Companionshep Fundraiser at Ellicottville Distillery
Companionshep Fundraiser at Ellicottville Distillery
Join Them And Help Support A Great Cause On January 19th
The aesthetic concept of the exterior for the new building. Photos / Companionshep & The Ellicottville Distillery
On Sunday, January 19th from 2:00-4:00pm, wag your tail over to Ellicottville Distillery at 5462 Robbins Road for a fundraiser and dog training Q&A hosted by Rebecca Wheeler, owner of Companionshep. The Great Valley doggie day care, grooming, and boarding facility is growing this year with plans to build a larger facility near the distillery and just a few miles outside of town. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit its expansion.
EllicottvilleNOW caught up with hosts Rebecca from Companionshep and Renee Scharf of Ellicottville Distillery to discuss the details.
“This is the first event of this kind and we're looking forward to it!” Rebecca said. With over 16 years of professional experience in animal care, including 10 years as a veterinary technician, Wheeler also holds several certifications in canine cognition, contemporary animal services, welfare, and behavior. “Companionshep is the culmination of my experience and the pointed desire to wield that experience to change the lives of as many dogs as possible,” she added.
Renee Scharf, who co-owns Ellicottville Distillery with her husband, Bryan, added that when Rebecca had approached them about hosting the event, it just made sense because of the proximity of the new facility. “We have done a few events for a local rescue agency, E.A.R.S., we have had the dice run end here, [and] we’ve also had it set up for an adoption event,” she continued.
Rebecca weighed in on how the Companionshep Fundraiser took shape. “The event came about through wanting to get the word out about our planned new construction expansion for 2025. This allows existing clients, new clients and the community to see what we have planned, to meet me and ask any questions that they may have.” About the venue, Wheeler added that “Ellicottville Distillery is a gem and loves to share their space with people looking to gather, for any reason… We are grateful!
When asked about the inspiration behind the event, Rebecca shared that dogs are family. “There are many, many options out there these days for pet care, but they are in no way the same,” she wrote. “My intention from the start has been to create a place for all dogs, no matter their age, social status, etc., where they can have the same fulfilling type of "home" away from home – where people can come to discuss and get help for behavioral issues, get their scruffy dogs all groomed and cleaned up, have their young puppies come in for proper socialization and training – a place [where] their dogs can go to stay for any amount of time when life throws a curveball.”
Although the distillery is pet-friendly, the event is intended for humans only and attendees are encouraged to leave their pups at home, Rebecca said.
Regarding the benefits of attending this type of event, Wheeler explained, “Knowing more about your dog as a whole – the way they operate, learn, and see the world – benefits all within the household, and small bits of knowledge at times can make massive differences in the lives of people and the relationships they have with their animals.” She continued, “We are very driven to feed and nourish the human and animal bond for all people, keeping pets in their happy homes and out of shelters and out of veterinary offices for medication intervention.”
Ellicottville Distillery is used to hosting community and social events of this caliber. “Throughout the year, we do many events here,” Scharf added, mentioning that some of her favorites include the “Kentucky Derby” where rubber ducks are raced down the creek, an annual golf tournament, fireworks on the Fourth of July, an annual summer car show, a “punkin chunkin” event after Halloween, and an annual Christmas tree funeral at the end of January.
Currently located in Great Valley, Companionshep is open for business as usual during the expansion, which Wheeler said is planned from the ground up. “We will have a large boarding capacity, all luxury suites with the ability to house single dogs to multi-dog households in beautiful tiled suites [with] heated floors.” She explained that the new facility will have multiple daycare spaces for dogs of any size and social status and a full luxury grooming salon. Individualized private training, classes, and monthly events will be held to address broad topics like socialization, she added.
With regards for the Companionshep Fundraiser, light foods will be provided, and drinks can be ordered off of the distillery’s menu. Proceeds from the $20 donation at the door will benefit the expansion efforts. With each donation, participants will receive three raffle tickets good for raffle baskets loaded with gift cards to local restaurants, wine, whiskey, luxury hair care products, and some doggy gift baskets.
Rebecca will host an AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) dog training Q&A session where attendees are encouraged to ask any kind of dog-related question - from socialization to reactivity to dog psychology and beyond. She will also lead a discussion about the planned expansion to the group, adding that the new facility will be a place for all things dog. “We have big, big plans.”
For more information, search the event page on Facebook: Companionshep Fundraiser at Ellicottville Distillery.