A sanctuary for your friend while you’re away
By Jillian Chandler
“The love of dogs was instilled in me from an early age. I have always had a dog in my life and value their truly unique way of seeing the world around us.”
There’s a puppy paradise right here in Bonner Ferry, Idaho. And owner Christina Papka and husband Brian are proud to provide man’s best friend a sanctuary away from home—at Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit.
Brian and Christine moved to North Idaho four years ago to be closer to family. A few years later, when the opportunity presented itself to purchase Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit, it was the perfect fit. Inspired by their love of dogs, combined with the “experience of knowing how important it is to have a safe and fun place for your fur babies to stay while traveling,” made this the perfect business opportunity for the couple.
“My desire to provide a unique, fun and safe home away from home for my clients stems from my own love and respect of our family of four-legged friends,” Christine says.
With her love of dogs and background in early childhood education, Christine saw the many parallels between caring for someone’s child and their beloved pet. While her daughters were young, Christine got involved in competitive obedience and agility with their own family dog, and it was during this period that she experienced the unique closeness that a working relationship with a dog can foster.
Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit was opened in 1996, and after 30 successful years in business, the property and business were for sale—and the Papkas seized the opportunity and purchased it in 2019. At Happy Tails, your pooch is provided a personalized dog-boarding experience. Each furry guest is treated to their own indoor run space in one of two heated/cooled kennel buildings. The 7 wooded acres are ideal for those long walks, and a fully fenced acre play yard offers plenty of fun for supervised romps. They also offer daycare and pre-pickup baths for small additional fees.
As Christine says, the ambiance of the property, with its wooded trails and open play space, is truly one of a kind! And the layout of the kennel buildings promotes a calm, enjoyable stay. Your doggie is sure to be delighted during his or her stay. “I love giving my clients peace of mind that their beloved pet is being well cared for so they can be away without having to worry,” says Christine.
At Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit, they can cater to you and your pet(s), as housing for multiple dogs per family is available with a discounted rate; drop-off and pick-up are done by appointment during the morning and late afternoon; medication administration and senior dog care are provided at no additional charge; there are referral services for training; they are willing to transport to pre pick-up grooming appointments (appointment made by owner in advance of stay) for a small transport fee; and they offer a warm-weather wash to freshen up your furry friend before going home (additional charge applied). Christine also works with clients to “help maintain positively reinforced behaviors and good general doggie manners while away from home.”
Since taking over the business a year ago, Christine is truly grateful for the support she and her family have received from the community. “I took over an established business that had a strong client base already,” she shares. “Not only have they welcomed me and trusted me with their precious pets, but I have received referrals for new clients as well!”
She finds Bonners Ferry to be a close-knit community that takes care of its own, adding that it is also a growing community that offers small businesses a growing client base.
At Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit, Christine ensures your pup will be in loving, experienced hands while you’re away. For more information, she invites you to give her a call at 208.267.2763.
Happy Tails Bed and Biscuit
1013 Lone Pony Lane (private drive)
208.267.2763