Awesome Catnip Toys

05/06/2026

EVENTS 2026
Jun 20-21 KW Multi Cultural Fest, Victoria Park, Kitchener
July 1 Cda Day Steve Brown Sports Complex, Brantford
July 11-12 Hespeler ReUnion, Forbes Park
Aug 22 Ingersoll Kiwanis Harvest Market
Sep 19-20 Applefest at the Legion, St George
TBA Scare in Harmony Square Brantford
TBA Breslau Public School Craft Show
Nov 14 Paws for the Community at Woodman Community Centre, Brantford
TBA Winston Park Retirement Resistance Kitchener
TBA Handmade Market at Woodman Community Center
TBA Hespeler Public School, Cambridge

03/09/2026

PUBLIC ADVISORY #3

Flood Warning Zone 3 – Ayr

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has advised the Township earlier this morning that they have updated the Flood Warning for the watershed. Specific to North Dumfries and the Community of Ayr, the GRCA has issued a revised advisory and elevated the Flood Warning to a Zone 3 level. This advisory is specific to the Nith River.

Warm weather and rain over the past 3 days have melted the snowpack and have led to ice jams and flooding. The air temperature is expected to remain above zero today approaching low level double digits in the northern part of the watershed and the mid-teens into Tuesday, which will continue melting the remaining snowpack. River levels are elevated and additional runoff from snowmelt may cause river flows to increase.

River flows in the Nith River continue to rise. Flows in the Nith River are expected to reach Flood Warning Zone 3 in Ayr sometime later today, Monday March 9th.

The Township will be sending out a message through the Alert Waterloo network to residents / businesses that have previously registered with the municipality within the Zone 1, 2 & 3 areas of the pending flood conditions and associated Flood Warning.

The Township has CLOSED Tannery Street due to water overtopping the road. Tannery Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic on Monday March 9th. The road will be reassessed on Tuesday.

At this time there are no flood concerns associated with the Grand River for that section which flows through North Dumfries.

The public is encouraged to exercise caution around all local waterways and ponds. Banks adjacent to rivers, ponds and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and open water.

Residents of the Township are encouraged to monitor the Township’s website, social media accounts and the GRCA for updates over the next 24 to 36 hours.

03/02/2026

Registration now open in ActiveNet (Kitchener)

02/15/2026

Before the concert began, the conductor announced that rescued cats would be available for adoption. Throughout the performance, the cats explored the hall, curled up on laps, and even perched near the stage, adding a serene and unexpected charm to the evening. Their presence blended seamlessly with the music, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

During intermission, adoption tables were quickly filled as audience members met the cats, completed adoption procedures, and took home most of the animals. By the final bow, only a few cats remained, prompting the conductor to jokingly suggest there was room for a few more “encores.” The event demonstrated how combining creativity with social causes can captivate a community.

This collaboration between the orchestra and local animal shelters shows how traditional events can serve a dual purpose: entertaining the audience while promoting animal welfare. By merging music and rescue efforts, organizers created a joyful, impactful experience that inspired attendees and increased pet adoptions, leaving lasting memories for both humans and animals.

Source / Credit: Local orchestra and animal shelter adoption event observations.

01/21/2026

So true.

I watched someone stop, read this sign, and slowly nod.
Not in a “wow, that’s expensive” way — but in a “oh… now I get it” way.

Crochet looks simple from the outside. Just yarn and a hook, right?
But every plushie here started as loose strands, hours of counting stitches, hands that cramped, mistakes that had to be undone and redone. Yarn, stuffing, safety eyes, tools. Time that can’t be rushed. Skill that can’t be automated. And yes — small businesses still pay taxes.

Handmade isn’t pricey because it’s trendy.
It’s priced because it’s human.

Some pieces take hours. Some take days.
Every single one takes care, patience, and someone choosing to make something with their hands instead of cutting corners.

Now I’m curious 👇
If you crochet or craft — how do you explain your prices to people?

Let’s talk about it. Share your thoughts — makers and buyers both 👀🧶

11/30/2025

This event is last one I'll be doing this year. Remember Santa Paws stops here for the items on kittys' wish list. Merry Catmas

11/30/2025

Santa Paws shops here for the items on kittys' wish list. This is my last event this year. Merry Catmas.

Stay local, stay warm and support the annual Craft and Vendor Sale happening today at Hespeler Public School, 300 Winston Blvd.
See you there!
🎁

11/26/2025

Look for Awesome Catnip Toys on Sunday November 30, 2025. This will be my last event for this year. Merry Christmas everyone.

11/25/2025

I'm excited to back again for this annual Christmas Market.

11/17/2025

Join Our AMAZING team! 💕

Location: Cambridge
Positions Available: Part-time cashier
To apply: Email resume to [email protected]

Location: Hamilton
Positions Available: Part-time fabrics associate
To apply: Email resume to [email protected] or drop off in person, attn Julie

Location: London
Positions Available: Full time upholstery supervisor & Part time cashier
To apply: Email resume to [email protected]

Location: North York
Positions Available: Cashier/Sales associate, part time with the potential to become full-time
To apply: Email resume to [email protected] or drop off in person, attn Samantha