If you’ve ever looked at your dog before heading to work and thought, “I wish there was somewhere fun for them to spend the day,” you’re not alone.

And now, thanks to local entrepreneur and dog lover Caitlyn Bush, that wish is about to become reality.

Bushels of Fun DOGtopia is preparing to open its doors in Bonnyville, introducing a concept that has never truly existed in the Lakeland before: a full-service doggy daycare and canine enrichment centre designed to keep tails wagging from morning until evening.

For Bush, the new venture is more than just a business expansion. It’s the realization of a vision she has been building toward for years through Bushels of Fun Pet Care.

“I’ve always felt there was a gap in the Lakeland when it came to dog services,” said Bush. “People here love their pets like family, but many of the services available in larger centres simply weren’t available locally. I wanted to create something that gives dogs a safe, enriching and exciting place to spend their day.”

More Than Just Doggy Daycare

While daycare will be one of the centre’s signature services, Bush says DOGtopia is designed to offer much more than a place for dogs to pass the time.

The facility will focus on enrichment, socialization, learning and play, helping dogs stay mentally stimulated and physically active throughout the day.

Whether owners are heading to work, attending appointments or simply need a helping hand with a busy schedule, they can drop their dogs off knowing they’re spending the day in a supervised environment built specifically around canine wellbeing.

“We want dogs to leave happy, fulfilled and tired,” laughed Bush. “The best compliment we can get is hearing that a dog went home and had a great nap after a full day of fun.”

The daycare experience will also include detailed report cards complete with photos, allowing owners to see exactly what their furry family members were up to while they were away.

A Calendar Full of Canine Adventures

Forget simply running around a playroom all day.

Bush is planning an ever-changing calendar of activities designed to make every visit a unique experience.

Upcoming events will include themed celebrations, field trips, spa days, arts and crafts projects, bubble parties and other enrichment opportunities that keep dogs engaged and excited.

“We want every day to be an adventure,” said Bush. “The dogs won’t just be sitting around waiting for pickup. They’ll be participating, learning, exploring and having fun.”

The goal is to provide experiences that challenge dogs mentally while allowing them to socialize safely with other canine companions.

Celebrating Birthdays, One Pupcake at a Time

One of the more unique offerings at DOGtopia will be private Birthday Paw-Ties.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Dogs celebrating their special day will have the opportunity to enjoy a birthday experience complete with pupcakes, special activities and a professional photoshoot.

Because if we’re being honest, most pet owners already treat their dogs like family members. Why shouldn’t birthdays be celebrated accordingly?

“We know how important pets are to people,” said Bush. “A lot of families celebrate their dogs’ birthdays already, so we thought it would be fun to create something special for them.”

Grooming, Training and Shopping Under One Roof

The daycare centre is only one piece of the puzzle.

DOGtopia will also feature a grooming centre where dogs can be pampered and professionally cared for, helping them look and feel their best.

Evening and weekend training classes will provide flexible options for families looking to improve obedience, build confidence or work through behavioural challenges.

Visitors will also find a storefront carrying raw dog food, pet supplies and specialty products designed to support healthy, active lifestyles for dogs of all ages.

Introducing the Doggy Day-CAR

Perhaps one of the most creative additions to the lineup is the “doggy day-CAR.”

Recognizing that busy schedules often make transportation difficult, Bush plans to offer daycare pickup and drop-off services within Bonnyville.

The service is designed for pet owners who want their dogs to enjoy daycare but may not always have time to fit another stop into their day.

“It’s one less thing for owners to worry about,” said Bush. “Life gets busy. If we can help make daycare more accessible, that’s a win for everyone.”

More Services on the Horizon

And Bush isn’t stopping there.

Overnight care services are already in the planning stages and are expected to be introduced in the future, adding another layer of support for local pet owners.

The expansion continues the growth of a business that many Lakeland residents already know and trust.

Pet sitting, dog walking, transportation services and private training sessions offered through Bushels of Fun Pet Care will continue to operate throughout the entire Lakeland region.

Building Something the Lakeland Has Never Had

For Bush, the excitement surrounding DOGtopia comes down to one simple idea: creating opportunities for dogs to live their best lives while helping owners feel confident their pets are receiving exceptional care.

“We’re building something that doesn’t currently exist in the Lakeland,” she said. “I think people are really going to love having these options close to home.”

Judging by the enthusiasm already being generated among local pet owners, she may be right.

After all, every dog deserves their day.

And soon, Lakeland dogs may have an entire destination dedicated to making every day feel like the best day ever.