From the pooches mouth (updated)
Good news and bad news for Walkervillians in this post.
I’ll start out with the bad news. Good friend Karen from The Hounds of Walkerville (S/E corner Windermere and Wyandotte) will be closing up shop in August. If you’ve never met this woman - be sure and get your tail in there and introduce yourself, as she is one of the warmest people you would ever care to meet. If you’ve got an unkempt dog, let her fix that for you as well. I know I’ll be bringing my “Wesley” in there again for a final spit-shine before she moves. She will be opening up again in a different, more affordable location (when I get that info I’ll pass it along) so Walkerville’s loss will be another neighbourhood’s gain
ED: This just in. On August 1st, Karen will be moving to 460 Giles Blvd, east. She is in the process of fixing the home up and will offer dog grooming as well as a Bed and Biscuit (People can stay with their pets like a bed and breakfast) The name “The Hounds Of Walkerville“ will live on, as she is just on the out skirts of Walkerville and is pleased to say ”I am still in the neighbourhood!” The telephone number will stay the same (519-973-9911). “I have enjoyed meeting everyone and I will stay in touch.” We’ll do the same Karen, and best of luck at your new location.
The good news is that the storefront will be vacant for a very short time. Building owner Francesco Vella will be establishing a good, old fasioned neighbourhood pharmacy in that space. For those of you unfamiliar with the name, Francesco is the guy who bought the Lowe Martin house and will be restoring it to its former grandieur. So, not only will you be getting a new, local non-big-box pharmacy in your ‘hood, but you’ll also be supporting a gentlemen who supports Olde Walkerville. The guy puts his money where his mouth is and deserves the support of his neighbours.
(ed - photo credit goes to The Mayor of Monmouth)
Tags: Entrepreneurs, local business, walkerville
Post Feedback
We would welcome her to the area near where the urban village is supposed to be built. Lots of space available (one where they are motivated to lease or sell) is the corner of University Ave W and Bruce.
yay francesco!!
This is such sad news! I love the current location. I love Karen. My dog loves Karen. In fact, I think my dog loves Karen more than me! The service at Karen’s salon is amazing and I hope she reopens nearby soon.
We first had our dogs groomed by Karen back while she was on Howard avenue across from Remark Farm, about 2003. I think she’s moved about five times since then, with her last two locations being in Walkerville. Her short lived Ottawa st. location was our favorite. Glad to hear she’s staying in the city though.
As to Part 2 of your news, I am VERY pleased to hear about the new neighbourhood pharmacy, Chris. I have been dealing with the Walkerville Pharmacy for the last few years but to my disappointment they were purchased by Shoppers Drug Mart (already across the street!!! WTF?!) this winter in an obvious corporate manoever to knock off indy competition. The other formerly indepedent pharmacy in my area (IDA @ Kildare/Tec.) was purchased by Rexall. Been looking for a new indy and along comes this news. Thanks Chris!
PEOPLE!! At the rate we are going we’ll have about four choices in the pharmacy sector - Shoppers, Rexall, Walmart, and Zehrs. Support your neighbourhood pharmacy (if you have one) for the same reason you should support your neighbourhood grocer, restauranteur, barber, etc.!! Unless of course you like wearing a beeper and wandering the aisles looking at toiilet paper and hair coloring for half an hour, then discussing your prescription in line with twelve other people around you and a pharmacist who woudn’t remember you if he saw you again five minutes later!
I’ll be looking forward to the grand opening of Vella’s new pharmacy, will be there on the grand opening to move my prescriptions over.
Just a word of warning folks. These people may seem like the nicest people in the world to your face, but I can tell you from seeing it happen, the dogs are beaten into submission so that the grooms can be performed. Not all dogs behave when being groomed and thats how it’s done. Sad to say, but thats what happens. You can take my word for it, or take the chance on bringing your dog into them. Your choice. These people are salesman and will tell you anything you want to hear.
I have taken my dog to Karen at all locations, I have stayed and seen her grooming techniques, and I stand by her 100%. No false behavior on her part, she sincerely loves her work and dogs. I used to get my poodle groomed at the big bix store and that “Brad” must be the place you are talking about. Keep up the good work Hounds