‘A beautiful thing’: East Vancouver neighbourhood bands together to create community toy exchange for dogs
Global News
The Hastings-Sunrise Dog Library started out as a water dish for dogs but has since evolved into a volunteer-run mini pet store complete with a 'stick library' and a toy exchange.
There’s a ‘paw-pulour’ new attraction in an East Vancouver neighbourhood, catering especially to its four-legged residents.
The ‘Hastings-Sunrise Dog Library’ started out as a water dish for dogs but has since evolved into a volunteer-run mini pet store complete with a ‘stick library’ and a toy exchange.
Inspired by the Little Free Libraries and community fridges found speckled across the city, it’s filled with everything from toys and dog biscuits to collars and leashes. It also hosts pop up events.
Creator Jaqueline Ravel told Global News the idea initially started as a way to meet and connect with neighbours during the earlier waves of the pandemic.
“I have three dogs and I love dogs and my dogs are one of the ways I have really connected and built relationships with people in the neighborhood over the past decade,” said Ravel, a self proclaimed ‘dog librarian.’
“Animals bring so much joy and they help to connect us to our inner child and to our sense of play. A sense of play and wonder is something we need to live.”
The library was built with recycled wood provided by film industry volunteers who live nearby.
“I actually cried when they first installed it. It was beautiful,” Ravel said.