Built on Care, Grown Through Love

Ten years of Airdrie Puppy Pals.

Rosa and Ryder at an (almost) empty dog park in Airdrie, Alberta

It doesn’t feel real to say that out loud.

Tomorrow October 26th 2026 marks ten years since we officially opened our doors to our first facility in Kings Heights. Tomorrow, October 26th, 2025, marks ten years since we officially opened our first facility in King’s Heights. But the story didn’t start there. It started with two dogs Rosa and Ryder looking for some Puppy Pals.

Back in 2014, Ray and I would take Rosa and Ryder to the dog park. More often than not, we’d be the only ones there. Or we’d leave just as someone else was arriving. So I created local Facebook group, just saying where we were headed and asking if anyone wanted to come.

That was it. That small post, that simple idea, is where Airdrie Puppy Pals began.

From there I started listening. People had stories. Some were heartbreaking. I knew there had to be a better way to care for dogs. One rooted in education, safety, and community. So we built it.

On October 26, 2015, Airdrie Puppy Pals officially opened the doors to our first facility. There were so many obstacles along the way—finances, the toilet that was moved three times—but what I remember so clearly was the evening before the grand opening celebration. I was wearing a red sweater. My hair was in a bun. I sat at the desk, taking a deep breath, with no idea what was ahead. I hoped people would come. I hoped we could make a difference. I could never have imagined what this would become.

ver the last ten years, we’ve grown in ways I never could have imagined. We’ve learned from every dog, every family, and every experience. We’ve helped raise puppies and supported dogs through every stage of life. We’ve celebrated milestones and little wins. We’ve shared in the hard days too.

We’ve hosted events, launched programs, and built something that is rooted in connection. Community has always been the heart of Airdrie Puppy Pals and that hasn’t changed. I’m proud of what we’ve built here. Proud of the dogs we’ve cared for and the families who have trusted us with them. Proud of every team member who has walked through our doors, whether they stayed for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Each one has helped shape this place and I’m so grateful.

The Airdrie community has shown up for us in ways I will never forget. From small businesses who cheered us on in those early days to the families who have brought their dogs to us year after year. Some of your dogs have grown up with us. Some spent their whole lives with us. That kind of trust means more than I can ever put into words.

Me (Nikki) sitting at our front desk October 2015

Being a family-run center isn’t just something we say. It is how we do everything. Every choice we make starts with the question, “Would I do this for Rosa, Ryder, or Kaya?” If the answer is no, we don’t do it. That is why we slow down to understand each dog. That is why we have built what we have.

I’m not trying to franchise or grow into something bigger than we need to be. I don’t want to offer every service under the sun. I want to keep doing what we do really well. I want to keep showing up for the dogs in our care and the people who love them. I want our team to feel proud to work here. I want to keep doing this, just like we always have.

To everyone who has been part of our story, thank you. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning, just joined us, or have supported us from a distance, thank you for believing in a different kind of dog care. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for sharing your Puppy Pals with us.

Ten years. I’m so proud of us. And I’m so deeply, honestly grateful.

With love,
Nikki