by Chad Neil
Rebecca Wheeler lives in Kill Buck, not far from Ellicottville in the town of Great Valley and saw a “need in the area,” for a dog daycare facility “with friends and family frustrated with the lack of options, it seemed like the opportune time to use my knowledge and experience to fill that need.” She expressed to have an interview with The Villager. Wheeler has savoir faire in the doggie daycare field and she also has training in veterinary studies. The Villager caught up with her for an interview:
The Villager (V): What is the name of your business?
Rebecca Wheeler (RW): Companionshep. One part is what we all want for and from our dogs and the other part is an ode to our German Shepherd, Shep.
V: Is it a dog kennel, doggie hotel or a daycare? We are currently a dog daycare and will be offering boarding services to daycare clients exclusively at this time. That being said, we have big plans for the future!
V: What does it entail?
RW: Unlike many facilities – we are not concrete, cages and potty breaks. We are your pets home away from home, with fun and friends and companionship, of course! It is evident when you walk through our door, we have set out to create a different kind of place. Through the latter half of my career in veterinary technology, I am keenly aware how some of the simplest things can make huge differences in the lives of our animals. We understand that not every dog is suited for a daycare setting and that is totally okay! In our shop, we are carrying high quality products (at Amazon and Chewy prices) to improve the lives of every single dog we can reach. Picky eaters? Mobility struggles? Itchy skin? Yucky teeth? Something else? We can help!
V: Who are you catering to?
RW: Every dog we can reach!
V: When did you open?
RW: We are opening on Monday, September 25th.
V: What made you decide to open this business?
RW: I first worked in doggie daycare 15 years ago outside of Cleveland, Ohio. This venture has been on my mind since.
V: What are your qualifications?
RW: I have worked pet care my entire career. Everything from daycare, grooming, pet sitting and then moved into veterinary technology for the past 8 years.
After the conclusion of the interview with Wheeler she added that they “intend to be the one stop shop for all things dog. Daycare, boarding, puppy classes, specialty items, health supplements and more. As I previously mentioned, I am here to help. I want to help, I need to help. Even if you just need someone to talk through an issue you may be having with your dog, I am ready to help.”
Companionshep has a website you can visit www.compaionshep.com and you can call Rebecca at 716-265-2077. Companionshep is located at 4269 Killbuck Road in Great Valley.