Meet the Humans at Mountain Paws
TASHA
THE OWNER
Hello and thanks for checking out Mountain Paws! I'm Tasha. I've had a lifelong love & passion for dogs and the outdoors. In 1998, I noticed that there was a lot missing in the dog care service industry in Vancouver; quality, small group dog walks, and customized, small group, in-home boarding that offered a high level of professionalism. With this knowledge I combined my two passions and made a career for myself. 20 years and 3 still thriving dog care businesses later we moved across the Province and settled in Rossland, BC where I started Mountain Paws. We now reside in Castlegar, BC but still offer dog walking in Rossland, Trail, Fruitvale and of course Castlegar.
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I intrinsically love caring and advocating for dogs and have years of invaluable hands on experience working with dogs. I have Dog First Aid certificates, training certificates & experience, behavioral studies, diet courses, back country travel & guiding experience as well as a diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management. Also having Wilderness Rescue & Occupational First Aid Level 3 has taught me to operate my businesses in a *safety first* manner. Respecting the environment as well as other trail users are also important factors in running my business with integrity!
TRACEY, (The Manager Extraordinaire!!!) I met Tasha a few years ago, while hiking with my dog, and was impressed by the way she managed the dogs in her care. I began thinking then how fortunate she was to be making her living doing this. Fast forward a few years, and now I get to combine my love for dogs with my love of being outside. And it's a bonus working with Tasha, and her amazing team. I have loved, owned and trained dogs all of my life, mostly my own German Shepherds, and sometimes for other people. My background includes working with children, especially preschoolers with various challenges, which taught me to make learning fun. The same principles apply to training dogs, cats, and horses, etc. (Even cows!) Envision the behavior you desire, position yourself and the dog for success, always end on a positive note, try to catch them doing the right thing, and praise them for it! I look forward to meeting all of our clients and working with their furry best friends. Blessings, Tracey.
TRACEY
MANAGER
CHANTELLE
LEAD DOG HANDLER
Animals, adventure and being amongst nature are my favourite things! From a young age I have absolutely loved animals, like a magnetic pull. My life has been surrounded by them always having a dog or multiple by my side. Animals just seem to gravitate to me and it definitely works both ways! I have much experience with daily care, wound care, training and building trust and forming bonds with animals. Working with horses and naturally breaking youngsters at a young age was such an invaluable experience. Farm life is where you will find me tending to all my dogs, horses, cats, chickens and ducks needs. I work hard at all I do and have so much fun doing it! Living in Casino allows us endless, year-round adventures from trail rides to snowshoeing, hiking and trekking with the pups. Can't wait to explore, adventure, connect and build relationships with all your lovely puppers!
KATY
Hi, I’m Katy! I was born and raised in Trail, where I grew up exploring all of the incredible hiking trails and swimming holes that the Kootenays have to offer. After working in hospitality for many years, I’m thrilled to get out from behind the desk and back into the outdoors, spending my days in nature with dogs! I’ve been a lifelong dog lover (I've often joked that I'll end up with a pack of 30 one day), so I feel incredibly lucky to care for your pups while I wait for the day I can finally adopt one of my own. Joining the Mountain Paws team truly feels like a “pinch me” moment - getting to hike with dogs and call it work is a dream come true. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll find me behind my camera, paddleboarding, or knocking down pins at the bowling alley!
Hello! I’m Brooke. Growing up in Rossland, I cherish the special outdoor paradise we have in our backyards. I have always had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. I lived on Vancouver Island for much of my early 20s, where I got a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. After working lab jobs being inside all day, I decided working outdoors with animals is where I belong. I have had dogs and cats my entire life, and I find joy in adventuring outdoors with my two current dogs, Aster and Bodie. When I have time to myself, you can find me mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and simply enjoying our beautiful surroundings. I’m so excited to meet all of you dog parents and work with your wonderful pups!
BROOKE
ALLY
Hiya! My names Ally! Originally from North Vancouver, I ventured throughout out the Lower Mainland eventually making my way to this beautiful neck of the woods. We put down roots in Castlegar 4 years ago and started our family. Having a working background in animal care over on Bowen Island (The Dog Ranch), to being raised on a farm with horses, cats, dogs, cows and reptiles, the opportunity to work with Mountain Paws in the outdoors with dogs again made my heart sing! Immediately Tasha and her wonderful team showed me the ropes (or leashes in this case) and I am furever grateful to be a part of such a caring team! Looking forward to properly introducing myself to you and your fur babies and providing a “paw some” time together!