The Family Behind Pawsh n' Play
CO-OWNER & TRAINER
Joanna
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and personalities. I trained under a master dog trainer, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of canine behaviour, communication, and training.
Outside of my corporate career, I spent my free time offering private in-home training sessions, helping families build stronger, happier relationships with their dogs. It was during those years that | realized my true calling wasn’t behind a desk, it was working with dogs every single day.
After many successful years in the corporate world, I made the life-changing decision to follow my heart. My family and I relocated from Montreal to Kingston, where we were welcomed by an incredible community that immediately felt like home.
Pawsh n’ Play was born from a lifelong dream: to create a beautiful, enriching space where dogs are treated like family and every experience is built around their happiness, well-being, and individuality. Whether they’re here for grooming, enrichment, training, or simply to have fun, our mission is to ensure every pup feels safe, loved, and excited to come back.
I truly believe that when you love what you do, it never feels like work and | can’t wait to share that passion with every dog (and their humans) who walks through our doors.
Voula
I moved to Kingston from Montreal nearly 30 years ago. Having only ever known Montreal, it was a big change, but Kingston quickly became home and proved to be a wonderful place to raise my family.
I had always loved dogs, but it wasn’t until we rescued our little Maltese, Boomer, that I truly understood how much love and joy a dog could bring into a home. He was originally meant to be my children’s dog, but before I knew it, I had completely fallen in love with him too.
Boomer was a wonderful dog who lived a happy life surrounded by people who adored him. Sadly, after becoming ill, we had to say goodbye to him in February at only 11 years old. Choosing to open Pawsh n’ Play with my sister Joanna became a meaningful way for me to honour his memory.
Boomer was a very anxious little dog, and grooming appointments were always difficult for him. He would shake and cry, and leaving him for most of the day made me feel as though I were abandoning my baby. I always wished there were a calmer, more reassuring option for both of us.
That experience helped shape the vision for Pawsh n’ Play: a welcoming wellness center where dogs can enjoy enrichment, grooming, and training in a safe and caring environment. It will also be a place where owners can relax, enjoy a coffee on us, and remain close to their pups rather than leaving with that heavy feeling of worry.
My hope is that Pawsh n’ Play gives families the comfort and peace of mind I always wished I had when bringing Boomer to his appointments. Everything we are creating is inspired by the love he brought into our family and the belief that every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and cared for.
Director of First Impressions
Benson
Hi, I’m Benson!
I’m Pawsh n’ Play’s Director of First Impressions, which basically means I’m in charge of warm welcomes, wagging tails and making sure every pup feels right at home. My mom is one of the owners (and our resident trainer), so you could say Pawsh n’ Play is kind of the family business.
I’m smart, well-behaved, very handsome at least that’s what everyone keeps telling me, and l’ve never met a new friend I didn’t want to say hello to.
When I’m not busy supervising, you’ll usually find me playing with my friends, practicing my training skills, testing out the enrichment activities or making sure the treats are up to Pawsh standards. It’s a very important job.
I can’t wait for our doors to open so I can welcome you and your pup to the Pawsh family. Around here, I believe every great day starts with a wagging tail and a warm hello.
See you soon!
Benson
Director of First Impressions