The backstory behind the creation of Updawg Restorations is one of innate passion and absolute coincidence.

When I was a kid, growing up at my family’s cottage during the summers, I fell in love with the water and, of course, boats (one, shown in my gallery, that I’ve had since I was 15). After school, I tried my hand at a lot of different jobs like cooking, customer service, construction, and sales. Although I never stuck with any of them too long, I honed some valuable skills that I still use to this day. I learned that I love creating and making things with my hands, like a beautifully prepared plate of food or a newly built house. I’ve always known that I’ve enjoyed people, and chatting and building relationships through work experiences have given me great insight into how I operate my business today.

In 2020, I moved to Dwight, Ontario, on Lake of Bays. It was here, as well as in Huntsville and Bala, Ontario, where I learned about the marine industry and was taught, practised, and mastered working with fabric, canvas, and lumber. In 2022, I decided to go out on my own and create Updawg Restorations, which I still own and operate today in Toronto, Ontario.

I pride myself on my craftsmanship and work because I want your boat, vehicle, seating, or whatever I may be working on to look its best and last for years to come. I have a good ability to bring old things back to life or make something look like it’s straight from the factory again. I also love to use colour, shapes, and lines to create custom upholstery (see gallery) so that my customers truly have a one-of-a-kind piece. When you use me for your reupholstering and canvas needs, I can guarantee you will have a pleasant experience and be highly satisfied with the end product, done exactly how you want it. That’s what’s Up Dawg!

I also want to mention all my friends and family who helped Updawg Restorations along the way: my mom, dad, and brother, of course! My boys at Lake of Bays Marina, everyone at Port Cunnington Marina, my Lumina family, all my friends who have helped me with random tasks, and all my customers who have trusted and enjoyed my work throughout the years and have passed along my name. Without the support of great people around me, I would have never made it this far, so thank you.


– Harris Shenstone, Owner / Operator