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11 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 4,2019 theifp.ca Vacationers looking to give their four-legged fami- ly members a memorable vacation of their own have an option just outside of Acton. Spencer Stubbins and Maddy Smith launched PawMates Professional Pet Care a year ago at their ru- ral home. "I've always done it a lit- tle bit since high school," Stubbins said. Growing up on a farm, Stubbins already had expe- rience caring for animals. With more than 30 acres of property, the couple spend their days roaming with the dogs. "When I graduated, I didn't want to get stuck in an office job," Stubbins said Within six months of taking on their first clients, the business was regularly entertaining four-legged visitors. "At Christmas we had 12 dogs here," Stubbins said. The dogs generally roam off-leash, but dogs new to the concept are quickly coached to follow the pack. "We've successfully trained about a half dozen to roam off-leash," Smith said. "They stick with the pack. The most interesting thing is happening here with us, so they're not go- ing anywhere." Though daycare is avail- able, many clients send their pets during their own vacations. "For daycare it may be too far, but if you're going on vacation, driving 20 minutes isn't too bad," Stubbins said. The furthest client comes from as far away as New Jersey. "[A client] called us last year because her sister lives in Brampton in an apartment that doesn't al- low dogs," Stubbins said. "She loves her dog and doesn't want it to be in New Jersey while she's here." During her visit, Stub- bins said, the client will come up to join the couple for a walk with her dogs a couple of times a week. "We've got people from Markham and Toronto who make the drive," Stub- bins said. Between Orangeville and Guelph, however, Paw- mates offers a pickup and drop-off service for a flat fee of $10. Rates for care start at $20 for up to a four-hour visit, up to eight hours is $25, and up to 12 hours is $30. Above that, a full 24- hour period is $35. A sec- ond dog is an additional $15 for an overnight visit. More information about PawMates Professional Pet Care (5671 First Line, Hills- burgh) is available at www.facebook.com/pg/ PawMatesPets or by call- ing 519-835-9822. NEWS CANINE RETREAT WORTH THE DRIVE FROM ACTON BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com Spencer Stubbins and Maddy Smith, owners of PawMates Professional Pet Care. Dogs who stay at the property enjoy plenty of nature and lots of play time with other guests. Bryan Myers/Torstar Please keep our community clean! BILL & JUDY COOK 07.06.19 • 1-4 PM Come celebrate with us the 50thWedding anniversary of Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 120 27Mill St, Georgetown, ON BestWishes Only Please. How can I Help my parents as tHey age? estates & trustslegal matters M. Jasmine Sweatman B.A., J.D., LL.M., TEP., C.S., EPC, CPCA Certified Specialist in Estates & Trusts Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Estate Litigation and Administration, Corporate, Real Estate Q: 145 Mill St., Georgetown 905.877.0121 * www.sweatmanlaw.com *Sweatman Law Professional Corporation A : new location As the Canadian population ages, children of seniors are increasingly challenged with parents who need support. In many instances, parents resist this assistance, as it often represents a loss of independence. How can we plan for these changes? As is the case with most things in life, we can make the most progress with an open honest discussion. Families should include all interested parties in the process - siblings, friends, neighbors. This will ensure that down the road when important decisions need to made, everyone will feel included If it has not been addressed recently, this is a good time to revisit your Will, and Powers of Attorney. In the process of discussing wishes, it can lead to a discussion on current personal needs. Although these can often be difficult discussions to have, a proactive approach will likely help the parent to accept life stage challenges with grace.DO YOU HEAR Ringing? Buzzing? Book a TINNITUS Consultation Today! Hearing Testing, Hearing Aids and Accessories Ph: 289-891-8833 120 Mill Street, Georgetown