<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>339104</docID> <postdate>2025-02-26 12:55:00</postdate> <headline>The experts for furry, feathery and scaly friends</headline> <body><p><span class="kicker-line" style="font-weight: 400;">The Canberra experts ensuring your furry, feathery and scaly friends are in the best hands possible.</span></p> <p><strong>Life would be bleak without our animal friends. In this feature we meet some of the best pets and animal specialists in Canberra.</strong></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-339111" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Courtney-Smith-Completely-Rescued.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Completely Group CEO Courtney Smith.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Dogcare boss dedicates efforts to rescue dogs</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Courtney Smith isn’t your average entrepreneur.</p> <p class="p2">CEO of the Completely Group, her pet-rescue charity is Completely Rescue.</p> <p class="p2">“The motivation to start Completely Rescue stemmed from a profound love for animals and recognising the urgent need for a dedicated effort to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome pets,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">Courtney says her goal was to create a supportive environment where every animal could receive the necessary care and preparation for a new life in a loving home.</p> <p class="p2">“Each pet is assessed by a veterinarian and receives necessary medical treatment before behavioural assessments are conducted to understand the animal’s needs and temperament,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“Prospective adopters are thoroughly screened, including interviews and home visits.â€</p> <p class="p2">Courtney says Completely Rescued welcomes financial donations through its website to directly offer support care, medical treatment and rehoming.</p> <p class="p2">“We would love to see more foster carers and are always grateful to welcome new volunteers,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“Training is provided for all volunteers to ensure they feel confident and can make a significant impact.â€</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Financially supporting this service is Completely Dogcare, a centre that offers doggy daycare, grooming services and training sessions.</span></p> <p class="p2">“We are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for every dog,†says Courtney.</p> <p class="p2">“We staff our centre with passionate, knowledgeable individuals who not only care for the dogs but also strive to build a personal connection with each one.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Completely Dogcare. 10/12 Cheney Place, Mitchell. Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am-6pm. Call 0408 111 046 or visit <a href="http://completelydogcare.com.au">completelydogcare.com.au</a> and <a href="http://completelyrescued.com.au">completelyrescued.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-322172" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Discount-Glass-Pet-Doors.jpeg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Discount Glass pet doors.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span style="color: #800000;"><b>Affordable, practical solutions for pet freedom</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Discount Glass has rapidly gained a reputation for installing quality pet doors, which allow easy access in and out of the home for cats or dogs without compromising the home’s security, says co-owner Olivia Rogan.</p> <p class="p2">Olivia says this is a particularly popular service to allow cats outside in a contained environment.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">She says each pet door they install is unique to the needs of the pet and the layout of the home. </span></p> <p class="p2">On average, Olivia says Discount Glass measures, quotes and installs about 20 pet doors a week.</p> <p class="p2">Proudly family-owned since 1986, Discount Glass is the longest established glazing business in Belconnen, says Olivia.</p> <p class="p2">“Glass can make a big difference to the house in many ways people might not at first think,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“We install glass that helps with comfort, safety, practicality and decorative purposes.â€</p> <p class="p2">Discount Glass offers no-obligation, free quotes and assessments to give people options that work for them and their home.</p> <p class="p2">“Our team is like a little family in themselves, and we really love helping others with their glass solutions,†she says.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Discount Glass, 4 Purdue Street, Belconnen. Call 6253 1099 or visit <a href="http://discountglass.com.au">discountglass.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-277459" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/StellasByTheLake_004.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Stella's by the Lake owners, daughter Ashlinn and father David Reid.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>The perfect ‘barkery’ menu to go with a coffee</b></span></h3> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Recent winner of the Best Breakfast Restaurant and Cafe Dining at the Restaurant and Catering Association’s Awards for Excellence in 2024, Stella’s by the Lake isn’t just a hotspot for humans, but for four-legged friends as well. </span></p> <p class="p2">“Stella’s by the Lake was inspired by our deep love for dogs and our vision of creating a truly welcoming space for both humans and their furry companions,†says manager, Ashlinn Reid.</p> <p class="p2">Named after one of their late, beloved dogs, Ashlinn says Stella’s is a tribute to the joy, love and companionship that dogs bring into humans’ lives.</p> <p class="p2">Ashlinn says they wanted to build a community focused cafe where dog lovers could gather, enjoy great coffee and food while letting their dogs socialise in a beautiful lakeside setting.</p> <p class="p2">“Our passion for hospitality and dogs has shaped Stella’s into what it is today,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">With a local “barkery†menu dedicated to high-quality, no-nasties-added dog treats, Ashlinn says there are plenty of delicious options for dogs including pupcakes, puppachinos and retail dog treats.</p> <p class="p2">“Beyond treats, we make sure the pups are comfortable by providing dog beds, water bowls and even a dog lead outside if you need to step in quickly!â€</p> <p class="p2">Ashlinn says each dog that visits Stella’s gets the VIP (Very Important Pup) treatment.</p> <p class="p2">Until the end of March, Ashlinn says they are offering a $10 coffee and cake deal for any cake of choice paired with a small coffee.</p> <p class="p2">“It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself while enjoying the lakeside views!â€</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Stella’s By The Lake, 63/1 Beissel Street, Belconnen. Open 7am-2pm, Mondays to Sundays. Call 6253 0370 or 6105 9497.</i></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-198297" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Walk-in-aviary_entrance-e1649398825617.jpg" alt="" width="734" height="497" /></p> <caption>Canberra Walk-in Aviary.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Aviary offers a great time away with the birds</b></span></h3> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Parrots, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The aviary is great fun for all ages. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, he says.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,†Mick says. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“Provided the weather is fine, you can have a great time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends.â€</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 600 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“We accept student and senior concession cards,†he says.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">The aviary is open every day, 9am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Canberra Walk-in Aviary, unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit <a href="http://canberrawalkinaviary.com.au">canberrawalkinaviary.com.au</a></i></span></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-339112" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/South-Pacific-Hemp-pet-products.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>A variety of pet products available at South Pacific Hemp.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Sustainable pet care making a difference for the planet</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Manager Sue Booth says South Pacific Hemp stocks a leading range of sustainable pet care, offering nutrient-rich hemp products that support pet health naturally.</p> <p class="p2">According to Sue, hemp is a powerhouse ingredient for pets due to its essential fatty acids, protein and antioxidants, all of which helps promote healthy skin, joint health and digestion.</p> <p class="p2">With a wide range of pet-friendly hemp products, Sue says she offers everything from calming support for anxious pets to treats that are allergen and sensitive stomach friendly.</p> <p class="p2">“We offer treats to improve coat health and have a variety of hemp-based pet products to offer a natural, plant-powered boost for furry friends of all ages,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“With South Pacific Hemp, pet owners can choose eco-friendly accessories and nutrition products, knowing they’re making a difference for their pets and the planet.â€</p> <p class="p2">Hemp is a perfect choice for humans and pets alike, says Sue.</p> <p class="p2">Naturally filtering UV light to protect skin, Sue says hemp resists bacterial growth and prevents odour.</p> <p class="p2">“Hemp breathes excellently and has four times the strength of cotton, so it won’t weaken when washed,†she says.</p> <p class="p1"><i>South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, visit <a href="http://southpacifichemp.com.au">southpacifichemp.com.au</a> or email <a href="mailto:sthpacifichemp@gmail.com">sthpacifichemp@gmail.com</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-322170" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sandy-Borgo-of-Charlie-Chums.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Sandy Borgo of Charlie & Chums.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Giftware that celebrates all sorts of pets</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">For Sandy Borgo, owner of Charlie & Chums, dogs are so much more than just a pet.</p> <p class="p2">“Dogs are always there for me and I for them,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“My dogs are my solace in life and I’m not the only one, many people find their pets are their best friends. They keep you active and give you happiness in life.â€</p> <p class="p2">Sandy’s love for dogs encouraged her to buy a particular keychain while travelling in Venice, and when she returned home she was inundated with compliments on it.</p> <p class="p2">“Everybody just marvelled over it, they thought it was fabulous,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">Sandy says that although it was from Venice she knew they must’ve had to buy it wholesale from somewhere.</p> <p class="p2">“So I sat there and searched the internet,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“I started with that, jewellery and a small amount of pet products, in pop-up stores, and then progressed into a shop for four years.â€</p> <p class="p2">Sandy is now online only, but she still has a huge range of products available.</p> <p class="p2">“I’ve got dog collars and leads, dog and cat wooden plaques, and bright metal dog and cat metal plaques,†she says. “The bright metal plaques list the pet traits.</p> <p class="p2">“We have dog hooks and dog-treat jars.â€</p> <p class="p2">Also available is giftware, including spec holders, ladies’ ponchos, scarves and brooches, says Sandy.</p> <p class="p2">Sandy says she also has sculptures of dogs and cats<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>made from old 44-gallon metal drums, from the company Think Outside.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Charlie & Chums. Call 0402 097580 or visit <a href="http://charlieandchums.com.au">charlieandchums.com.au</a></i></p> </body>