CANORA - Over the past year or so, Jennifer Linuck recognized a need for pet supplies in Canora and the surrounding area. On June 16, she opened her new business called Pet Excellent in an effort to meet those needs.
"The long hard winter of 2021/22 and the inability to get to Yorkton for pet supplies was the start of the idea," said Linuck. "Then high gas prices forced me to look more local for employment. Jobs were pretty scarce at the time, so the opportunity arose to rent a nice space and away I went."
Linuck was born and raised in Moose Jaw, and has been an animal lover for pretty much her whole life.
"I received my first pet at the age of three, a sweet German Shepherd-cross named Boots."
Linuck and her husband Scott Kosar moved to the Canora area about six years ago. A contributing factor to the move was that Kosar was born and raised near Canora.
The building that houses Pet Excellent has a rich history, having previously housed a local church, and before that it was a fabric store.
Linuck reports that support for the business has been strong ever since the doors were opened to the public.
"I offer pet food and supplies for most pets except fish and reptiles," explained Linuck. "I carry leashes, collars and toys- pretty much anything relating to cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents, such as hamsters and guinea pigs."
Pet Excellent is Linuck's first venture into retail business ownership. She has found that the biggest surprises have been in the areas of supply and shipping.
"At times it's been really difficult to get the supplies I need, and shipping costs can sometimes go up quickly, mainly due to high gas prices."
Presently Linuck has one part-time employee.
"We offer a small variety of quality products but I am willing to order a product for a customer if it's available to me," said Linuck. "I love working for myself. I like the ability to visit with those who come in and I enjoy the chance to find a product that is good for a person's pet at a reasonable cost."
For the foreseeable future, she is looking for additional ways to meet the needs of her customers.
"I would love to find a part-time groomer who would be willing to come in a few days a week," concluded Linuck.
