For The Love Of Dogs

CANINE

COURTYARD Love FOR THE OF DOGS

by Jean Eisenmann | photo on top by What’s That Guy’s Name? | Photography by Guy T and photo of dog courtesy of Debi Lavoie

If you were to spend just one day at Canine Courtyard, you’d wish you had been born a dog. That’s how much the staff caters to the canines at this boarding, grooming, and daycare facility. In fact, their mantra is, Dogs come first!

Paul and Debi LaVoie have always shared a special bond with dogs of all sizes and breeds, and dogs have always been part of their lives as family – not as pets. Most dog owners would agree that, as with human children, raising them is a big commitment to taking care of their needs and quality of life. That was never so evident to the LaVoie’s as when their rescue border collie, Maddie, began having seizures at eight months old. Sadly, beloved Maddie’s health got the best of her, but during that time, Debi took note of the bedside manners of those caregivers. Debi said, “After that experience, whenever we visited a facility for our other dogs’ grooming, training, and occasional boarding, Paul and I would find ourselves silently rating the business’ cleanliness, skill, staff’s compassion, and pet safety. It struck me that we could do this better than a lot of what’s out there.”

Given their combined professional skills, experience, and all that doggie love, it was time to build a business. The couple found their dream location when acquiring Canine Courtyard in Flower Mound in January of 2012. And they just celebrated their nine-year anniversary! The business has grown to become such a tremendous success and a labor of love for Paul and Debi that they opened another facility in

Lewisville in May of 2019.

For dogs, Canine Courtyard is heaven on earth. For their owners, it’s a clean, safe, and loving one-stop shop. They offer all the services of the big box pet stores, including grooming, training, doggie daycare, and boarding. Plus, Canine Courtyard’s staff adds the cherry on top with their talent and dedication to caring for dogs. Here, every dog that walks through their door is treated like family. “We have a team environment at both locations,” Debi said. “We never would’ve been successful without the staff. They’re like family, too.” The business began with six employees, and that number has grown to 34. Both sites are staffed with professional canine caregivers because you wouldn’t want any less than the best for your furry family members. “I conduct three interviews before hiring someone,” Debi explained. “First and foremost, they must have a true and honest love of dogs.” And boy, do they ever!

For canines enrolled in doggie daycare and day play, there are huge outdoor play yards with lots of shade, oversized yard toys, and climate-controlled play areas for a sweltering or rainy-day option.

For boarding, Canine Courtyard is equipped with the largest kennels in the area, including a luxury size (8 ft. x 8 ft.) for fur families to cuddle up in together at night. Only dogs from the same household may share a kennel. “In March of last year, we had just installed brand-new kennels in Flower Mound when COVID-19 hit,” Debi recalls. Customers still needed us for their dogs’ needs, so we were the first business of its kind to start curbside service for keeping people safe.”

Another example of their four-legged guests receiving the royal treatment is a concierge service for older, more fragile dogs that might require additional care and monitoring. A specially-appointed first aid certified concierge is assigned to each of these special needs boarders to help the dogs maintain their quality of life. The level of care is unmatched.

Along with their canine services, Canine Courtyard also sells high-end brand food, treats, collars, and leashes.

These days, Paul and Debi are the proud parents of two fur babies in Aspen, a great Pyrenees who’s 10, and Crosby, a 7-year-old Anatolian shepherd mix. Both accompany her to work every day.

Canine Courtyard seems to be doing everything right. Winning Best of Denton County every year since 2014 appears to validate that statement. “We have the most amazing customers and staff,” Debi said with gratitude. “It’s all for the love of dogs.”