked, raw or their regular foods.
Out-of-town trail hikes (off leash) and gentle evening strolls are enjoyed every day - we explore forest trails twice a day! Dogs are welcome to bring their own bedding or to choose sleeping spots of their own: Bernie, a Rhodesian/lab mix has decided to sleep on my bed!
I am thrilled to be offering this service!
Dogs who benefit from Happy Trail adventures are those who thrive on trails and wide open natural spaces. Not all dogs enjoy traditional dog parks; many find joy on the trail with two or three canine companions. The rich environment found in trail hiking appeals to their love of fresh discovery and exploration.
Walking solo or in groups, each dog is an individual. So I might attend to each dog within the group, companionship walks involve no more than four dogs (along with my lab assistant Frida). I strive to group dogs who might enjoy each others' company, allowing for safe and highly enjoyable excursions.
Hikes are generally 90 minutes (and may extend longer). My interaction with your dog is animated and mindful. We become part of each others' world. My tone is kind and respectful at all times.
I understand the importance of knowing how your dog has fared during his explorations. During our hikes, it is my habit to take photos of my canine friends as they explore and play. I love sharing these photos of our times with my dogs' humans (either during or immediately following the hike).
Bonding visits help prepare your dog for walks/hikes with Frida and me. It is quite common for us to have three dogs exploring our house and garden before setting out on a hike. Frida shares her toys and space, and I love just sitting on the kitchen floor, cuddling and offering occasional treats. I always do this with new dogs, as well as with dogs who hike regularly with us. I think it helps develop a powerful bond - we become relatives.
Out-of-city Hikes
For the city dog who loves to roam and explore, we offer out-of-city hikes within thirty minutes from downtown. Locations are chosen with safety and lengthy trails in mind. This is a new service and at present is limited to 5 dogs per hike. Dogs on this hike must have good recall. Trail hiking is invigorating; still, a proper response to "come" and "leave it" is essential. We do not accept aggressive dogs. (We have introduced puppies into our pack, and we have successfully and safely helped them evolve into wonderful hikers!)
I am dedicated to sharing forest trails with my dogs. Their joy as they explore new trails is inspirational!
Home Daycare! As ours is a home daycare, dogs have access to a setting similar to their own in a warm, safe, loving environment. A day at Happy Trails home daycare is truly like visiting with a dear friend or favorite relative. Our guests share trail hikes at least twice daily and in season, enjoy daily swims in Lake Ontario. (Extended hours are offered upon request.)
Sleep-overs
Home-away-from-home environment. My lab Frida is always part of the sleepover. She is an amazing, happy, generous soul and her canine presence helps put her friends at ease.
Included in sleepovers are two (and often three!) long hikes and additional outdoor play. Our yard is totally fenced in; we are ten minutes away from High Park and the waterfront for dogs who love swimming in season. (Walking hikes may take place on other protected trails and park lands.)
Our home in Roncesvalles really is your dog's home-away-from-home. For those dogs who sleep on a bed, our Happy Trail's home is no different. Our atmosphere is loving and relaxed. The safety of your dog is an ever-present consideration in daily routines and explorations.
Long-term Home Boarding - Frida and I - and my sweet daughter Caroline - give our hearts to all dogs who stay with us. They really do become part of our family, and we are always a bit saddened when they return to their full time families.
Dogs staying long term have the option of home cooked, raw or their regular foods.
Out-of-town trail hikes (off leash) and gentle evening strolls are enjoyed every day - we explore forest trails twice a day! Dogs are welcome to bring their own bedding or to choose sleeping spots of their own: Bernie, a Rhodesian/lab mix has decided to sleep on my bed!
I am thrilled to be offering this service!
Discovering a New Trail

I am dedicated to discovering trails with my canine friends.
This is a spot I recently heard about and explored with my canine friends. What a glorious hike for them! And such a thrill for me to able to share their joy.
We had to travel out of the city, but the reward was well worth the trip.
This is a spot I recently heard about and explored with my canine friends. What a glorious hike for them! And such a thrill for me to able to share their joy.
We had to travel out of the city, but the reward was well worth the trip.
Enjoying Wide Open Spaces

This is my friend, Thunder, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, eight years young!
I value and share your commitment to your other-species family members.