R.I.P. Albert

(Pic: Albert 12-03-08)

Albert was born on June 3, 1993. He arrived to me, 8 weeks later, as a snotty-nosed puppy that was supposed to be put up for sale. (Back then, I didn't know any better about how to buy puppies and we shipped them in from the mid-west, via truck.) (Many of you don't know that for a short period of time, back in the early 90's, I had a puppy store in Martins Ferry. Back then, it was called "Animal Attraction". What a stupid name for a business...)

Anyway-back to the puppy-He was so tiny and was the prettiest cream-colored puppy that I had ever seen. I decided not to "send him back on the truck" and that I could "fix" whatever was causing his snotty nose. I kept him in the house (away from the other puppies) and got an antibiotic for his cold. Of course, I was the one who had to play with him and love on him and keep him entertained. That was tough (did I tell you how cute he was?).

So-here we are-September 17, 2009...16 years later. I put Albert to sleep this morning.

He's seen it all. He's lived in 7 different homes with me and has seen the fiance, the marriage, the divorce, the Martins Ferry puppy store failing, my paramedic training and jobs, the launch of a church, the plans to launch another, the dream of opening another puppy shop, the success of The Perky Puppy, Play N Stay's opening and it's success.

He's seen me happy and sad, and for all intents and purposes, has watched me "grow up". He wasn't around during my childhood, but sometimes I think that growing up through our 20's and 30's is just as important.

Albert loved car rides, cats, and Pupperoni. He loved squeaker toys. And he loved to give you hell if you didn't feed him on time.

Albert's elderly years were spent as the house chihuahua at our dog hotel, Play N Stay Pet Camp. He was demanding ("I wanna go in the office, NOT the living room.") and for years, barked at all of the "intruders" (customers). Everyone loved him: staff, customers, and of course, me.

Occasionally, Albert would trip and fall down and get right back up again. It SUCKS to get old.

Albert's been getting thin and weak over the last few months. He would have good days and bad days. His appetite could often be described as inconsistent and finicky. He was incontinent. The spring in his step was gone. He stopped being himself a long time ago.

This week, Albert began falling a lot. He struggled to get back up and often couldn't. So we made the call to Dr. Steed to have Albert put to sleep.

Here's the part where I tell you that it was the most responsible and loving decision that I could make for him...where I admit that sometimes when we love something we have to set it free. Albert was a prisoner in his body, and he wasn't coming back. I had to do for him what he couldn't do for himself. I love him too much to let him keep falling.

Albert had cottage cheese and Pupperoni for dinner last night, which he gobbled enthusiastically. He got a bath this morning and went for his last car ride, all bundled up in a blue fleece blanket.

He's buried under a tree in the back yard in a nice shady spot. We will miss him.

Rest In Peace Albert. Run free. We love you.

Update

Well-I imagine you all think I dropped off the planet. Good News!!! I didn't!

We've pretty much spent the entire summer at Play N Stay. There aren't computers there and even if there were, it's too much fun to play with the doggies!

It's been a very crazy cool summer at Play N Stay. We've broken every record and had a blast doing it! Our staff are INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, FANTASTIC, STUPENDOUS!! Seriously-we have the best team anywhere-GUARANTEED! We met a lot of new dogs and had a great time with our regulars as well! Every dog had a wonderful time! It is THE place for any great dog to vacation for sure! We're very proud!

Grooming (Soapy Puppy) is going very well! We've done some major transformations and makeovers over the last several months. I'll try to share some pictures soon.

As you know The Perky Puppy has been closed for the summer, which turned out to be a good move. We couldn't have pulled off at Play N Stay what we did this summer without all hands on deck. (Did I tell you our staff is great?) We have been doing several "special order" puppies over the summer and that has been really good. I love the trust that our customers place in us when they special order a pup with a deposit. We use the same standards to choose a special order pup as we do for the store. It's great to watch the owners faces when the baby they've been waiting for finally arrives!! NEAT! Perky Puppy will reopen sometime in the fall for the winter months and then close again for the spring/summer season. It has been the right move to make it a 4-6 month operation yearly.

We have been accepting and placing Lucky Puppy rescues at a steady pace. It's all been without much fanfare because of being away from the computer. We currently have 2 rescues available, Buddy-a min pin/chuihuahua and Tiny Tot/Jelly Bean-a baby Jack Russell. (Yes, I know that Tiny Tot/Jelly Bean is a funny name. We just can't decide and so our staff call him both!) We have 3 more rescues coming in over the weekend-a Papillon, a Pom, and a Chihuahua/Pom mix. They will need to be neutered and evaluated and will be available for adoption soon after.

I think that's a good summer wrap up! We hope you've enjoyed your summer. We certainly have...This is a dog lover's paradise!
Thanks for your support!
Jessica

Blueberries and Mud!

What do BLUEBERRIES and MUD have in common? And why are they being talked about on a dog & puppy blog?

Because VERY SOON, we will be offering Blueberry Facials and Spa Mud Masques for boarding and grooming clients at Play N Stay Pet Camp and the Soapy Puppy Doggie Spa!

Now, before you check out on me (I know you are rolling your eyes), let me explain a little more.

But first, GET YOUR DOG OVER TO THE COMPUTER, so that I can talk to him or her directly.

OK, dogs, here goes:


BLUEBERRY FACIALS: Believe it or not, Blueberry Facials are pretty cool! Here's why: Dogs-let's be honest-we KNOW that you can't wash your own face. And most people who bathe you won't wash your face either (often they just kind of bathe everything else and act like you don't even have a face). And if your people DO wash your face, it's often just a little "wipe off" of the hair...not really scrubbing your face. (And, you know, all of your people scrub THEIR faces...some even do it a few times a day!)

Our special Blueberry Exfoliating Face Wash (due to arrive this week) is specially formulated for dog faces and dog whiskers. It's tearless and exfoliating, so the spa attendants can really scrub it down in...which is very, very relaxing-it feels SO good!

After a nice facial massage, it rinses away cleanly removing 85% of those ugly tear stains and breaking down all of the mouth and slobber gunk that make your whisker crunchy and sticky. (And for those of you with really wet faces, either from tears, slobber, or your water bowl, your face won't smell like old socks anymore!) You and your owners will be delighted with the smell of Fresh Blueberries that lasts and lasts! (It's great for long, dangly ears too!)


MUD MASQUES: For all of our 4-legged friends with problem skin (dry, itchy, flaky, or hot spots), this is the spa treatment for you! Specially formulated mud with Dead Sea Minerals & Eucalypus Oil is massaged into your skin (not just your hair). If it's nice day out, you can wear your mud out into the play yard, where the heat from the warm sun will feel so good on your skin. (If it's a yucky day out, our spa attendants will lay warm, damp towels on your body, so the mud can penetrate over the next 15-20 minutes.) The mud masque then "goes to work", moisturizing your skin and coat, relieving the itching and burning that makes you crazy sometimes. Once the masque is rinsed away, you will be thrilled at the results! Your old dry hair and skin will be lustrous & beautiful!

All the neighborhood dogs will be so envious when they see the whole new you!

Both products will be available as a service and available for purchase, so your owners can do-it-themselves at home!

The Big Decision

OK...so if you've been following along, you know that each spring we struggle with what to do with a VERY slow puppy store (lots of lookers, very few buyers) all summer long. A few weeks back, I asked for your input. We had some good responses, the best suggestions surrounded utilizing volunteers at Play N Stay and trying to keep the store open.

After careful thought, we have decided that idea is likely to not work for us at this time. We are certain that there are available and reliable volunteers out there, but we are VERY dependent on our workers at PNS. If one or both called off or did not come in, we would have a mess on our hands. Perhaps as we grow, we will be able to have a volunteer or two be with 4 or 5 workers, but on most days at PNS, there is only 1 or 2 people on shift at a time. We need everyone to be there and to be on their A-game. And if they aren't, we need to be able to address that. We can set that bar high with our staff, but I'm not sure we have the systems in place to set it that high for volunteers, without compromising reliability. And we can't lower the bar.

But-thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. That may be an idea for 2 or 3 years from now.

So-(drum roll), here's what we are doing...(you may already know, if you've been on the Perky Puppy website)...

We're closing The Perky Puppy for the summer. We're selling out (or at least DRASTICALLY reducing) and will not be open to the public again until mid-August. We will continue to do Special Orders/Special Requests, which is a growing segment of our business. If we do "stock" any puppies, they will be listed on our site and shown BY APPOINTMENT to SERIOUS customers only. We will no longer pay staff to stand here while people just "stop in to look at the puppies". Honestly, we know that's a part of the business, but in the summer it reaches a very unhealthy level, and it doesn't pay the bills. (Of course...I could look into starting a petting zoo and charging admission. Nah! We'll save that for another time and place.)

SO-today is our last open day until fall. We are down to 5 puppies. The price on those puppies is somewhat negotiable. If they don't sell, we will move them to PNS and start housetraining them. They will sell from there for sure.

All of our staff will be working at Play N Stay for the summer. We've got some prety neat stuff happening over there. (Check back for info on Blueberry Facials and Mud Baths.) We think you'll be excited about what's in store! Keep your eyes on the website and the blog. We'll keep you posted. Again, Thank You for your input on this tough dilemma.

We appreciate your business! Have a great summer!
Jessica

DACHSHUND Day!

WOW! We're all booked up this weekend at Play N Stay, but the big play group looks funny because there are a BUNCH of Dachshunds! Today's group includes the following doxies: Louie, Oscar, Lucy, Charlie, and Josie!

GET A-LLLLOOOONNNNGGGG LITTLE DOGGIES!!!!

THANKS Blue Ribbon Rentals

Our friends over at Blue Ribbon Rentals in St. Clairsville made us a sweet deal on a flat screen TV for the Home & Garden Show!

If you need any appliance rentals, please check them out!

Their phone number is 740-695-2033.

The manager's name is Paul, and he has 2 Dachshunds from us. Tell him we sent you!

THANKS!

CLOSED SATURDAY!

PLEASE NOTE:
We will be CLOSED this Saturday, Feb. 21st.
We will be at the Wheeling Home & Garden Show (Wesbanco Arena) with an assortment of puppies to view.
It's also a great opportunity to meet our groomer, Nancy!
HOME SHOW HOURS:
Friday 4-8
Saturday 11-8
Sunday 11-4
See ya there!

Heat Wave!

Man! Am I glad for the recent heat wave! Trying to get 30 dogs to pee AND poop outside before the get too cold to remember why they are out there is NOTHING short of a miracle!

We cleaned up a record number of accidents at Play N Stay this week. Ugh!

But I have to say, if I was a 6 pound, 16 year old Chihuahua (like "Albert"), I'd have pooped in the office too. (wink)

I'm sure all of you dog-lovers were sharing in the suffering as well.

Glad it's over!!

"Anybody wanna go outside?"

Commercials On Demand!

I've just loaded the Play N Stay Pet Camp and Perky Puppy commercials on our website.

Now you can see them whenever you want! The quality is not fantastic, but they are still cute!

Enjoy!

Out my window...

Looking out my window at the play group of doggie guests at Play N Stay Pet Camp.

Today's guests include: Lola, Peanut, Hank, Jack, Shyla, Tanner, Tucker, Macy, Barney, Reese, Bosley, and Albert...all in one big group! Everything from a 16 year old chihuahua to a 3 year old Boxer! (All carefully managed of course.) They are having such a good time! This is so good for dogs!

My 4 (Calliope, Nike, AxelRod, and RockStar) just got back from staying for 4 days at PNS. They come home happy and better behaved than when they went! I love it!!

This has turned out better than I'd ever imagined!

I just have to say...I'm really brilliant some times, but I underestimated just how brilliant I really am...which, of course, means that I'm not really all that brilliant after all. (wink)

I'm so proud of the crew at Play N Stay! They rock!

Out My Window!

Jean's outside with a big group of little dogs at Play N Stay right now! In this group, she has Wiggles, Nikki, Toby, Brandy, Bruzer (rescue), BK, Bentley, Momma (rescue), Bosley (rescue), Max, and Zute. Very cute!!!

Random Thoughts!

Hello Everyone! I have missed chatting with you in the worst way! Over the last few weeks, I have thought so many times, "Oh-I need to blog about that..." and then never get to do it. So Sorry!! Here's an update:

• RESCUE PUPPIES: Most of the rescues from the puppy mill have been adopted. By all accounts, they have been healthy and smart. YAY!!! There are a few left. I'll be adjusting pricing soon!
• OTHER RESCUE PUPPIES: Bruzer and the red mix boys are still here. I may have some good news soon on Bruzer, but ZERO INTEREST in the 2 red boys. Can you help? They are SO nice. We started leash-training this week. I'm waiting for some room at Play N Stay, so they can go over and start their housebreaking.
• Yep...you guessed it...Play N Stay is full! YAY!! Have you all seen the commercial on WTOV? It is too cute! Much thanks to all who were present and to our featured house guests Weegee and Angel and their daddy, Bill.
• The roof is fixed. Not a great color match on the shingles. Not so happy on that part, but who can complain when many people lost their roofs (or homes) in this summer's hurricanes? Not me...just glad to be dry and happy!
• Went to Atlanta last week...to a conference called Catalyst. It was an AMAZING church and business LEADERSHIP EVENT! Just me and Vanessa and 12,400 of our closest friends!! Laughed, cried, and laughed some more. My body was tired (not much sleep, lots of running, early mornings, and late nights), but my SOUL is refreshed! lOVE IT!
• Had the chance to get 26 more rescue puppies last week, but had to let another rescue take them, since I was out of town. (The intake process on 26 pups-all in one day-is tremendous!) Bummer!!
• Momma went to Play N Stay while we were gone (along with our dogs). She was pretty freaked out at first. But she is amazingly resilient and ended up having a good time. We have decided to keep her there for now, so that she will continue to meet new people and face new fears. I'm so proud of her. She still needs a home. If you want a VERY sweet natured dog who gives full-body hugs, email me.
• BOSLEY-OK...listen up. You guys don't know about Bosley. I've been keeping him a secret for over a month, but he is now ready for adoption. Bosley is a 4 year-old male purebred Shih Tzu (black and white). He was surrendered by his owner for snapping at a little girl (he bruised her when he connected). I don't know why he snapped, but I do know that both of his rear dew claw toenails were curled around into a corkscrew that were digging into his foot. I know that he was unneutered, which can create some very emotional hormone imbalances. I know that he was in full coat, with some VERY tight mats under his ears and around his neck and his butt hairs and pee-pee hairs were not clean at all. I know that his mom loved him, but it's apparent that she wasn't able to keep up with his grooming needs. Were the mats and sore toenails enough to make him cranky? Can't say for sure. He has been groomed, neutered, and allowed to mellow out for the last month. He's a nice dog. No kids please...prefer an older settled home, where he can do his own thing...to love and be a lap dog when he wants and not be messed with if he doesn't want. He needs a home where nobody really will push his buttons, poke at him, or push him around. He's been stable for us, but I wouldn't want to tempt fate.

I think that's it for now. I'll update you more later! Talk to you soon!

Jess

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!

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.

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

Nothing Cooler

I've just got to say that there is nothing cooler in the world than the view out the window from my office! My office is in the rear corner of The Perky Puppy building, and my window looks right into the play yard at Play N Stay Pet Camp.

Throughout the day, I get to watch some of our FANTASTIC staff playing with the "doggie guests" that are staying with us! They throw the ball, they rub bellies, they play in the little wading pool or with the hose...they play, play, play!!! And I can't tell who is happier-the dogs or the staff!!

(I know that I will probably be flooded with job requests. I'm sorry, but we aren't hiring right now. All shifts are covered with great people! However, if you are an experienced dog groomer, give me a call.)

What a great view!!! What a great opportunity for the people and the dogs!!! What a great opportunity for me!!! I'm thrilled to be a part of it!! THANK YOU!