Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Videographer

We have the need for a volunteer "videographer" to shoot video footage of the rescues and then post them to YouTube.

If you have a video camera and like to edit video and post it online AND you are willing to volunteer, I'd like to talk with you. Please email jessica@theperkypuppy.com

Thank you!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

RESCUE FREAKS-Part 3 of 3!!!!

If you have not done so already, please read Rescue Freaks-Part 1 and Rescue Freaks-Part 2!

OK...so we've covered why some people think that we shouldn't rescue (Part 1) and why we think we should (Part 2). Let me spend a little time telling you my current theory on rescue.

I think there are 2 types of dog rescue:

The "IDEAL" or "BIG PICTURE" Rescue: For me these are the perfect rescue situations...we save the babies, vaccinate them, ensure that they can't breed (spay/neuter) AND stop the mother of the litter from breeding ever again (force a spay on her as well). This is my favorite type of rescue...because it stops the cycle in 2 directions...with babies and with mom. If someone calls us with unwanted pups, we will ALWAYS work this option first, even if that means paying for mom's spay and burying the cost in the price of the puppies. We don't get to do this one as often as we would like.

The "IT'S STILL A GOOD DEED" Rescue: This is when we have no control or say over the parents. Maybe we save an underdog or a stray or a puppy mill puppy, neuter them, vaccinate them, and adopt them out. We still stop the breeding cycle from this generation down, but we don't accomplish the exponential halt that we do in the IDEAL Rescue. This also is the category for people who are moving, divorcing, just can't keep the puppy kind of people. Our goal in this situation is NEUTER or SPAY AND VACCINATE. This is not my favorite, because it does not keep mom from having more litters. But sometimes, this is our only choice.

So there you have it. Obviously, we have to be selective on our rescues, because A.) We don't have the space for Large Adult dogs and we must consider available space; B.) We can't take aggressive dogs, because we are a no-kill facility; and C.) Quarantine currently happens in my kitchen. That is tough.

MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE- I envision:
  • A separate facility for the intake and quarantine of rescues...very clinical in nature (since most come from an unvaccinated history)...that doubles as a Parvo clinic if we have an outbreak.
  • All unvaccinated rescues would be held for 14 days after we vaccinate, so that if they were cooking any disease it would break with us, NOT with the new owner. That way, we can treat it at our expense, in a controlled environment, and the new owner doesn't have to bear that expense. We would treat all rescues with Parvaid and Vibactra (holistic antibiotics) to help boost the immune system and stop the progression of any incubating diseases.
  • All rescues would be microchipped, with the chip registered to us. That way, if one of our rescues turned up at a shelter (anywhere in the country)...which should NEVER happen...it would come right back to us, instead of being euthanized.
  • Rescues right next to "perfect " Perky Puppies in a friendly, bright, clean environment.
  • All get neutered or spayed (or contracted to do so) prior to adoption.
  • Move any rescues who are over a certain age to our dog hotel (Play N Stay Pet Camp) to begin socialization and housetraining. They will live there INDEFINITELY, until they find their forever home.

We are well on our way to accomplishing this! It's an expensive way to run a rescue operation, but I think it's WELL WORTH IT!!! I hope you agree! This is going to be wonderful! Thanks for joining us on the journey!!!

All the Best,

Jessica

In memory of...

A memorial donation was made in memory of Thomas Dowler from Dr. Marvin & Michelle Steed.

Thank you.

Monday, September 22, 2008

RESCUE FREAKS-Part 2 of 3!!!

For those of you just tuning in, make sure you read RESCUE FREAKS-Part 1 of 3 prior to reading this.

Well...so the question is what does one do when they are the owner of a successful puppy store, but they also have a heart for rescue?? The rescue freaks think I can't possibly be a true rescuer if I "sell puppies". After all, they say that there are too many unwanted and unloved dogs in the world (Finally! Something we agree on!) and that they have "no use" for anyone who encourages the breeding of dogs. (OK...that's a little freaky. I don't think that America will ever see the day where there is not a desire for intentionally bred puppies. In other words, there will never be a day where every pet comes from a shelter.)

So what if the world didn't have to be black or white? What if it could be a beautiful shade of gray?

Here's what I see...

I see "PUPPY CENTRAL"...a retail environment...clean and bright...smells good (certainly not BAD)...no-kill...where rescued puppies and intentionally-bred puppies are shown side-by-side to people who are looking for puppies.

Now, we all know puppies are darling, so we don't have to worry about the yorkie always winning out over the multi-cultural-mixed-breed-puppy. But if yorkie lovers want a yorkie, shouldn't they be able to choose the puppy that is right for them for the next 15 years? In this innovative, non-segregated environment, they certainly can. Folks who want to rescue a puppy or who aren't sure what is best for them can browse as well, speaking with friendly and knowledgeable staff in a comfortable environment.

The "New Puppy Counseling" (crate-training, housebreaking, etc.) is the same for both...the joy of choosing that new puppy is the same for both.

I love it!!!

It's good for people and it's good for dogs. I think this could go nationwide. I'm thrilled!! I wish the rescue folks were thrilled too, but many aren't. They're so busy hating pet stores that they've lost sight of the puppies. And, that's a shame.

Friday, September 19, 2008

BLUR!!!

Another blur of a day!!! Lots of puppies went home today!!!

Here's the big info:

Jimmy the Beagle got adopted!!! YAY for him!!! He';s going to a very good home!!!

We have a new 4 year old Shih Tzu in the rescue program. He is getting the royal treatment (needs a spa day) and is getting neutered on Tuesday. He's black and white...very nice. Not good with kids. I'll keep you posted.

We are the end stop for a multi-person resue transport chain for 12 puppies that were rescued out-of-state. They aren't here yet, but should be arriving very late tonight/wee hours of morning. This is the largest rescue operation that we "newbies" have been a part of!! It's gonna be a long night. I'll let you know when I know more. Thanks in advance for your support!!!

RESCUE FREAKS-Part 1 of 3!!!

WOW!! I don't know what else to say...Let's do a series to start conversation and perhaps redirect some thinking. Feel like stretching your mind a bit??? Here goes:

We have had a truckload of wack-job rescue folks coming out of the woodwork about us rescuing dogs. They email...they call...they beat us up for anything and everything, more than ever now that we are rescuing dogs and puppies. Hmmm...

Now, one would suspect that in the rescue world, everybody works together hand-in-hand to achieve the common good for disadvantaged dogs and puppies...all for one and one for all, right?? WRONG!!!

These rescue folks are so against "pet stores" (which IS the technical term for what The Perky Puppy is, even though we are not the TYPICAL pet store and that it's a part of MY HOUSE...I know-most of you didn't know that, but it's true. I live here. How's that for typical?) that they are just sure that we are doing something dirty or illegitimate. Unfortunately, many of these people love dogs so much that they've lost their common sense.

Let's explore:

Here's what I know:

  • Many (maybe even "most") pet stores should be closed down. They are interested in the dollar first and the dogs second, and often they don't know enough to do a good job or even do right by the puppies.
  • People who breed their female dogs over and over, with no vaccinations, who are dirt-bags and skimp on the puppies should be stopped...whether they have 5 dogs or 500 dogs.
  • Not all Amish are dirtbags. The words "Amish" and "puppy mill" are not always synonomous.
  • The average joe (backyard breeder) shouldn't breed their dog. Ever.
  • The Perky Puppy (as well as Play N Stay Pet Camp) are my bread-and-butter. Yes, I make money selling puppies (not a lot). It pays my bills. And Vanessa's and Jean's and Kasey's and Becky's and Penny's. Some dog folks think that's wrong. That's ok. You are entitled to your opinion. I do a hard day's work for a hard day's pay. It's not always fun, and we work very hard to be good at what we do.

    But here's what I also know:
  • The Perky Puppy's website gets 10,000 pageviews per month. In my best estimation, that means that 10,000 times per month, someone looks at the site who is either A) in the market for a puppy; or B) at the very least LOVES puppies.
  • Many people are uncomfortable (at best) with the "shelter experience". Many people just won't go to the shelter, where all of the dogs and puppies are waiting to find their match, where they are all stretching and begging for attention and hoping you'll pick them. People say, "I can't go there. I can't stand it. I just can't pick one, knowing that whoever doesn't get picked may get put to sleep, so I just don't go." We've heard it over and over again. (I know you rescue folks don't want to believe that one, but it's true. Not everyone can deal with the sights and sounds of an animal shelter. It's great that you go and that you push through and do for those dogs what nobody else really wants to do, but you really are rare.)
  • There are way too many unvaccinated/unneutered/neglected/starving/fleabit/overbred/underloved dogs around.

    So...what does one do about those things??? I'll tell you tomorrow. Sleep on it. Think out of the box. Put the dogs first. Forget black and white. Think in shades of gray.

    I'll see you tomorrow. I look forward to it.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Commercial Shoot

We just filmed another commercial! This time it was for Play N Stay! We had fun...should turn out well! If you are interested in purchasing commercials, I can hook you up with my rep...email me at jessica@theperkypuppy.com and I will get back with you!

Look for that commercial starting in October!

Rescue SURPRISE

Big things happening!!!!

Keep your eyes on the website on Saturday!!!

That's all I can tell you for now!!!!!

Retractable Leashes


There ya have have it...reason number #57 why we don't like retractable leashes. That's my friend Chad, sporting a NASTY burn from a retractable leash. This picture was taken 3 days AFTER it happened. OUCH!!!!

Anybody have similar pics?? Email me at jessica@theperkypuppy.com with "Retractable Leash" in the subject line. We'll get your pic up on the web.



Tuesday, September 16, 2008

We're running on fumes!!!

Wow!! We're almost on empty. Running on fumes. September is traditionally a fairly slow month in the puppy business. People are still adjusting to back-to-school, going to football games, etc., not really thinking about adding a new pet to their home.


HOWEVER, things went CRAZY here this past weekend! That's why I haven't been around (besides the tree falling on us). We're down to 8 puppies in the puppy room (6 TPP puppies and 2 rescues)! Insane!!! We ran out of starter kits...it was a madhouse. Sorry to admit that we were totally unprepared and asleep at the wheel. Just plain ole wasn't expecting it. Not enough puppies, not enough staff, not enough of anything.


But we're cookin' with gas now!!! Never fear!!! Supply (food, crates, supplies) trucks are on the way, and we have staff out on the roads looking at puppies. As a matter of fact, we should be in good shape by tomorrow or Thursday! SORRY!! Thanks for loving us anyway!!!

Uh-Oh!!! Look Out for Falling Trees!!

Remember back on August 28th, when I posted this post about the great view out of my office window?? Well check out the view after Sunday night's storm:




Yep...falling trees. Here's what was left of that tree after it's top fell off (view from my window-look at the top center of the pic, where the trunk just stops):



Here's what happened...Ness and I were at Play N Stay (in the play yards) when the tree fell onto the roof at The Perky Puppy. Then it slid off the side of the house and landed outside my window, but not before leaving it's calling card (a large branch) in the roof. Also note the marks on the siding under the right corner of my window:








We got away pretty easy I think. We've got some holes in the roof (currently covered by rubber matting) and the peak is beat up. The siding took a few hits, but that's all that we can find. Our favorite contractor is on vacation (Go figure!), but will give us an estimate soon.

This was my view this morning...my favorite heroes from Stottler Tree Service! They were here first thing (just got ahold of them last night, because their power is out too). I love these guys!!




Give 'em a call if you need tree removal: 740-425-5718. Tell Dwayne that Jessica sent ya!!!


THANK GOD THAT NOBODY WAS HURT! But I do have to tell you that the dogs at PNS were freaked out without power. They weren't fond at all of doing everything by flashlight in the pitch black. Thankfully, AEP had us back up and running just after midnight.

ADOPTED!!

Big News--- Chipmunk got a wonderful home! Yes, I cried...only because I'm gonna miss his chipmunk cheeks. I made the new owners SWEAR that they will bring him for a visit, since at least 50% of him is a big ole mystery! Will he ever grow into those cheeks? Is he just big because he got all of Momma's milk? What's with all that fluff...is he gonna be long-haired?

Can't wait to find out!!! I'll keep you posted!

YAY for Chipmunk!!!!

In other news, "No Name Yet" got a very good home too! Apparently, the new owner has been watching him online for quite awhile. Now it all makes sense...that's why he hadn't found a home...he was waiting for HER!!! He just snuggled with her and loved being held. He didn't like it much when I held him...always trying to wiggle out of my arms and get down onto the floor. Stinker.

It was a wild weekend here at TPP. So glad these two got adopted. Life is Good!!!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Did you miss me??

Hey...I'm back!!

Did you miss me??

I missed you. I've been buried under a ton of stuff...sorry!!

OK...so now that I'm back, I'm gonna be blunt and ask for your help...

Will you please help spread the word about our new rescue puppies? I really want this to be a great opportunity for these puppies and for the people who are looking to rescue a puppy. We need some good "word of mouth" action to help get these rescues into homes.

As an incentive, I've got the pricing way down on most of them and I'll give 20% off of supplies.

Here's where we are:
"MOMMA"-still needs a home. Shy with those she doesn't know, but an AMAZING dog!! I've got some video of her to share soon.

"Jimmy the Beagle"-really doing well on housebreaking...still needs a home...VERY SMART...LOVES TO EAT!!! (Did I mention that he is smart?)

"Chipmunk"-fluffy puppy...beautiful personality...still needs a home. Sweetest little guy.

"Bruzer"-the English Bulldog/pug puppy...he's a hoot. (He was also originally a $950. puppy, and he's now neutered, done with his puppy shots, and has had his rabies vaccine.) Has that big tough look, but very tender-hearted. Working on his housebreaking.

Beagle/Lab puppy-Starting to wonder about his heritage...he's pretty short...very nice puppy...definitely needs a home soon, as well as a name.

Please spread the word. You have all done a great job of telling the Ohio Valley about The Perky Puppy...now they need to know about the rescues.

Thank you in advance! You are wonderful! We couldn't do this without you!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Rescue Update

Some LUCKY PUPPY rescue updates...

  • THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the words of encouragement and recent donations to help care for the rescues! You are WONDERFUL and very generous! This is the beginning of a new concept in rescue...I can't wait to see what happens next! I'll keep ya posted!!
  • Momma got spayed yesterday. She's really mad at me. I'm hoping she will get over it soon. Next week, she's going to start going to daycare at Play N Stay to expand her worldview and her exposure to new people!
  • The Bulldog/Pug puppy is now a "rescue". He is a hoss! Not a delicate bone in his body!! He got neutered yesterday. He's handling it much better than Momma. (Of course, his surgery was a whole lot simpler.)
  • We have 2 new fellows! They are being quarantined right now (in my kitchen-ugh!!), because they came from an unvaccinated background. We'll get them up to speed. They are red, shorthaired, probably going to be pretty big boys. If you are looking for a medium to large-sized dog, they might be what you've been waiting for...Their pics will come up on the website soon.
  • We currently have 6 puppies and 1 adult available for rescue.
  • You can read more about all of them here.

Variety is the spice of life!

WOW!!! Today is such a great day at Play N Stay! We have 25 dogs staying this weekend! And the best part is the variety...check this out...we've got:

2 Dachshunds, a Beagle, 2 Schnoodles (Schnauzer/Poodle), a Maltese, 2 Shih Tzus, a Pekingese, 2 Cocker Spaniels, a Lhasa Apso, 2 Yorkies, a Springer Spaniel, a Welsh Corgi, 2 Poodles, a Pomeranian, a German Shepherd, a Lab Mix, 2 Chihuahuas, a Bichon, and...um...something else...racking my brain...I'll figure it out and let you know...

Anyway, we had a 21 dog play group this morning before breakfast! It was so much fun! Many of this weekends dogs are "regulars", so they know they are stable and know the routine. The new guys are still figuring it all out (where to go, what to do, etc.), but that "pack nature" takes over, and they pick up what we do very quickly.

It's amazing to watch the transformation that occurs in an uncertain dog when he or she is hanging with a confident and stable pack. It's way more therapeutic than what people can accomplish. I can do my best to make the newbie feel comfortable and welcome, but the best comfort comes when they pick up on each others positive energy...the mood of the pack sets the tone for the day for everybody (including me).

So...What pack are YOU running with?? Do they help you through life when it's tough to find your way?? Do they make your life better?? Are they confident and stable?? If not, it may be time to reevaluate.

Have a great day!
Jess

Monday, September 1, 2008

Comments

Hey all...



I have a sneaking suspicion that the "Comments" section of this baby doesn't work quite right.



Can you help out a beginner blogger by leaving me a comment below?? I know that I have to "Moderate" the comments, but it's lonely over here, and some of you have told me you've commented. So, I'm confused...



Let me know where you're from, or what ever you want me to know about you.



Thanks in advance!!!

Jessica