Meet Hearth & Hound: Where pets are family, and community comes first
When longtime customers walk through the doors of the pet supply stores in Morden and Altona, formerly known as RuffMutts, they’ll notice a fresh new name: Hearth & Hound. But while the branding has changed, the heart of the business remains unchanged.
“In a lot of ways, I’m both the owner and the employee,” says Guy Britten, who, along with Jessica Wynn, has helped guide the stores into a new chapter. “We decided to rebrand not to change who we are, but to better reflect who we’ve always been.”
A name that feels like home
The new name, Hearth & Hound, carries a warm sense of home and devotion to pets. “The hearth is the heart of the home, and for a lot of us, pets are right at the centre of that,” says Wynn, who manages both locations. “We loved the alliteration, but more than that, it really resonated with who we are and what we care about.”
The name also ties in beautifully with the building’s history in Morden, which once housed a blacksmith shop – adding an extra layer of meaning to the concept of hearth and heritage.
Values that go beyond the name
Hearth & Hound operates on a simple but deeply held philosophy: Honest by nature, loved by pets. That means a strong focus on natural, Canadian-made pet foods, combined with personalized advice tailored to each pet’s unique needs and budget.
“Nature knows best,” Britten says. “We work to help our customers make the most informed, natural choices possible – whether that’s raw food, kibble, or a mix of both. And we only sell products we’d give to our own pets.”
Education is another growing focus for the team. Both Britten and Wynn are currently taking a year-long nutrition certification program, deepening their already extensive knowledge about things like protein rotation, micronutrients, and digestive health.
Pet nutrition myths and smarter choices
One common misconception they often hear? That kibble cleans teeth. “It really doesn’t,” Wynn explains. “We like to say raw meaty bones are nature’s toothbrush.” Minimally processed, fresh food not only prevents plaque buildup, but also supports better overall health.
The team takes pride in guiding customers through the overwhelming pet food landscape. They recommend trusted Canadian brands like Orijen, Smack, and Big Country Raw – all known for quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing.
More than a store: a community partner
Hearth & Hound’s impact extends far beyond their store shelves. They support local organizations like the Pembina Valley Humane Society and Forever Friends Cat Rescue, and actively participate in community events. “When you support us, you’re helping support the whole community,” Britten says.
They also offer services like full grooming in Morden, self-wash stations, and nail trims – all delivered with patience, empathy, and care. “We know not every dog loves the groomer,” Wynn says. “But we work to make every visit as positive as possible.”
As for the rebrand, customers can expect the same welcoming team, the same trusted products, and even more knowledge behind the counter. “We’re just aligning the name with what we’ve always been,” Britten says. “A place where pets are family, and where people feel at home.”
Check out Hearth & Hound’s Deals Unleashed sale this Friday and Saturday at their locations in Morden and Altona.
There are many ways to support local charities that care for animals by volunteering, donating, adopting, or fostering.
Reach out to the Pembina Valley Humane Society by calling 204-822-9413 or sending an email to hello@pvhsociety.ca. You can also visit them in Morden at 462 Jefferson Street in Morden. If you’re interested in donating directly to the PVHS, you can send an email to donorrelations@pvhsociety.ca.
You can contact Furever Friends Cat Rescue by calling or texting 204-304-9173 or by sending an email to furever_friends@icloud.com. You can also send them snail mail to Box 726 Altona, MB R0G 0B0.