A free library in East Vancouver has been set up just for dogs
On a residential street in East Vancouver, a free library that caters to a canine crowd has become a community hub for pooches and their people.
The Hastings-Sunrise Dog Library on Cambridge Street began with a water dish set out by a resident dog lover. But it quickly evolved, according to volunteer Danielle Booth.
"It developed into stick exchange library and then we brought in a kiddie pool for the dogs for dog swimming. Over time, it's developed into this, she explains, pointing to shelves stocked with treats, toys, and accessories.
"It's kind of like a mini Bosley's but totally free. It's a place where the community can come and exchange pet supplies."
It now draws between 150 and 200 pooches per day from the neighborhood and throughout Metro Vancouver, as word has spread through a combination of word of mouth and social media.
"We created a connection of community with our dogs. All of this is developed because of our love for dogs," Booth says.
Volunteers from the film industry constructed three custom cabinets, a rotating group of volunteers maintains the library, the founder has secured a community grant and a sponsor has stepped up to ensure a steady supply of goodies. When a toy poodle needed expensive dental surgery, the dog library organized a fundraiser.
The hope, Boots tells CTV News, is that sharing the story of this library's success will motivate others to try something similar.
"We would love this to catch on it as a trend here in Vancouver. The little library houses, I think those are amazing," Booth says.
"Why not have a bunch of these in the city?"
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Peter Bremner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.