A new business is helping dog owners across the Interlake build stronger relationships with their pets through education, wellness support and personalized guidance.
Perennial Paws, founded by Katie Adam, officially opened in May and offers customized, in-home coaching and wellness services for dogs at every stage of life, from puppies and rescue animals to senior companions.
Katie Adam, owner and founder of the Interlake-based Perennial Paws, offers in-home coaching and wellness services for dogs of all ages
Adam brings more than a decade of experience in veterinary medicine and animal welfare to her new venture. Through years of working in clinics and caring for dogs with diverse backgrounds, she recognized a need for more individualized support for pet owners.
“My goal is to be a voice for these animals, advocating for their emotional well-being through gentle, fear-free methods, while empowering owners with the understanding and tailored guidance they need to truly thrive with their pets,” she said.
Adam said many owners, particularly first-time dog owners, struggle with recognizing health concerns or addressing behavioural challenges.
Rather than judging owners for what they do not know, she wanted to create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable seeking help and asking questions.
The business name reflects the lasting relationships she hopes to build with both pets and their families. Adam said perennial plants are known for their resilience and ability to thrive year after year, qualities she sees reflected in the bond between dogs and their owners.
Unlike traditional obedience programs that focus primarily on teaching commands, Adam’s approach examines the underlying reasons behind a dog’s behaviour.
“Behavior is deeply connected to a dog’s physical health, environment, stress levels and so much more,” she explained. “By utilizing certified Fear Free rewards-based methods, we focus on changing how a dog feels about a situation. When you focus on building mutual trust, clear communication and emotional wellness, the reliable ‘obedience’ naturally follows.”
Each client begins with a detailed consultation before receiving a personalized training and wellness plan.
Adam currently offers programs tailored to puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs and rescue dogs. She said ongoing support is a key part of the business, allowing owners to access guidance throughout their dog’s life.
“Our dogs give us a lifetime of loyalty, and I wanted to create a business that honours them in return,” she said. “I wanted to make sure Perennial Paws offers a little something to help every pet thrive as they grow.”
For families welcoming rescue dogs, Adam emphasizes patience above all else.
“Patience is the greatest gift you can offer a rescue pup,” she said.
As summer approaches, Adam said many pet owners are seeking advice on seasonal concerns, including tick, flea and heartworm prevention, water safety, recall training and recognizing signs of heat-related illness.
The most rewarding part of her work, she said, comes from seeing both dogs and owners develop a deeper understanding of one another.
“There is nothing quite like the feeling when a concept suddenly clicks,” she said. “Things start making sense, and you can visually see that deep connection and mutual understanding begin to form right in front of you.”
Adam’s passion for animal care is also shaped by her own experiences raising and caring for dogs at different stages of life. Those experiences, she said, reinforce the importance of empathy, patience and realistic expectations.
Looking ahead, she hopes Perennial Paws becomes a trusted resource for dog owners throughout the Interlake.
“My biggest goal for Perennial Paws is to truly build on and strengthen our local community relationships,” she said. “I don’t want to just be a service provider that people call when they have a problem. I want Perennial Paws to be a trusted everyday resource for the entire Interlake region.”
