PupVacay's Sniffspot

We have a beautiful 1/4 acre fully-fenced backyard in the heart of Oshawa, covered in mature trees and bushes, for lots of shade and room to run and play leash-free!

PupVacay's Sniffspot

We are located just north of Bloor and Simcoe in Oshawa, with easy access to HWY 401.

PupVacay's Sniffspot

The best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our private dog park is designed for the ultimate safe dog exercise.

PupVacay's Sniffspot

Off leash enrichment - Exploration and activities you cannot get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days.

PupVacay's Sniffspot

Safe playdates - Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise, it's safe and it's fun for you and your dog.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

46 Sniffspot News Articles

  • Your own private dog park - Wondering where to go with a reactive or shy dog? With Sniffspot, you can rent a safe, off-leash space for any pup

Friday, August 26, 2022

National Dog Day - Featuring 35+ Dog Freebies!

 Image: Dog Friendship, by Lenka Novotná

Image: The Complete Dog Breed Book, New Edition | Paperback: 352 pages | by DK (Author). Publisher: DK; New edition (March 17, 2020)
The Complete Dog Breed Book

August 26th is... National Dog Day

Check out - interesting books to read and free printables, papercrafts, kid crafts, activities, and coloring pages.

Social Media: #InternationalDogDay #NationalDogDay #DogDay #Dogs #onthisdate #Todayinhistory #specialdays #holidays


Jump to: Amazon Freebies ~ Recipes ~ Free Printables, Coloring Pages, Activities, and Crafts ~ Index of Holiday Freebies


Image: Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds, by Nancy Hajeski (Author). Publisher: Firefly Books (October 18, 2016)
Every Dog
National Dog Day
-- Celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs who need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. Honoring family dogs and dogs who work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Celebrating can be as easy as giving your four-legged friend a big hug and kiss (if they like that sort of affection)!

Read: Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds
-- The over 450 breeds are thoroughly researched and represent canines from around the world. They range from rare breeds for the dog lover who wants something different - to the favorite breeds that make for a reliable choice. There are ancient breeds and modern breeds, including the designer dogs so popular in recent years. Illustrations, text, charts, tables, and icons make it an ideal reference for all dog lovers, who will enjoy flipping through the pages.

Image: Nightshirt Says How to Sleep with a Dog
Nightshirt: How to Sleep with a Dog
Nightshirt Says How to Sleep with a Dog
-- Slip into something more comfortable! Perfect for dog lovers. One size fits most - 36 inches long. 100% cotton and machine washable. Anyone who has ever had to share sleeping space with their dog will get a chuckle out of this whimsical nightshirt. Great for lounging, bedtime, and as a cover up

Image: DOLON Infinity Love Dog Mom Paw Bracelet | Handmade Pet Friendship Leather Gift
Dog Mom Paw Bracelet
Dog Mom Paw Bracelet
-- Combined Multi-layer Bracelet, with Paw charm. Packed in an individual bag, then gift box wrapped. Synthetic leather with velvet wrapped together. Completely handmade.

Image: Cartoon Cotton Dog Crew Socks | KEAZA Christmas Gift Package | Novelty Liner Socks for Women 5-pack
Cartoon Cotton Dog Crew Socks
Cartoon Cotton Dog Crew Socks
-- Odor and moisture resistant fabric helps feet stay dry and fresh. They are soft and elastic. They are knitted with color-block patterns. 73% cotton, 25% nylon, 2% spandex.

🐶 Dog Coloring and Activity Books




Image: Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones | Kindle Edition | by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (Author), Debra F. Horwitz (Editor), John Ciribassi (Contributor), Steve Dale (Contributor). Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint edition (January 7, 2014)
Decoding Your Dog

Amazon Freebies:

🐶 Free Dog ebooks. No Kindle? Download a FREE Kindle Reading App

🐶 Read Dog ebooks for free with a Free Trial of Kindle Unlimited

🐶 Free Dog apps

🐶 Free Dog games

🐶 Free Dog magazines

🐶 Listen to Dog Soundtracks Digital Music with a Free Trial of Amazon Music Unlimited

🐶 Listen to Kids Dog Digital Music with a Free Trial of Amazon Music Unlimited

🐶 Watch Dog Videos for Free with a Free Trial of Amazon Prime

🐶 Listen to Dog Audible books with Amazon Audible, and Get Two Free Audiobooks

🐶 Free Alexa Skills | Dog

🐶 Listen to Free Dog Podcasts - No membership required.

🐶 Amazon Kids+ Free Trial - Unlimited access to more than 16,000 kid-friendly books, videos and apps, as well as parental controls to help create a unique experience for each child. (US, Germany, UK)

🐶 Prime Gaming Free Trial - Unlock instant access to tons of exclusive content for your favorite games, and a collection of PC games for free... each and every month.




Image: Dog Nutrition and Cookbook: The Simple Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy | Paperback: 2310 pages | by The Woof Brothers (Author). Publisher: Admore Publishing (October 22, 2019)
Dog Nutrition and Cookbook

Dog Food Recipes:

🐶 DIY Homemade Dog Food Recipes | The Farmer's Dog

🐶 10 Best Gourmet Dog Food Recipes for a Healthy Dog

🐶 12 Recipes for Homemade Dog Treats

🐶 20 Most Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes

🐶 56 Amazing Dog Food Recipes You Can Make at Home

🐶 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Dieting Dogs




Image: 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition: Fun and Easy Activities, Games, and Crafts (Dog Tricks and Training, 5) | Paperback – Illustrated: 192 pages | by Kyra Sundance (Author). Publisher: Quarry Books; Illustrated edition (July 1, 2014)
101 Dog Tricks

Free Printables, Coloring Pages, Activities, and Crafts:

🐶 20 Ways To Celebrate National Dog Day

🐶 Free Music Videos to Relax Your Dog

🐶 Realistic Puppy Coloring Pages

🐶 Free Printables - DOG ON A LOG Books

🐶 DIY Pet Feeding Schedule Printable

🐶 Cootie catcher: Dog (free printable) - Printables.se

🐶 Make Their Treats Unique With Festive Printables

🐶 Free Secret Life of Pets Printables

🐶 Printables - Dog Walking Schedule - Fellowes®

🐶 Feed the Dog Counting Activity - Pre-K Pages

🐶 Free Printable Dog Treat Tags

🐶 Free Printable Pet Care Charts

🐶 Good (and Bad) Reason to Get a Dog

🐶 Printable Beware of Dog Signs

🐶 Beware of dog – download free printable signs

🐶 Free Dog Printables and Worksheets | TPT

🐶 Dog Printable Coloring Pages

🐶 Clifford, the Big Red Dog Printables | PBS Kids

🐶 Dogs Theme Activities for Preschool

🐶 HOTEL for DOGS coloring pages

🐶 Dogs: Coloring pages, Drawing for Kids, Crafts and Activities, Free Online Games, Reading and Learning

🐶 Dog and Puppy Papercraft

🐶 Free Printables for Kids: Dog Coloring Pages, Puzzles and More

🐶 Easy Dog DIY Ideas

🐶 101 Dog Dot to Dot printable worksheets




Image: A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans (A Dog's Purpose (1)) | Paperback: 336 pages | by W. Bruce Cameron (Author). Publisher: Forge Books; Media Tie In edition (December 6, 2016)
A Dog's Purpose

More Free Printables, Coloring Pages, Activities and Crafts:

🐶 February 15th Special Days - Featuring 23+ Clifford The Big Red Dog Freebies!

🐶 March 23rd Special Days - Featuring 35+ Puppy Freebies!

🐶 May 20th Special Days - Featuring 28+ Rescue Dog Freebies!

🐶 July 31st Special Days - Featuring 21+ Mutt Freebies!

🐶 August 5th Special Days - Featuring 18+ Working Dog Freebies!

🐶 August 26th Special Days - Featuring 20+ Dog Freebies!

🐶 December 2nd Special Days - Featuring 30+ Mutt Freebies!

🐶 FREEBIE: 101+ Frugal Dog Toys You Can Make!

🐶 Adopting a Pet for Christmas?

🐶 Frugal Pet Tip: Make-Your-Own Dog Toys

🐶 FREEBIE: Puppy Adventure Box

🐶 Make Your Own Doggie Belly Bands in 4 Steps!

🐶 FREEBIE: Dog Bite Prevention Resources

🐶 FREEBIE: Don't Leave Me in Here — It's Hot! fliers

🐶 FREEBIE: Healthy Homemade Treats for Your Cats and Dogs

🐶 Frugal Pet Tip: No Sew Pet Bed

🐶 FREEBIE: Dog Breed Coloring Pages

🐶 FREEBIES: New Puppy/Kitten

🐶 Frugal Tip: Homemade Carpet Powder

Friday, July 22, 2022

Create a Dream Yard for Your Dog This Summer

Alexandria, Va. - According to the ASPCA, 23 million households in America – and 3.7 million in Canada – welcomed a new pet into their pack during the pandemic. People have been using their backyards more in recent years for everything from working and entertaining to vacationing and working out. But for dogs, this backyard business is old hat. 

 “No one loves the family yard as much as the family dog,” notes Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation, an organization that advocates for the care for and use of green spaces, as well as pet rescue. “It’s my rescue dog, Mulligan’s, favorite place to be, so I do everything I can to make it safe and enjoyable for her, which ultimately makes it better for me, too.” 

 Kiser and Mulligan have advice for creating a dream yard for your pets and the whole family this summer: 

 Plant Real Grass 
 Plastic grass is uncomfortable on paws (and bare feet), gets very hot during the summer, is difficult to clean, and is worse for the environment since it requires water for cleaning and usually can’t be recycled. The bottom line: real grass is the best option for pets, people and the environment. 

Select the Right Plants and Grasses 
 Choose a type of turf grass that will withstand the “ruff” housing of your pet. Buffalo and Bermuda grasses can be a good choice, depending on your climate zone. For other plants and shrubs, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants for advice before planting. You’ll want soft, sturdy foliage near walkways. Save delicate, decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots. Pro tip: place plants close together in areas you want to designate as off-limits to your dog to create boundaries. 
 
Consider Pollinators and Other Wildlife 
 Nature starts in your backyard, which provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and more. Each of these species help pollinate food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration, too, when you’re selecting plants for your backyard. 

Plan for Fun 
 Add a splash pool, build a sandbox for digging or even create a canine obstacle course to provide hours of fun. After a day of play, your dog will need a place to relax so think of where you can plant trees or bushes that provide shade for snoozing. 

Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com

About TurfMutt 
 TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is an official USGBC Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt is an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat is featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Denny Blitzing

Denny was just a 6 month old puppy (bichon/poodle) when we rescued him in March 2010 thru the Bichon Rescue group.

Denny loved blitzing around in his new backyard!

Denny walked into our house, threw himself down on his back and demanded a belly rub! What a sweetheart!
When your dog, specifically the Bichon Frise breed, runs crazily around the house. It usually occurs after a new person comes into the house or the dog is excited by something. The dog will usually run in a pattern, consisting of jumping on furniture and running around, under, or through furniture.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

PupVacay joins Sniffspot

DID YOU KNOW....??

PupVacay is the FIRST Sniffspot location in Durham Region!

If you've never heard of Sniffspot, it's like Airbnb, but for off leash dog spaces! Come let your dog play safely without distractions and have the time of their life!

More info about Sniffspot

Conveniently located in the heart of Oshawa - just 5 minutes north of HWY 401 & Simcoe Street! I call it my "little bit of country in the middle of the city!"
Small dogs love running around my beautiful backyard (herbicide & pesticide-free), totally fenced in (1/4 acre - 100 ft by 100 ft), and lots of shade, mature trees to check out, bushes to hide behind, squirrels, chipmunks, and balls to chase - leash-free!
Our yard has been well tested by my Pupvacay dog-sitting/boarding small dog clients, who loved to come and play at my house! Now that I have retired from dog sitting, I wanted to continue to share my yard with small dogs who love to run and play.

Friday, May 20, 2022

Sensory Walk at Pupvacay's Sniffspot!

I have a ton of ideas for my 1/4 acre #sniffspot yard! 

I have been a dog sitter for small dogs for over 6 years, and now I that I am semi-retired, I want to continue to put my yard to use. 

I've got a balance beam to build, I've got an old ladder and pool noodles I'm going to make into an agility course, motorcycle tires to built a tire tunnel and regular tires to built a tire mountain. 

I have a couple of kiddie pools to set up and a ball pit.

Too many ideas... not enough time! 

Today we built a sensory walk!
@pupvacay Sensory Walk at #pupvacay #sniffspot in #oshawa ♬ Cute - Bensound

May 20th is... National Rescue Dog Day - Featuring Rescue Dog Freebies!

Image: Puppy Rescue, by clay83 on Pixabay

Image: Rescue Matters: Four years. Four thousand dogs. An incredible true story of rescue and redemption | Paperback: 291 pages | by C.J. English (Author). Publisher: English House; 1 edition (December 13, 2018)National Rescue Dog Day
-- According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter American animal shelters every year. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. No matter their size, color, or breed, dogs will find a way to nuzzle, fetch, or beg their way into your heart.

Read: Rescue Matters: Four years. Four thousand dogs, by C.J. English
-- An incredible true story of rescue and redemption. In a forgotten land where lives are lost, souls are sometimes found. When Keith Benning accepted the job as a deputy in a small North Dakota county, he had no idea he was about to face the biggest challenge of his life. Four years and four thousand dogs later, he lost his marriage, a fellow officer, and nearly his own life.

Image: Rescue Dogs: Portraits and Stories | Kindle Edition | by Susannah Maynard (Author). Publisher: Amherst Media (July 15, 2017)Rescue Dogs: Portraits and Stories -- In this beautifully illustrated book, Susannah Maynard provides personality-rich dog portraits and chronicles rescue dogs' journeys from a turbulent start to a warm, loving, and happy and safe home. Heartwarming and triumphant stories pointing to dogs' characteristic resilience and unconditional love. Includes puppies, adult dogs, and special needs dogs — of all breeds, and of course, mixed breeds. Empowers readers to join the rescue effort or bolster their efforts to increase their volunteer involvement to better the lives of rescue dogs, one animal at a time.

Image: Primitives by Kathy Distressed Box Sign, One Dog | SENTIMENT READS: Saving One Dog Will Not Change The World - But Surely For That One Dog The World Will Change ForeverDistressed Box Sign -- featuring a sentiment with dog silhouette design and red bandana accent. Saving One Dog Will Not Change The World - But Surely For That One Dog The World Will Change Forever

🐕 Rescue Dog Coloring and Activity Books


Image: Watch The Dog Rescuers | Follow comedian and dog-lover Alan Davies and the inspirational work of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as they continue their crusade against cruelty to our beloved pets
The Dog Rescuers
Amazon Freebies:

🐕 Free Rescue Dog ebooks. No Kindle? Download a FREE Kindle Reading App

🐕 Read Rescue Dog ebooks for free with a Free Trial of Kindle Unlimited

🐕 Free Rescue Dog apps

🐕 Free Rescue Dog game apps

🐕 Listen to Rescue Dog Digital Music with a Free Trial of Amazon Music Unlimited

🐕 Watch Rescue Dog Videos for Free with a Free Trial of Amazon Prime

🐕 Listen to Rescue Dog Audible books with Amazon Audible, and Get Two Free Audiobooks

🐕 Free Alexa Skills | Rescue Dog




Dog Food and Treat Recipes:

🐕 7 Delicious Dog Food Recipes

🐕 Homemade meals and treats – SPCA West

🐕 Top 20 healthy homemade dog food recipes your dog will love

🐕 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less




Image: Dusty (Rescue Dogs #2) | Kindle Edition | by Jane B. Mason (Author), Sarah Hines-Stephens (Author). Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (June 2, 2020)
Dusty (Rescue Dogs)
Free Printables, Coloring Pages, Activities, and Crafts:

🐕 Free printable dog adoption kits

🐕 Free 26 page Animal Shelter Service Learning Project and Mini Dramatic Play Kit

🐕 Online Adoption Packet Materials

🐕 Free Puppy Adoption Kit

🐕 Adopt A Rescue Dog Be A Forever Home Adopt Don't Shop Printables

🐕 Free Working Dog Printouts

🐕 Printouts and Activities - The Anti-Cruelty Society

🐕 Free Printable Handouts | BADRAP

🐕 Humane Heroes Packet - Austin Humane Society

🐕 Dog Coloring Pages - Free Printable - Easy Peasy and Fun

🐕 Pet Care Daily Calendar - Seussville-Parents

🐕 Emergency Pet Rescue Sticker - Seussville-Parents

🐕 Dogs Activities, Worksheets, Printables, and Lesson Plans

🐕 Top 25 Cute and Funny Dog Coloring Pages

🐕 Printable Pet Safety Materials | ASPCApro

🐕 Customizable Guides for Cat and Dog Foster Homes | ASPCApro

🐕 Free Printables for Kids: Dog Coloring Pages, Puzzles, and More

🐕 Free advice sheets on dogs, puppies, and cats

🐕 Free Downloads: Posters, Handouts, and More! – Dr. Sophia Yin

🐕 Fundraising Ideas for Rescue Dogs


Image: Watch Animal Rescue | Featuring extraordinary stories of courage and humanity, Animal Rescue is animal drama as you've never seen before
Animal Rescue
More Free Printables, Coloring Pages, Activities, and Crafts:

🐕 February 15th Special Days - Featuring 23+ Clifford The Big Red Dog Freebies!

🐕 March 23rd Special Days - Featuring 35+ Puppy Freebies!

🐕 July 31st Special Days - Featuring 21+ Mutt Freebies!

🐕 August 5th Special Days - Featuring 18+ Working Dog Freebies!

🐕 August 26th Special Days - Featuring 20+ Dog Freebies!

🐕 December 2nd Special Days - Featuring 30+ Mutt Freebies!

🐕 FREEBIE: 101+ Frugal Dog Toys You Can Make!

🐕 Adopting a Pet for Christmas?

🐕 Frugal Pet Tip: Make-Your-Own Dog Toys