Dogs on 3, New Business of the Year by Peri Hayes Married for 21 years and counting, Tanya and Mike Buttinger celebrate their Dogs on 3 business. “We opened officially in September of 2023 as a licensed and full-functioning boarding service,” Tanya reflects with nostalgia, “which has been ten years in the making. The idea began on our patio while contemplating what we wanted to do upon retirement, which led to concept designs written on napkins in restaurants.” With their love of dogs, the pair seized the opportunity for their passion to become their project. “We had both reached a position where we could take an early retirement from the St. Thomas Police Service, and decided that there was no time like the present. We invested in the build of our facility, making our dream come true sooner and we are so glad that we did. My husband wants this just as much. Our vision came together through our teamwork and his support.” “This is a purpose-built building,” Tanya explains. “Very hospitable for the dogs, we built this establishment to best suit their needs -- ensuring a friendly and comfortable environment.” Presently, Dogs on 3 celebrates their staff of 15. “Creating an interactive experience, we are a socially-based facility. Every dog has human interaction each day and we offer dog-friendly play groups, as well as private play sessions if preferred.” While highlighting their agility park, private off-leash dog park and full grooming services, Tanya exclaims, “We are a home away from home, and you can depend on our reliability.” Their off-leash dog park is available for the public to book single-use through accessing their dogson3.ca website and registering
as a member. This resource entails 30-minute sessions, and can be utilized each day depending on vacancy. Tanya shares how she feels to be recognized at the 2025 Impact Awards as the New Business of the Year: “I am absolutely astounded. I am so honoured to have received that, and I didn’t realize that people could see how hard I am working from the outside looking in. This entrepreneurial ride has not been easy, and I am so grateful that we have made this happen. We are creating change through jobs, happy staff and assisting this need in the area.” As Tanya proceeds to graciously express: “I thoroughly enjoyed my service to the community as a Police Officer and other past jobs, which have all brought me to this stage. This is the first stress-free environment that I have known, and I am thriving.” While Tanya reveals
that their occupancy is fluid, she encourages, “The earlier the better for booking during peak seasons and weekends.” Located at 39515 Talbot Line, Dogs on 3 operates their lobby hours from 7:30 am until 7:30 pm Monday through Sunday. Tanya invites inquiries to be directed via email to info@dogson3.ca.
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2025 St. Thomas & District Impact Award Winner
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