North Van locals release “Dog Therapy: The Book of Happiness”

Katy Wilson has operated a dog hiking and cat sitting company in North Vancouver for over a decade, but when her business took a hit with COVID-19, she decided to do what she had been planning for some time now.

The owner of Furkids Pet Care decided to put together “Dog Therapy: The Book of Happiness” alongside local mental health specialist Helen Whitehead.

“My clients have always loved the photos I send them of their pets, and often told me I should put together a book, but it was always on the backburner as the business took up most of my time,” Katy says.

“Dog Therapy: The Book of Happiness” is a combination of happy dog photographs taken on the North Shore trails with local dogs, alongside words of wisdom and insights from local therapist Helen Whitehead.

The book is not about professionally shot, staged photographs of dogs modelling on the trails. These are real life snapshots, captured in the moment, of pups living their best lives.

“We hope the combination brings smiles and serenity, and an escape from how hard life can be right now,” Katy says.

Helen Whitehead says they wanted to something different from the standard self-help book.

“We felt adding the dog pictures would give people that extra boost and bring smiles and serenity to their day. It touches on many issues we struggle with daily, such as anxiety, gratitude, self-compassion and stress,” she says.

Katy says she feels lucky to spend her days hiking with dogs on the North Shore trails and she wanted to share that joy with others.

“2020 has been a tough year for so many people, and we wanted to give people not only a respite from it, but also some tools to help them get through the tough days a bit easier,” she says.

The book can be bought on Amazon.