Shelley - Owner
As the only child at home, Shelley grew up with dogs at her side as her constant companions.
Being the daughter of an Ontario Provincial Police Officer in the small towns of North Western
Ontario, police dogs were part and parcel of her family life. Due to her isolation both
geographically and her father’s occupation she learned as a young child that dogs could be many
things to humans. They were friend, protector and loyal companion. As a very young woman
Shelley moved to Winnipeg, got married and started her family. Raising her two children with
their wonderful father was a privilege. Once her kids were in school Shelley embarked on her
quest for a fulfilling career.
The next twenty or so years of her life were spent involved in the music business and briefly on the periphery of Winnipeg’s burgeoning film industry, It became more and more apparent that the front row seats and back stage passes to concerts brought her little personal satisfaction and the film sets and movie stars even less so. Glamorous maybe, but not life changing for anyone, including herself.
That was all to change quite drastically with a phone call and request from her daughter Jana-Rai for much needed help with her “special needs weim”. They still laugh out loud at that perception, as Hailo was just an ordinary puppy doing what puppies do. Their subsequent search for help led them to the life changing revelation that their own needs reflected those of countless others. That combined with their desire to start a family business was the advent of Urban Canine.
If hard work could be defined as fulfillment, Shelley got her wish. The learning curve for her and J.R. was steep and sometimes fraught with trials and tribulations. But the joy derived from this rewarding work was unprecedented in her life. Watching her daughter thrive on the challenges as she educated herself in “everything dog” was nothing short of amazing and becoming the student to this young teacher with her insatiable thirst for knowledge was inspiring.
Shelley was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008 which naturally shifted her focus to fight for her life. With out the unwavering support of her partner/daughter Jana Rai and all of the” her girls” to back her she could not have left her business for two months and endured many more months of treatment without a second thought. These amazing women had her back and she eventually conquered her enemy, returning to a business that was not only intact but thriving. A year and a half later found her in Salmon Arm B.C. taking an intensive three week course in Dog Obedience training. Again she was covered and all was well due to the hard work of her team, J.R. and company.
Jamie - General Manager, Head Trainer (started in 2005)
Jamie is truly the Jack of all trades, she does it all! If she’s not loving up some dogs you can find her doing all the things that help keep Urban Canine up and running-since 2005! Her love for animals came from growing up in the country and her favorite dog breed is a classic mutt (though she does have a soft spot for working breads.) It’s safe to say she used to be somewhat of a band geek and has a large place in her heart for all types of music. She used to be a retail manager and has also worked in a vet clinic! She helped her sister run a dog daycare in Victoria, BC when she was younger and when she came back to Winnipeg she got certified as a Master Trainer at the Canadian Canine Training Academy (2010) as should couldn't imagine not getting to work with dogs everyday anymore! When she is not at work she loves time with her Husband and beautiful daughters. She’s got a special way with dogs and the humans around here are quite fond of her awesomeness too!
Elizabeth - Assistant Manager (started in 2014)
Elizabeth has been an animal lover since day one. Five ferrets, three dogs and two cats later, her true passion was clear! After satisfying her love of movies managing Blockbusters, and getting her feet wet in the animal industry at the Winnipeg Humane Society, she scored her dream job at UC in May 2014 and never looked back. Elizabeth loves the thrill of a challenging dog and helping them find their place in the pack. She is enthusiastic about bonding with each one, and especially loves bringing them home to dog sit! Elizabeth, along with her dogs Phoebe and Todd and her cats Figaro and Oliver, would love to meet you!
Tara - Client Relations
She may be little, tattooed & feisty, but she truly wears her heart on her sleeve. And when she says that she loves all of your dogs, she means it! She grew up with dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters & even a pot belly pig. So it only makes sense that she’s spent almost a decade & a half working in vet clinics. Luckily for her though, there was always some sort of cosmic connection between her & Urban Canine owner Shelley Dufault. This allowed her to find the perfect job at UC, twice!! This time around, she considers herself “The Gatekeeper to doggy happiness” & couldn’t love her job more! You’ll see it every time you drop off or pick up your beloved pup.
Amanda - Daycare Attendant
After moving here in 2009, Amanda was seeking leasing/marketing employment when a more enticing ad caught her eye… she has been dedicated to her “dream job” ever since! She prefers working behind the scenes, however Amanda isn’t shy to share how rewarding it’s been to devote so much love and positive energy to each unique Urban Canine, many even for most of their doggy lives! Amanda has become a proud Winnipegger, exploring our gorgeous tree canopy and supporting local eateries and music venues. She cheers loudly for the Oilers, Jets & Bombers, and relaxes in the wilderness at her favorite rustic cabin. Amanda also makes room in her (allergic) heart for cats, and has helped rescue many injured, lost or homeless felines, including 2 who became family. She’s raised several dogs of her own over the years, and when a young Urban Canine urgently needed a home, adorable Phoebe became part of Amanda’s family, too - also her daily running/walking buddy! Cheers to many more years of waggy tails!
Brookelynn - Daycare Attendant
Brookelynn has been a part of the UC team since 2016. She loves a good cup of tea, a good sunset, and some quality time outdoors...But not as much in Winnipeg winters LOL. Before joining UC Brookelynn spent some time working with some other cool animals, volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary near Sydney, Australia. Her appreciation for nature also inspired her to get a B.A. in Environmental Studies at the U of W. Brookelynn likes to keep busy with her other jobs and playing sports, and it's never a dull moment with the dogs. They never fail to give us a good laugh daily with their unique personalities. Nothing beats how fulfilling this job is, I mean who could complain when you get to hangout with dogs all day? It's the best feeling to make a connection with a dog, watch them open up, and find their place in the pack. Life is good when you have 250+ canine best friends!!
Corinne - Daycare Attendant
Corinne has been with the UC team since 2020 and has never had a job she loves more than this one! She doesn’t have any fur babies herself but she loves each & every one of them like they’re her own. She’s a classic rock fanatic, a romance novel enthusiast, has a travellers heart, is tattoo crazy, and loves a good Guinness! She’s very family oriented and cherishes her close friends and the ladies she works with. Her favorite quote is “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” — Oscar Wilde ❤️
Manita - Daycare Attendant, Social Media Director
Manita joined the UC team in 2019 but her love story with animals, specifically dogs, started many years ago. To fulfill her desire for more canines in her life, she started fostering for local animal rescues in 2015 and volunteered at the WHS devoting quality time with their adoptable animals. To this day she has fostered just over 50 dogs. She can also say with confidence that UC is one of the best things to ever happen to her! But there is one other thing that competes with her passion for dogs.. and that’s food! Manita is a through and through foodie, whether that means trying out new restaurants, cooking a meal for her friends and family, or just eating takeout while binge watching Food Network and cuddling her two dogs. Her favorite quotes to live by are:
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” — Virginia Woolf
“Saving one dog might not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Hailey - Daycare Attendant
Hailey is from a small town called Binscarth, Manitoba. She loves anything true crime and has been known to watch it all day! She isn't a fan of dark chocolate, but loves white chocolate and learning about Historical events. Mexican food if her favorite and she also has a love of travelling. Her favorite place so far has been Rushing River, Ontario with its breath taking views. She used to play Hockey (but says she wasn't very good) so she stuck to Volleyball, and in all the sports she has played she has always been jersey #9. She mostly listens to Country music and loves all dogs! She has a lab/huskey mix named Gavin and he has a dash of sweet, and a whole lot of crazy!
Jayda - Customer Relations/Daycare Attendant