Howliday weekend?

For most people, the Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer. It's that wonderful long weekend off where everyone cooks out, heads to the lake, sleeps in, gathers with friends, etc., etc. However, for people who choose to be in the service industry, let's say dog care for example, this is just one huge/busy weekend of work.

Let me clarify that thought...I am NOT complaining. Pooches has been a dream come true and being wildly busy on a holiday weekend is a terrific "problem" to have. It was very gratifying yesterday (Friday) to see the parade of much-loved dogs coming in to spend the weekend with us. Having these wonderful people entrust their beloved dogs to our care is very flattering and a responsibility we take very seriously. To help our evening shift go a bit more smoothly, I dished up all of the dogs' dinners prior to close. I love seeing how the owners specify how much their dog is to eat and how the food is to be prepared. I love making sure the special treats are included with the meals so the dogs feel right at home. I love looking through each dog's bin to see the treasures sent along by caring families. Buster has a stuffed gorilla. Toby and Trigger have special toys we are to stuff with goodies. Maddy has her own comfy plush bed. The list goes on and on.

As we were setting up the overnight suites for each of the dogs, I felt really good about how things are done at Pooches. This is not just me bragging on our business. It has been a true learning experience and the education is ongoing. But I do think we offer something that is a huge step apart from other boarding experiences. We do spend time with each dog. We do work hard to make sure each dog is fed exactly as the owner requests and that toys are tucked in with them on comfortable cots with soft blankets. We do go that extra distance to be sure our dogs get to potty late in the evening (after most boarding facilities are long closed) to help ensure a restful night. And we do it all because we truly love these dogs. We take extra care and spend the extra dollar because it's how we would want our own dogs treated. That is our mission...treat each dog that crosses our threshold as if it were one of our own.

We hope the difference shows in the wagging tails and relaxed, happy attitudes of our canine guests. If they are happy, we are happy and all of the work is very worthwhile. Afterall, this should be a holiday weekend for our pooches as well!