Well, it's Sunday, November 07th and Russell's mom is coming into town for a couple of days to assist with decorating Zane + Zara's. This will mark our second holiday season and I'm so excited I just want to pee on something. John and Russell have promised to take last year's festivities and amp it up a bit. Personally, I had to hide the hot-glue gun. The last thing I need is a kicky set of reindeer antlers attached to my head. Stupid queens. Please remember that Zane + Zara's will be closed Monday, November 08 for decorating. We'll reopen Tuesday, November 09th. Come in and see what a couple of crazed elf can do to a respectable pet boutique.
Now let's talk about this holiday season. You'd think that two years into a new administration our country would be reaping the rewards of a growing economy. I mean that was what we were promised, wasn't it? A rising tide, lifting all boats? The end of the Republican leadership that did little but send us to war, butcher our economy and lay waste to our moral high-ground. Instead, what we have is a stubborn 10% unemployment and more poverty and struggling than we've seen in decades. Even for those of us who are among the more fortunate it is a more difficult time. Money is tight, the banks simply don't want to make loans and the idea of growing a small business is unheard of. So, what can be done?
We obviously cannot speak for everyone but, at Zane + Zara's we are trying to take a more simplistic approach to this holiday season. We're going to focus more on the basics of retail and reaching out into our community. We'll start with a great sale beginning on Tuesday, November 09. We have joined up with our friends at Natura Pet Foods, that's EVO, Innova and California Natural for the uninitiated, for a great sale that will, at the same time, benefit our friends at three local rescues: PAWS, Chicago Bully Breed Rescue and The Anti-Cruelty Society. The SALE portion is very straight forward: Beginning November, 09 all Natura Pet Food Products will be 25% off for 4-weeks! That means you have from November 09 - December 07 to take advantage of some of the best dog and cat food available for 25% off. That, my friends, is quite a deal but, it doesn't stop there. Depending on the size of your purchase, you get to make a donation to one of our three sponsored rescues:
Buy a 5lb bag and you get to reach over and put one can of food in a basket.
Buy a 15lb bag and you do the same with two cans of food.
Buy a 30lb bag and you get to donate three cans or one bag of treats.
For the cat lover you still get the 25% off and then:
Buy 5 cans and donate 1.
Buy 10 cans and donate 2.
Buy 15 cans and donate 3.
Personally, I think this is a wonderful way to start the holiday season. You get to save a little money and thanks to Ross at Natura Pet Foods, you get to give a little something to those who are less fortunate. Let's have this be the beginning of a wonderful, generous holiday season.
---Zane
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Things on my mind...Boxer musings.
OK, I have to say, I have a lot on my mind these days. No one thing is really enough for a whole blog but, still, lots to chat about.
First, for those of you who are curious, Zspa should be open around November 15th. Yeah, a month and a half late but, who's counting. John has a meeting tomorrow to start advertising. Very exciting. I can't wait to see the place. Granted I plan to keep my visits to a minimum as I am bath adverse but it's nice to know that if the need arises I won't have to stand in line. Geez, I hope I won't have to stand in line.
Second, did anyone keep up with the whole "salmonella in eggs" thing that struck over the summer? It's hard to fathom that over half a BILLION eggs were recalled and thousands of people got very, very sick. Now I bring this up because of some little conversations I've heard in the store. Zane + Zara's carries a lot of Merrick products. I mean A LOT! We tend to gravitate to the, oh I don't know, stranger things they offer: pig snouts, hoofs, tendons, etc. I think John and Russell choose some of the stuff for shear shock value but, who argues with success? Every now and then we'll have someone turn their noses up at the Merrick displays and grumble that they would never buy a Merrick product because they've had a recall. OK, it's true, this summer Merrick did recall one of their treats. The odd thing is that they did it before anyone got sick. Contrast that with the summer egg debacle which saw half a billion eggs recalled AFTER people started dropping like flies. Before is good, after is bad. Now, what I find most amusing is that no one I know has stopped buying eggs for their family. People still bake, scramble and souffle. Yet, when faced with a proactive recall of pet snacks, where no one was actually harmed, people will boycott the offending company. You will happily sacrifice your children to the egg Gods but, protect your dogs to the extreme. I have to say, I'm impressed. This is why Soylent Green was made of people and not dogs. Crackers made of people was believable. Crackers made of dogs would never have found a market. I love humans!
Now let's touch on morality. I think this is referred to as a "blind item." Why do humans insist on lying? You never hear of a dog or cat lying. It is just not in our nature. Say what you will about temperament but, with a dog or cat, what you see is what you get. Humans, though, you are a complex bunch. Your actions are often disguised by your words. You'll do something for whatever reason and then deny doing it or, when asked, offer a different reason for why you did it. Why is this? Take Natura Pet Foods for example. We all know they were sold to Proctor and Gamble. We also know that many stores decided to take Natura products off their shelves because of said sale. What I don't get is the people who find it necessary to fabricate a reason for doing so. "They've changed the formulas." "They've decided to send production to China." "They've started to use ground up cat carcasses." Why the fear of saying, "Because I wanted too." Why the lies? It's like the guy from NPR that said when he sees someone in Muslim garments on an airplane he gets a little nervous. I doubt he is the only person in the US who has those thoughts...he just expressed them. And I have to give him credit, he owned them. I'm a firm believer that it is only through an honest exchange of ideas where meaningful progress can be made. John has always said that he'd rather deal with someone who was honest in their dislike of gays than one who smiled to his face and then stabbed him in the back. What's the phrase? Love the sinner, hate the sin. What a vile bunch of puke. How about this idea: take today and make an effort to undo a lie you've told...or a rumor you've passed on as fact. Reach out and correct a wrong. Teach yourself a lesson so that you might think twice before repeating the behavior. It might do you some good and you might end up being a slightly better human. All dogs go to heaven, you humans have work to do.
What else is on my mind these days? Can you believe the holiday season is so close? The end of October is just around the corner. Let's take a moment and give some thought to those of us who are less fortunate. I know money is tight but, how about we make a collective agreement to help someone in need during this holiday season. There are so many good things that can be done with such little effort. Zane + Zara's wants to help and we reached out to some of our good friends for assistance. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and this blog for some really cool ideas on how to help those most in need. I'd venture a guess in a week or so the love will be spreading. Take care, Zane.
First, for those of you who are curious, Zspa should be open around November 15th. Yeah, a month and a half late but, who's counting. John has a meeting tomorrow to start advertising. Very exciting. I can't wait to see the place. Granted I plan to keep my visits to a minimum as I am bath adverse but it's nice to know that if the need arises I won't have to stand in line. Geez, I hope I won't have to stand in line.
Second, did anyone keep up with the whole "salmonella in eggs" thing that struck over the summer? It's hard to fathom that over half a BILLION eggs were recalled and thousands of people got very, very sick. Now I bring this up because of some little conversations I've heard in the store. Zane + Zara's carries a lot of Merrick products. I mean A LOT! We tend to gravitate to the, oh I don't know, stranger things they offer: pig snouts, hoofs, tendons, etc. I think John and Russell choose some of the stuff for shear shock value but, who argues with success? Every now and then we'll have someone turn their noses up at the Merrick displays and grumble that they would never buy a Merrick product because they've had a recall. OK, it's true, this summer Merrick did recall one of their treats. The odd thing is that they did it before anyone got sick. Contrast that with the summer egg debacle which saw half a billion eggs recalled AFTER people started dropping like flies. Before is good, after is bad. Now, what I find most amusing is that no one I know has stopped buying eggs for their family. People still bake, scramble and souffle. Yet, when faced with a proactive recall of pet snacks, where no one was actually harmed, people will boycott the offending company. You will happily sacrifice your children to the egg Gods but, protect your dogs to the extreme. I have to say, I'm impressed. This is why Soylent Green was made of people and not dogs. Crackers made of people was believable. Crackers made of dogs would never have found a market. I love humans!
Now let's touch on morality. I think this is referred to as a "blind item." Why do humans insist on lying? You never hear of a dog or cat lying. It is just not in our nature. Say what you will about temperament but, with a dog or cat, what you see is what you get. Humans, though, you are a complex bunch. Your actions are often disguised by your words. You'll do something for whatever reason and then deny doing it or, when asked, offer a different reason for why you did it. Why is this? Take Natura Pet Foods for example. We all know they were sold to Proctor and Gamble. We also know that many stores decided to take Natura products off their shelves because of said sale. What I don't get is the people who find it necessary to fabricate a reason for doing so. "They've changed the formulas." "They've decided to send production to China." "They've started to use ground up cat carcasses." Why the fear of saying, "Because I wanted too." Why the lies? It's like the guy from NPR that said when he sees someone in Muslim garments on an airplane he gets a little nervous. I doubt he is the only person in the US who has those thoughts...he just expressed them. And I have to give him credit, he owned them. I'm a firm believer that it is only through an honest exchange of ideas where meaningful progress can be made. John has always said that he'd rather deal with someone who was honest in their dislike of gays than one who smiled to his face and then stabbed him in the back. What's the phrase? Love the sinner, hate the sin. What a vile bunch of puke. How about this idea: take today and make an effort to undo a lie you've told...or a rumor you've passed on as fact. Reach out and correct a wrong. Teach yourself a lesson so that you might think twice before repeating the behavior. It might do you some good and you might end up being a slightly better human. All dogs go to heaven, you humans have work to do.
What else is on my mind these days? Can you believe the holiday season is so close? The end of October is just around the corner. Let's take a moment and give some thought to those of us who are less fortunate. I know money is tight but, how about we make a collective agreement to help someone in need during this holiday season. There are so many good things that can be done with such little effort. Zane + Zara's wants to help and we reached out to some of our good friends for assistance. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and this blog for some really cool ideas on how to help those most in need. I'd venture a guess in a week or so the love will be spreading. Take care, Zane.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Lotus and K9 Naturals
OK, we're all up to speed on Wellness. I know many of you are unhappy but change is the only consistent thing in this world...OK, taxes too.
John and Russell are very excited about two new products set to grace our shelves. The first is called Lotus and we have a young lady in our neighborhood to thank for the heads-up on this wonderful product. www.lotuspetfoods.com This sweet young lady comes in to Zane + Zara's regularly. She is a fan of sharing a cookie or two with her dog and running errands for her mom. The last time she came in she asked if we carried Lotus canned food. I was taken aback as I'd never heard of Lotus Pet Foods. Well, the research started.
This stuff looked really good. Great ingredients list and US owned and produced. The next step was a meet and greet at the Backer Show. (A pet care trade show held in Chicago each year.) We met the owner of Lotus Pet Foods and came away very impressed. They are quite an established brand on the west coast and are now making the move east. All natural ingredients and baked, not extruded so they have a better nutritional profile. Their canned food not only smells fantastic but looks the part. We put in our ISO (Initial Stocking Order) right then and there. Lotus will be the perfect replacement for Wellness as they are guided by tenants that guide our store: only the best stuff for your best friend.
Now Lotus, all of their fantastic ingredients aside, is a typical dog and cat food: Canned and kibble with a grain-free alternative. The other product is not so typical...in many ways. It is called K9 Natural and is from New Zealand.
As many of you know, John is a flight attendant for United Airlines. He was on a trip back from Amsterdam nursing a torn right shoulder. (A story for later on. Not one of John's shinning moments. Yutz!) One of the flight attendants came to John telling of a guy in Business Class that made dog food. Well, he was the owner of K9 Natural. He and John had much to talk about as his food was being introduced into the US market and one of the major distributors is one that we use: Zeus. John came away impressed.
K9 Naturals is a freeze-dried product containing only the very highest grade ingredients. Their motivation is to give your dog a diet that most closely resembles that of a wild canine without the carcass to lug around the house. I was a little skeptical because most raw or freeze-dried diets become very expensive when dealing with larger, say 30lb and up dogs. Yet, the stuff really sounds impressive.
Speaking of expense, let's do a little comparison work here. Everyone likes to do comparisons using a small dog. I don't think that's fair, especially in Roscoe Village, home of the large family dog. We have three dogs in our house and the small one, Zara, is 40 lbs. I think we'll do our comparison using Zara.
Our top of the line kibble is probably Orijen Regional Red. It is grain-free and high protein with a spectacular reputation. The cost for a 29.7 lb bag is $75.99. Their feeding guide shows that a dog like Zara, who is 40 lbs, fit and active would be about 2.25 cups a day. When you do all the math, ugh, you get about 26 days worth of food in the bag. That works out to be approximately $2.92 a day.
If you want to step up your game and give your dog the benefits of a more natural diet, you can go the raw route. For this example we'll use our favorite: Stella & Chewys, large patties, beef. The cost of a 12 patty, 6lb sack is 28.99. If you use their on-line feeding guide, Zara would eat 1.5 of the large patties per day. Do the math and you come out with about $3.62 per day. This additional expense is one of the reasons that a raw diet is much more popular for smaller dogs. While feeding raw is a fantastic idea the larger dogs usually price themselves out of the market. It's a pity. Large breeds could use the benefits of a raw diet. It may be my opinion but, I think you'd see less of the ailments that haunt larger breeds, like hip dysplasia, if they had the benefits of a raw diet.
Now let's look at the product we are thinking about bringing in: K9 Natural. As with most things we won't be putting this our our shelves until it receives an in-home test. I will say that if you listen to the owner of the company and take a look at what is out on the web, this stuff looks to be the bomb. As with all things though, a cost must be attached and YOWZA does this stuff look expensive. Honestly really, really expensive; I think they are slaughtering gold plated animals. The product is freeze-dried so it is shelf stable (re. doesn't go bad.) and made with the very finest, human grade, New Zealand meats and produce. All you do is scoop it out, add a little warm water to rehydrate and put it down for your dog to enjoy. Now let's talk price: an 8.8 lb box is priced around $199.00. (I'll give you a moment to catch your breath.) That 8.8 lb box rehydrates into 35.2 lb. The feeding instructions for K9 Natural are a little different: for a 40 lb dog you would feed 1-3% of body weight. (I burned up the calculator for this one!) I used 2% as an average and for Zara that would mean feeding 12.8 oz per day. The 8.8 lb box converts into 563.2 oz of rehydrated food. Do the math and you get about 44 days worth of food in that 8.8 lb box. (Have you reached for the oxygen bottle yet?) K9 Natural will run you a very dear $4.52 per day to feed a 40 lb dog. That, my friends, is on the pricey side.
So, do we devote shelf space to K9 Natural? Honestly, I don't know if our market will bite on such an expensive product. It may be the finest product on the market but these are difficult times for many people, even those who still maintain healthy disposable income. Everyone should drop me a comment. Is your best friend worth the K9 Natural price? Is this just a product for smaller dogs where the price per serving is a little easier on the wallet? Does John need to start flying to New Zealand and smuggling in K9? You tell me. In the meantime John has promised us a box on K9 Natural to try. Between the three of us, that $199.00, 8.8 lb box should last....minutes, hours....maybe a week. All I can say is it better be the best thing since sliced bread and I'd better poop perfume after dinner. I'm just saying....
John and Russell are very excited about two new products set to grace our shelves. The first is called Lotus and we have a young lady in our neighborhood to thank for the heads-up on this wonderful product. www.lotuspetfoods.com This sweet young lady comes in to Zane + Zara's regularly. She is a fan of sharing a cookie or two with her dog and running errands for her mom. The last time she came in she asked if we carried Lotus canned food. I was taken aback as I'd never heard of Lotus Pet Foods. Well, the research started.
This stuff looked really good. Great ingredients list and US owned and produced. The next step was a meet and greet at the Backer Show. (A pet care trade show held in Chicago each year.) We met the owner of Lotus Pet Foods and came away very impressed. They are quite an established brand on the west coast and are now making the move east. All natural ingredients and baked, not extruded so they have a better nutritional profile. Their canned food not only smells fantastic but looks the part. We put in our ISO (Initial Stocking Order) right then and there. Lotus will be the perfect replacement for Wellness as they are guided by tenants that guide our store: only the best stuff for your best friend.
Now Lotus, all of their fantastic ingredients aside, is a typical dog and cat food: Canned and kibble with a grain-free alternative. The other product is not so typical...in many ways. It is called K9 Natural and is from New Zealand.
As many of you know, John is a flight attendant for United Airlines. He was on a trip back from Amsterdam nursing a torn right shoulder. (A story for later on. Not one of John's shinning moments. Yutz!) One of the flight attendants came to John telling of a guy in Business Class that made dog food. Well, he was the owner of K9 Natural. He and John had much to talk about as his food was being introduced into the US market and one of the major distributors is one that we use: Zeus. John came away impressed.
K9 Naturals is a freeze-dried product containing only the very highest grade ingredients. Their motivation is to give your dog a diet that most closely resembles that of a wild canine without the carcass to lug around the house. I was a little skeptical because most raw or freeze-dried diets become very expensive when dealing with larger, say 30lb and up dogs. Yet, the stuff really sounds impressive.
Speaking of expense, let's do a little comparison work here. Everyone likes to do comparisons using a small dog. I don't think that's fair, especially in Roscoe Village, home of the large family dog. We have three dogs in our house and the small one, Zara, is 40 lbs. I think we'll do our comparison using Zara.
Our top of the line kibble is probably Orijen Regional Red. It is grain-free and high protein with a spectacular reputation. The cost for a 29.7 lb bag is $75.99. Their feeding guide shows that a dog like Zara, who is 40 lbs, fit and active would be about 2.25 cups a day. When you do all the math, ugh, you get about 26 days worth of food in the bag. That works out to be approximately $2.92 a day.
If you want to step up your game and give your dog the benefits of a more natural diet, you can go the raw route. For this example we'll use our favorite: Stella & Chewys, large patties, beef. The cost of a 12 patty, 6lb sack is 28.99. If you use their on-line feeding guide, Zara would eat 1.5 of the large patties per day. Do the math and you come out with about $3.62 per day. This additional expense is one of the reasons that a raw diet is much more popular for smaller dogs. While feeding raw is a fantastic idea the larger dogs usually price themselves out of the market. It's a pity. Large breeds could use the benefits of a raw diet. It may be my opinion but, I think you'd see less of the ailments that haunt larger breeds, like hip dysplasia, if they had the benefits of a raw diet.
Now let's look at the product we are thinking about bringing in: K9 Natural. As with most things we won't be putting this our our shelves until it receives an in-home test. I will say that if you listen to the owner of the company and take a look at what is out on the web, this stuff looks to be the bomb. As with all things though, a cost must be attached and YOWZA does this stuff look expensive. Honestly really, really expensive; I think they are slaughtering gold plated animals. The product is freeze-dried so it is shelf stable (re. doesn't go bad.) and made with the very finest, human grade, New Zealand meats and produce. All you do is scoop it out, add a little warm water to rehydrate and put it down for your dog to enjoy. Now let's talk price: an 8.8 lb box is priced around $199.00. (I'll give you a moment to catch your breath.) That 8.8 lb box rehydrates into 35.2 lb. The feeding instructions for K9 Natural are a little different: for a 40 lb dog you would feed 1-3% of body weight. (I burned up the calculator for this one!) I used 2% as an average and for Zara that would mean feeding 12.8 oz per day. The 8.8 lb box converts into 563.2 oz of rehydrated food. Do the math and you get about 44 days worth of food in that 8.8 lb box. (Have you reached for the oxygen bottle yet?) K9 Natural will run you a very dear $4.52 per day to feed a 40 lb dog. That, my friends, is on the pricey side.
So, do we devote shelf space to K9 Natural? Honestly, I don't know if our market will bite on such an expensive product. It may be the finest product on the market but these are difficult times for many people, even those who still maintain healthy disposable income. Everyone should drop me a comment. Is your best friend worth the K9 Natural price? Is this just a product for smaller dogs where the price per serving is a little easier on the wallet? Does John need to start flying to New Zealand and smuggling in K9? You tell me. In the meantime John has promised us a box on K9 Natural to try. Between the three of us, that $199.00, 8.8 lb box should last....minutes, hours....maybe a week. All I can say is it better be the best thing since sliced bread and I'd better poop perfume after dinner. I'm just saying....
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wellness...off our shelves they go!
Not long ago Wellness moved it's product into the large chain stores. Personally, we were OK with that. We're more than happy to compete with their prices and we don't think they can match our services. (Insert plug for Zspa here!) Well, then the advertising started. The big retailers are now using Wellness to gain, shall we say, "street cred" with customers who are very involved in what they feed their pets. The idea is, if we sell Wellness everyone will begin to think that everything we sell is high quality. It is called having a "halo" product. Everything begins to look good as a result of having one popular product. We, at Zane + Zara's, are not amused.
As of this date: October 09, 2010, we will no longer reserve space on our shelves for Wellness. This means two things: first, if you are looking for a good price on Wellness we have it. All Wellness products, be they dog or cat, are now on sale for 10% off. This is a sale to clear off our shelves of product. Each Saturday the sale will increase by 5% until everything is gone. Come and get it!!! Second: if you are a current customer and, are loath to switch your dog or cat to a new food, we are more than happy to special order the Wellness product of your choice. All we ask is that you contact us on Monday for a product delivery on Thursday. We never want to be known as a store that forces product changes on our customers. Wellness is a good food and if you want it, we'll get it for you. We just refuse to devote shelf space to a product that is giving assistance to our competition.
Wait! I hear a question. "Just what is going to get the space that Wellness used to occupy? Now that's a good question and boy do we have a good answer. It's called Lotus and it has a great little story. My next blog will cover all things Lotus. We think you'll love this new dog and cat food. We've smelled it and tasted it. It is Zane, Zara and Zelda approved.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Animal testing or You Bastards, you need to be punished!
OK, I don’t know what’s gotten into me but this is my second blog in a week. I think this issue is just on my mind a lot. I want to talk about animal testing. Let’s not be coy here, we’re not talking about the SAT’s for your cat. We’re talking about testing products or substances on helpless animals. This ranks up there with the cosmetic mutilation of my bretherin. You’ll happily wack off our tails or slice off pieces of our ears and now I find out that you’ll put our heads in little stockades so that you can test chemicals in our eyes or on our skin. Live animal testing, have you completely lost your minds?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no tree hugging vegan. I understand the food chain and that bad things happen to good squirrils. What I don’t understand is this wanton disrespect for other animals. There is some nobility in an animal losing its life to feed another. It is a cycle that has been in place since the beginning of time. As a matter of fact this whole vegetarian thing is actually a pretty recent manefestation of human guilt over killing for food. Trust me people, if you still had to hunt to survive you’d never see a vegetarian. But the idea that live animals are being used for research and development in the modern world sickens me.
And, yes, I understand that eventually all things get tested on a live animal. And nobody wants to be the inventor of the next Thalidomide. Personally, I’d happily volunteer to be an advanced kibble tester but just how much redundant knowledge do you people need? If you put Mr. Clean in your eyes it will burn and blind you. Did we really need to strap down little bunnies and actually put Mr. Clean in their eyes to confirm that? Really? You couldn’t just slap a label on the bottle that says, “Product contains: ammonioa and a host of other wicked things. DON’T PUT IT IN YOUR EYES! IT WILL BLIND YOU. That wouldn’t have been enough? Or cigarettes, I love this one. Humans were dropping right and left from lung cancer. There was a huge amount of aticdotal evidence that the lung cancer was being precipitated by years of smoking. Yet, everyone thought it was necessary to force chimpanzies into developing six pack-a-day habits so we could “confirm” a relationship between smoking and lung cancer. Decades of smoking chimps to “confirm” what everyone knew. Smoking will kill you. But, and you have to love this, cigarettes are still legal, Humans really are idiots sometimes. And then there is the whole make-up thing. Let’s test make-up on poor innocent animals. Inject them with dyes, drip foundation (formally lead-based you very smart humans) into their eyes, shove little cotton balls laced with perfume up their asses...(OK, that one is a stretch but, I’m pissed off at the moment.) You do all this so that you can have products who’s only purpose is to increase your fragile self-esteem. I don’t know how the entire planet has not rejected you.
Have you ever sat back and wondered how the whole free-range, organic thing came about? This is all about consumer guilt. You discovered, after a century of hiding your heads in the sand, how chickens and other farm animals were mass produced. And it wasn’t pretty. You discovered after decades of using pesticides and artificial fertilizers that maybe, just maybe growing bigger and bigger fruits and vegetables wasn’t worth the strange new litiney of ailments that were, if I may trade a pun, cropping up in your children. And then you discovered that, by lowering your costs by not cagging your chickens or spraying your vegetables, you could actually charge more for them. Do less, charge more is the American dream. You are sly devils, you humans.
So what needs to be done about this "animal testing" thing? How about STOP IT. I said in the beginning, I'm no tree hugging, panties in a twist, nature worshiping, pagan. I understand that animal testing is a requirement for things that are going to be consumed by animals. The HIV vaccine, when it comes, will have been rigorously tested on many live animals and everyone should understand that this process is necessary. I understand that. What I don't understand is MAKE-UP and CLEANSERS or CIGARETTES. Just how do you justify this sort of criminal abuse? Animals have highly developed nervous systems just like humans. We feel pain. Yet, you find it necessary to inject us with cleansers or dyes or, I don't know, fuel additives just to find out what sort of horrible reaction you can coax out of us. We scream, we writhe in pain and some of us will actually kill ourselves in the attempt to escape. What kind of sociopath does that kind of research? Just who raises a child that makes a career out of this kind of torture? "Hi, my name is Mark and I test cleansers on animals. I become sexually aroused by the screams of bunnies." Do these psychopaths actually date? Talk about a small pool of prospects. I said it, just STOP IT. If you know the stuff should not be consumed, you don't need to test it. Just slap a label on it that says, "DO NOT CONSUME, APPLY OR INJECT. THIS STUFF WILL DO YOU HARM UP TO OR INCLUDING DEATH." This should be a generic label. And if there is evidence that something will kill you, who's only function is to be consumed, take it off the market. CIGARETTES people, take them off the market. They have no redeeming qualities. I don't care what the argument is, just take them off the market. So Philip Morris goes out of business, I don't care. If you smoke, you're an idiot. No more cigarettes then you have to quit. Hump the fact that it is a personal choice and a legal product. It kills tens of thousands of people every year. BAN THEM!!!
OK, that's my tirade for now. Stop this pathetic excuse for research. Ban animal testing under many circumstances. Cosmetics: banned. Known poisons: banned. If it is not designed for consumption: banned. If you folks want to test stupid stuff on animals go find a human being who's willing. Want to find out if a new foundation or rouge causes a rash or blindness, slather it on a human test subject. No body needs to see some poor, whored up bunny going blind from a new mascara. I know I don't.
Zane
Natura and the Proctor & Gamble problem...
Hello humans!
OK, OK, I am well aware of how long it’s been since I last put paw to key-board. I haven’t forgotten about you, my loyal readers...all three of you...but, things have just been jumping, around Zane + Zara’s. We’ve been busier than me trying to grab my tail. And if you’ve seen my tail, you’d understand the futility. There are new toys, new chewy things and new foods. (Insert sales pitch here.) We have been on a drive to prep the store for Retro on Roscoe. Last year was big for us and we hope this year will be even bigger.
Back to my original train of thought: The past few months have been about change. One of the biggest changes recently has been a change of ownership for one of our premier dog food manufactures: Natura. You’ll know them more readily by their brand names: Evo, Innova and California Natural. Natura was sold to one of the largest and most successful multi-national corporations on the planet: Proctor and Gamble. (Am I using a lot of colons or what?) This sale to P & G was completely unexpected by everyone. Natura has a sterling reputation as a family owned company that truly has the best interests of dogs and cats at heart...until now. Now it is a meer cog in a vast, world-wide machine who seems to have it’s hands in everything but car manufacturing. Honestly, have you ever gone to the P & G web-site? Two-hundred and fifty (250) brands are represented. Two-hundred and fifty!!! Honestly, I saw that and soiled myself a little. Not only do you find household names like Tide and Febreeze but some real obscure stuff too. Oh, and something called Dash. John just howled when he saw that one! Evidently, it is a laundry detergent that calls into question John’s ability to state his age as 29. (One look at him does that for me but, I digress.) P & G is a huge company and they just swallowed whole our wonderful Natura. This does not look good.
And you see, this is where I wanted to start this missive. We have been getting call after call after call from customers wanting to switch their dogs or cats from Natura products. Their faith has been shaken by the take-over by P & G. You see, P & G has a reputation within the pet food industry and it’s not sterling. They own IAMS and Eukenuba. (Blech!) These are not what you’d refer to as “high-end” pet foods. You would never compare them to Natura or Fromm or Orijen. Kibbles and Bits maybe but...I think I just threw up a little. The internet chatter on these two products alone is frightening. The talk of testing on animals by P & G is enough to stop your heart. But what is really a concern, not that testing on animals is not a concern, is what kind of changes are in store for Natura.
Everything we retailers are being told is that nothing is going to change at Natura. The formulas will stay the same and the ingredients will stay the same. In the mean time there are stores that are removing Natura products from their shelvs. Is this a moral objection to P & G or do they know something we, at Zane + Zara’s, don’t? I don’t know and the questions and statements keep coming. It is enough to make me want to hide our Natura products behind a curtain and only sell them out the back door. P & G must have been salivating to get Natura into their folds. Here was a high-end pet food company that had products to compare with the likes of Orijen, Wellness, Fromm, Merrick, Canide, etc. What Natura lacked is just what P & G brought to the table: deep pockets for research and development and marketing muscle like few other companies in the world. To tell the truth, if we could trust them, it would seem to be a marriage made in heaven. Ask the guy who invented the Swiffer. Nothing spells success like a great product hooking up with P & G. On the otherhand, nothing breeds mediocraty like a huge corporation and an army of accountants. Let’s face it, life at a company like P & G is always about the bottom line. And there is our fear. Just how long until some ratty accountant discovers that you can source chicken from China, still say chicken on the ingredients list and pocket the savings with the consumer no wiser? I’m not saying this is going to happen but just how long is the Made in the USA banner going to survive the onslaught? P & G says that there are no plans to alter Natura products and that it will be a “stand-alone” brand that allows them to pierce the ultra-premium pet food market. Are we just supposed trust them? And really, just who are we supposed to trust?
Every pet food out in the modern market says they’re the best thing since sliced bread. I guess no one wants to be known for their short comings but, have you read any labels lately? Short comings is being generous to say the least. Now, we all know that price is a driver of consumer purchases but do you really have to buy the cheapest dog food you can? That people actually buy Bil-Jac dog food is stunning. We are members of your family and you are feeding us crap! There, off on a tangent again. Sorry. The point is, we believe what we read and we think that just because it’s in print it’s the truth. P.T. Barnum said it well, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” I hate to tell you but the beef stew ingredients on the package of Beneful dog food bears little resemblance to what is actually in the bag. And those colorful little morsels in the bag are colorful for you not us. Remember, we don’t see color so well. So, who do you trust? You can’t trust corporate america, you can’t trust the news media, you can’t trust the internet, the Wallstreet Journal is now owned by Fox and CNN is owned by Time-Warner. The average person on the street get his or her news through vile gossip sights like TMZ or infotainment channels like MSNBC or FOX. Who do you trust?
Well, that’s a tough call. At Zane + Zara’s we read a lot. We sift through information about pet food in general and various brands specifically. If you want to talk food we happily bring out our laptops and start comparing ingredient lists. We try to match our customer’s wants with the needs of their companions. We never take anyone’s word without back-up or at least some history. Our rep for Natura is a man named Ross. He has been our rep since we opened our doors. He is, we believe, a stand-up guy. We do not take his assertions lightly. We believe that if there was a problem at Natura it would manifest itself through Ross. You see, Ross, we believe, comes off as a rotten liar and we think he would have a difficult time shilling for a substandard product. Come the day that Natura products become another IAMS or Eukenuba we believe that Ross will leave. When Ross leaves we will leave too. While we may not have much to believe in these days, we do believe in Ross. This is the nature of relationships.
So there you have it. The god’s honest truth is that nobody knows anything but what their own experiences tell them. I can read an ingredients list and tell you why these ingredients are superior to others. But can I guarantee their sources? Can I even guarantee the veracity of the list itself? I cannot. How do I know that Orijen or Evo are really all that their prices promise? Well, they have reputations. We’ve also done taste tests. But beyond that, everything else is just second-hand information. John just had a converstion with Jack Henry’s dad. He had been told about the P & G buyout of Natura. This was the day after John had recommended putting Jack Henry on California Natural because of some intestinal distress that he was suffering. “Should we try Fromm instead?” All John could tell him was the truth, California Natural is the “go to” food for dogs that had sensitive digestive tracts. Once Jack Henry was stable we could start testing other foods. What was most important was getting JH over his issues. And as for the P & G buyout: As long as Ross is still around I don’t have an issue with having Natura products on our shelves. Come the day that Ross goes, so does the food.
As for the testing on animals...that is a blog for another day. My paws are tired and my eyes are beginning to cross. It’s nap time.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Plastic surgery for your dog....or cat.
Hello Minions!
OK, while this post doesn't directly involve John, as many do, it does stem from a conversation he had with another, so called, dog lover. John was at some meeting involving his other job, away from the store. He got involved in a conversation about Doberman Pinchers and how this woman had just had her puppies' ears cropped. Well, John almost popped a vein. And so our story begins...
Are you people idiots or what?!?! Now I may live a rather sheltered life but, am I to understand, that you chop off parts of your dog for the sake of aesthetics? Is that what happened to my tail? I thought I had been in some sort of car accident or maybe lost it to tail cancer at a very young age. Now I find out that someone had my tail cut off for the sake of appearances!!! APPEARANCES!!! Who am I - freakin' Joan Rivers?!?! I am furious!
And don't think this didn't trigger some research on my part. You pathetic humans have decided that in order to be the "standard of the breed" some of us have to have surgery. Someone has to take an ax to a tail or pinking shears to ears in order for a dog to hold it's head up high in society. Pardon my French but, you can bite my hairy little ass! I thought it was bad enough that white boxers were not considered breed standards. (What is it with you humans and color?) Now I find out that the ears and tails all of us are born with are, what, MISTAKES! And it's not every breed. Only the select few of us are subject to this barbarity: Boxers, Dobies, Pits, any number of terriers, etc. You humans really make me sick sometimes.
I can tell you this, anybody know the name Jocelyn Wildenstein? For those of you not in-the-know, she's the daft broad in New York high-society that has had her appearance so completely altered that they just call her the "cat woman." You can actually Google the words "cat woman" and her picture pops up. Come the day that dogs rule the world, we're going to decree that this is the physical standard for humans. From that day on, all humans will be forced to go under the knife in order to look more like cats. Those that aren't lucky enough to be butchered will have to wear little signs that read, "Not Best of Breed." How does that set with you? I'll even add to that and remind everyone it was a goal of the Nazis that everyone have blue eyes. They actually used to experiment on humans trying to change the colors of their eye's iris. I'm just sick to my stomach over this.
Why are humans so intent on not taking appearances just as they come? You segregate everyone by how they appear and, when you can, you try to change them. What is wrong with my floppy ears? What was wrong with my TAIL? Zara has these beautiful, satellite dish like ears. Are you telling me that we need to take her to the surgeon and have them reshaped? Zelda would certainly look more fierce if her ears were upright and pointed. Is that what the world needs - fierce looking Zelda? I have met many Dobermans. The ones with pointy ears do look intimidating. But the ones with natural ears look gorgeous and reflect what must be a hound ancestry. Honestly, an uncut Dobie looks like a dog ready for the hunt. What in the hell is wrong with that? Who decided that Dobermans needed to look like they're ready to tear your arm off? Who's dick was so small that they had to have a mean looking Doberman? I need this answer.
I'll probably never get these answers. Humans are a deeply flawed species. You judge everyone by how they look. When they don't look like you want them to, you force them to change. Now I find out that you actually resort to forced surgery. I mean, it's not like we dogs get a say in the matter. You force us to go under the knife. And the excuse is, "It's the standard for the breed." Why don't you take a step back and realize that the standard for the breed is just how we're born. I'm white, with a blue eye and a brown eye. My ears are floppy and I once had a nice long tail. I WAS standard for the breed. What was wrong with my standard? For my Doberman friends, with their long tails and floppy ears, what is wrong with their standard? Why do you need your dog to look intimidating or have a short tail? Are you so insecure that you need your dog to have plastic surgery? Are you?
I'm asking for a complete boycott of plastic surgery on dogs...and cats. Actually, do they do this on cats? Are people out there docking the tails off their cats? Wait, didn't I read something about people who have their cat's claws removed? You people are just barbaric! I think I'm going to put together a web-site about this. No more cosmetic surgery on your pets! Ugh! I can just imagine what Joan Rivers' dog looks like. Probably has this very surprised look on it face and an inability to blink. Freaks.
OK, while this post doesn't directly involve John, as many do, it does stem from a conversation he had with another, so called, dog lover. John was at some meeting involving his other job, away from the store. He got involved in a conversation about Doberman Pinchers and how this woman had just had her puppies' ears cropped. Well, John almost popped a vein. And so our story begins...
Are you people idiots or what?!?! Now I may live a rather sheltered life but, am I to understand, that you chop off parts of your dog for the sake of aesthetics? Is that what happened to my tail? I thought I had been in some sort of car accident or maybe lost it to tail cancer at a very young age. Now I find out that someone had my tail cut off for the sake of appearances!!! APPEARANCES!!! Who am I - freakin' Joan Rivers?!?! I am furious!
And don't think this didn't trigger some research on my part. You pathetic humans have decided that in order to be the "standard of the breed" some of us have to have surgery. Someone has to take an ax to a tail or pinking shears to ears in order for a dog to hold it's head up high in society. Pardon my French but, you can bite my hairy little ass! I thought it was bad enough that white boxers were not considered breed standards. (What is it with you humans and color?) Now I find out that the ears and tails all of us are born with are, what, MISTAKES! And it's not every breed. Only the select few of us are subject to this barbarity: Boxers, Dobies, Pits, any number of terriers, etc. You humans really make me sick sometimes.
I can tell you this, anybody know the name Jocelyn Wildenstein? For those of you not in-the-know, she's the daft broad in New York high-society that has had her appearance so completely altered that they just call her the "cat woman." You can actually Google the words "cat woman" and her picture pops up. Come the day that dogs rule the world, we're going to decree that this is the physical standard for humans. From that day on, all humans will be forced to go under the knife in order to look more like cats. Those that aren't lucky enough to be butchered will have to wear little signs that read, "Not Best of Breed." How does that set with you? I'll even add to that and remind everyone it was a goal of the Nazis that everyone have blue eyes. They actually used to experiment on humans trying to change the colors of their eye's iris. I'm just sick to my stomach over this.
Why are humans so intent on not taking appearances just as they come? You segregate everyone by how they appear and, when you can, you try to change them. What is wrong with my floppy ears? What was wrong with my TAIL? Zara has these beautiful, satellite dish like ears. Are you telling me that we need to take her to the surgeon and have them reshaped? Zelda would certainly look more fierce if her ears were upright and pointed. Is that what the world needs - fierce looking Zelda? I have met many Dobermans. The ones with pointy ears do look intimidating. But the ones with natural ears look gorgeous and reflect what must be a hound ancestry. Honestly, an uncut Dobie looks like a dog ready for the hunt. What in the hell is wrong with that? Who decided that Dobermans needed to look like they're ready to tear your arm off? Who's dick was so small that they had to have a mean looking Doberman? I need this answer.
I'll probably never get these answers. Humans are a deeply flawed species. You judge everyone by how they look. When they don't look like you want them to, you force them to change. Now I find out that you actually resort to forced surgery. I mean, it's not like we dogs get a say in the matter. You force us to go under the knife. And the excuse is, "It's the standard for the breed." Why don't you take a step back and realize that the standard for the breed is just how we're born. I'm white, with a blue eye and a brown eye. My ears are floppy and I once had a nice long tail. I WAS standard for the breed. What was wrong with my standard? For my Doberman friends, with their long tails and floppy ears, what is wrong with their standard? Why do you need your dog to look intimidating or have a short tail? Are you so insecure that you need your dog to have plastic surgery? Are you?
I'm asking for a complete boycott of plastic surgery on dogs...and cats. Actually, do they do this on cats? Are people out there docking the tails off their cats? Wait, didn't I read something about people who have their cat's claws removed? You people are just barbaric! I think I'm going to put together a web-site about this. No more cosmetic surgery on your pets! Ugh! I can just imagine what Joan Rivers' dog looks like. Probably has this very surprised look on it face and an inability to blink. Freaks.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Two more new things.
Hey People,
We just got in two more new things. The first one is just a good, everyday thing and the second is simply fantastic! A cookie you can share with your dog. Cat's, maybe not so much. They don't strike me as the crunchy, tropical-flavored cookie types.
This is a quick substitution for something that the vast majority of you never do: brush your dog's teeth. This probiotic spray is made by the same people that make the Kissable tooth paste and tooth brush: Caine and Able. Now, I don't know if this is an actual irony or not but, it's strange that a company that sells tooth brushes and tooth paste would offer a more convenient alternative. Humans!
These are the new Barkaroo Bakery cookies from Hawai'i. OMG are they the most fantastic thing or what? John and Russell just took a little vacation to Kaua'i, HI. They made a visit to the Kaua'i Humane Society. From their descriptions it is a stellar facility. Well, they saw these cookies and bought three bags as gifts for us kids. As if a cookie will smooth things over with us. WE did not get to go to Hawai'i. We will not soon forget. Needless to say the cookies were a huge hit. Lots of tropical flavors: guava, pineapple, mango, etc. And, get this, all human grade ingredients. It is a cookie you can share with your dog!!! John says the mango ones taste like Nilla Wafers. And again, we are at the subject of, "why can humans eat the dog's food and the dog cannot do the same?" Really people, we're getting upset here. Hands out of the cookie jar or someone is going to get bit. Well, Russell called the company. It is a little family owned operation on the island. They were thrilled to hear from us and had a shipment on it's way the next day. The price is surprisingly good at $11.99 for a bag. We bought the smaller size so they are also great training treats. You just HAVE to come in and pick up a bag.
This is called a Bento Box. You'll have to be familiar with Asian, specifically Japanese, culinary treats to get the reference. It's sort of a sample box of taste sensations. This one is a variety of cookies made by the same Barkaroo Bakery in Kaua'i, HI. The price is $12.99. Not only is this a great idea for your dog but, as all Barkaroo Bakery products do, it makes a fantastic gift. And let's get this straight, when the lid pops off, you had better be giving us a treat. If you eat it for yourself we will poop on your bed...under the covers.
Keep your nose to the ground and remember you'll be finding lots of cool new stuff at Zane + Zara's during May.
Zane
We just got in two more new things. The first one is just a good, everyday thing and the second is simply fantastic! A cookie you can share with your dog. Cat's, maybe not so much. They don't strike me as the crunchy, tropical-flavored cookie types.
Keep your nose to the ground and remember you'll be finding lots of cool new stuff at Zane + Zara's during May.
Zane
Saturday, May 1, 2010
New Stuff at Zane + Zara's
Hey, it's actually Zane again. Not that I've minded loaning out my space to John but, geez does he have to stir the pot so vigorously? I have taken some pictures of new stuff at Zane + Zara's. This is just the tip of the iceberg. New stuff will be coming in almost weekly. Please drop in any time to say hello and check out the new products.
Is is me or does this display look like a cow exploded on the table and some deranged monkey is hanging out waiting for the cops to show up.
Zoe opened the box these were in and screamed. She ran through the store hollering for some divine intervention. John made her touch one just to laugh at her.
New toys by HuggleHounds They're are soft and plush on the outside but very, very tough on the inside. Still, not a toy you'd give to Zara. There'd be so much dead octopus in the house you'd think you were in a sushi bar.
Honestly, do you need a bigger Bully Stick? If the answer is yes, than we have the product for you. You can also use them as canes, splints or TV button pushers....if your set is that old.
These strike me as the answer to a question that nobody asked. Some people are content to feed their dogs Snausages, others are more inclined to pick a higher quality product. In all truth, you humans could pop a couple of these in the frying pan and cook them up for Saturday breakfast. But again I ask, how would you feel if I snatched something off your plate? That fried chicken breast is looking pretty tasty right about now...
Speaking of tasty, this is the new Tiki Dog. If you're a cat lover you've probably heard of Tiki Cat. Tiki Dog runs along the same line: ultra, ultra, ultra high quality dog food. It is on the pricy side but if you want the very best for your dog this should be on your short list. John is thinking of putting a little on a cracker and using it as doggy hors d'oeuvres for our big One Year Anniversary. I just slipped on my own drool.
If you like a retractable leash and do not have a huge dog, this is a product you might like to look at. You put on the wristband and the retractable leash pretty much fits in the palm of your hand. Very chic and compact. Nice positive lock also.
The ever popular Doggy Bag duffels now in multi-packs. I know, they're poop bags but damnit they're scented.
And look, Grandma Lucy's treats. I would have pictured a shelf full of them but we can't keep them on said shelf. The packaging could not be any cuter and as they are Grandma Lucy's the ingredients are spectacular. And there goes the drool again! I'm just going to strap a bucket to my chin.
As for the future: well, look out new cookies from Kaua'i, Hawai'i. All tropical flavors and delicious for both man and beast. Look out for new leashes and collars and toys. Just how cool is the future?
As for the future: well, look out new cookies from Kaua'i, Hawai'i. All tropical flavors and delicious for both man and beast. Look out for new leashes and collars and toys. Just how cool is the future?
Spring is just around the corner.
OK, I gave John his 15 minutes of fame but now it's back to business. There is just so much to talk about these days. First: I have to give a big shout out to Zelda. Zelda is the most recent addition to our family. While I'm not real thrilled about having another bitch in the house (Wonder if that'll get by the censors?) I have to admit she's very, very sweet. She's about Zara's size so you know I'm not threatened at all...really, not threatened at all. Yes, they both give me that look that says, "Your legs are so going to get bitten." But I'm not threatened. Besides, they can't get to me while I'm on the kitchen island. If I could just think of a way to get my bed up here I'd be set. Still not threatened though.
On to other things. Lots of changes coming to Zane + Zara's pet boutique for Spring/Summer. All of us just got back from the World Pet Expo in Orlando. So much cool stuff. New toys, new collars and leads, new bedding, new hair care products, new, new, new. We found a great new line of toys called HuggleHounds. Granted it sounds a lot like Huggies but it's not. It's HuggleHounds. Huggies would be diapers for dogs and that's a whole 'nuther blog. HuggleHounds toys are made sort of along the line of Mighty Toys. They have this tough nylon interior but are covered by a wonderful plush cordoroy. Personally, I can't wait to get hold of one. Zara will, of course, be banned from having them. Let's face it, on the destructablity scale, she's more of an antler girl...or tractor tire. But I digress...They also have this toy that has no stuffing that you can put an empty water bottle in. OMG, the crinkling sound is just enough to cause a frenzy. Bite, shake, bite, shake: I'm dizzy just thinking about it. John says that he wants to put a full water bottle in one and give it to Zara. Could you just die at the idea?!?! She'd clamp down on it with her jaws of fury and *POW* it would blow like...geez where's a good metaphor when you need it. Let's just say it would be big and she'd have a real surprised look on her face. What a hoot!
And we can't forget fashion. Zara decided that our line up of collars and leashes needed a little fleshing out, especially when it comes to the basics. We are bringing in a line called Timberwolf. These are ultra high quality and made in America. Basic colors: black, red, blue, green, purple, brown in a variety of styles. We think they'll be perfect for any occasion that doesn't require something from our fancier lines. Speaking of fancier lines, you'll also see new styles from Up Country, Gwen Gear and Wiggles Wags and Whiskers. And for you sporting dogs remember, we always carry a full line of collars and leads from Dublin Dog. Never worry about getting wet or dirty when you have a Dublin Dog collar on. You just wipe the mess right off.
Oh, and what would Spring and Summer be without new bedding from West Paws, Jax and Bones and those lux people at Bessie and Barnie. Also, expect to see some really great new products from Bessie and Barnie. They have a new vest-style harness and can now do harnesses in almost any fabric they can make a blanket or bed in to. You can be so coordinated it will frighten the neighbor's cat. And wait until you see the monkey fabrics. I thought John was going to stroke out. I swear he asked them if they'd make sheets out of it. Like he and Russell need monkey sheets. Geez, like the Wonder Woman ones aren't bad enough. Humans!
And don't forget, you're not Top Dog, or cat, if you smell bad or have split-ends. We're bringing in a new line of Shampoos and Conditioners from Juno's Garden. All natural of course and formulated for almost any occasion. They smell fantastic though I am loath to try them out. It's not the product mind you, I just don't like baths. If I wanted to bathe I'd just lick myself more often. Then again, that would just make me a cat.
There is, of course, much more. Suffice to say, change is coming. And...AND...work is progressing on the revamp of the Zane + Zara's web-site. This is huge! Soon you will be able to make purchases online at www.zaneandzaras.com. Could you just plotz?!?! Need food but you can't find time to run by the store or even call. Just sign on and buy. We will, as always, deliver it too you. Find yourself out of town with no cool toys? Just sign on and buy. We will be happy to overnight it too you. Find yourself in a small southern town, locked up because your tags are expired? Well, you're on your own for that one. Drop us a note and tell us how the food is behind bars. If it's really bad, just sign on and buy. We will ship it too you along with a file. OMG! We are so excited about online shopping. Bloomingdale's eat your heart out.
OK, that's about it for now. My paws are tired and my eyes are beginning to cross. John has been moving things around the store and I have to say the atmosphere is much more open. And John has brought in very nice, artificial plants. Yes, they look great but, come on, we're a pet store. Everything floor level has been peed on at least once. Do we need the incentive of it looking like a tree. I swear if he starts decorating with fire hydrants I'm just going to stay home. We're also beginning to get in tasty new foods and nibbles: Tiki Dog for the truly luxe palate and some treats made by a family bakery in Kaua'i, Hawai'i called Barkaroo Bakery. These are actually treats that you can share with your dog. All human grade ingredients and just yummy for everyone. John and Russell ate half the bag of Passion Fruit. Not that I objected but if I took something off of their plate....I'm just saying.
Woof
Zane
On to other things. Lots of changes coming to Zane + Zara's pet boutique for Spring/Summer. All of us just got back from the World Pet Expo in Orlando. So much cool stuff. New toys, new collars and leads, new bedding, new hair care products, new, new, new. We found a great new line of toys called HuggleHounds. Granted it sounds a lot like Huggies but it's not. It's HuggleHounds. Huggies would be diapers for dogs and that's a whole 'nuther blog. HuggleHounds toys are made sort of along the line of Mighty Toys. They have this tough nylon interior but are covered by a wonderful plush cordoroy. Personally, I can't wait to get hold of one. Zara will, of course, be banned from having them. Let's face it, on the destructablity scale, she's more of an antler girl...or tractor tire. But I digress...They also have this toy that has no stuffing that you can put an empty water bottle in. OMG, the crinkling sound is just enough to cause a frenzy. Bite, shake, bite, shake: I'm dizzy just thinking about it. John says that he wants to put a full water bottle in one and give it to Zara. Could you just die at the idea?!?! She'd clamp down on it with her jaws of fury and *POW* it would blow like...geez where's a good metaphor when you need it. Let's just say it would be big and she'd have a real surprised look on her face. What a hoot!
And we can't forget fashion. Zara decided that our line up of collars and leashes needed a little fleshing out, especially when it comes to the basics. We are bringing in a line called Timberwolf. These are ultra high quality and made in America. Basic colors: black, red, blue, green, purple, brown in a variety of styles. We think they'll be perfect for any occasion that doesn't require something from our fancier lines. Speaking of fancier lines, you'll also see new styles from Up Country, Gwen Gear and Wiggles Wags and Whiskers. And for you sporting dogs remember, we always carry a full line of collars and leads from Dublin Dog. Never worry about getting wet or dirty when you have a Dublin Dog collar on. You just wipe the mess right off.
Oh, and what would Spring and Summer be without new bedding from West Paws, Jax and Bones and those lux people at Bessie and Barnie. Also, expect to see some really great new products from Bessie and Barnie. They have a new vest-style harness and can now do harnesses in almost any fabric they can make a blanket or bed in to. You can be so coordinated it will frighten the neighbor's cat. And wait until you see the monkey fabrics. I thought John was going to stroke out. I swear he asked them if they'd make sheets out of it. Like he and Russell need monkey sheets. Geez, like the Wonder Woman ones aren't bad enough. Humans!
And don't forget, you're not Top Dog, or cat, if you smell bad or have split-ends. We're bringing in a new line of Shampoos and Conditioners from Juno's Garden. All natural of course and formulated for almost any occasion. They smell fantastic though I am loath to try them out. It's not the product mind you, I just don't like baths. If I wanted to bathe I'd just lick myself more often. Then again, that would just make me a cat.
There is, of course, much more. Suffice to say, change is coming. And...AND...work is progressing on the revamp of the Zane + Zara's web-site. This is huge! Soon you will be able to make purchases online at www.zaneandzaras.com. Could you just plotz?!?! Need food but you can't find time to run by the store or even call. Just sign on and buy. We will, as always, deliver it too you. Find yourself out of town with no cool toys? Just sign on and buy. We will be happy to overnight it too you. Find yourself in a small southern town, locked up because your tags are expired? Well, you're on your own for that one. Drop us a note and tell us how the food is behind bars. If it's really bad, just sign on and buy. We will ship it too you along with a file. OMG! We are so excited about online shopping. Bloomingdale's eat your heart out.
OK, that's about it for now. My paws are tired and my eyes are beginning to cross. John has been moving things around the store and I have to say the atmosphere is much more open. And John has brought in very nice, artificial plants. Yes, they look great but, come on, we're a pet store. Everything floor level has been peed on at least once. Do we need the incentive of it looking like a tree. I swear if he starts decorating with fire hydrants I'm just going to stay home. We're also beginning to get in tasty new foods and nibbles: Tiki Dog for the truly luxe palate and some treats made by a family bakery in Kaua'i, Hawai'i called Barkaroo Bakery. These are actually treats that you can share with your dog. All human grade ingredients and just yummy for everyone. John and Russell ate half the bag of Passion Fruit. Not that I objected but if I took something off of their plate....I'm just saying.
Woof
Zane
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Dick Larkin
OK, we're just going to cut the crap here: this is John. Read this to discover how I just had my ass handed to me.
Yesterday I returned a phone call from Mr. Dick Larkin. He told me that he is a rep for The Yellow Pages (not an accurate name but you get the idea) that mostly caters to smaller communities. He was a jovial guy to chat with and customer of Zane + Zara's. His interest in speaking with me was all centered around our usage of Living Social. Living Social is one of the rapidly multiplying internet coupon sights. He was very curious as to why we, as a retail establishment, would utilize one of these internet coupon sights.
A quick study guide for an internet coupon sight. The vendor, Zane + Zara's, sets a coupon amount and some basic rules such as: how many can be purchased, when they expire, etc, etc. We chose to do a "pay $25 get $50 merchandise certificate that excluded food products. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The basic 50% off coupon strips us of any profit because of our cost structure. You add on to this that when Living Social cuts us our check for the coupons purchased they take 40% of the $25 purchase price and then send us the balance. So, what we agreed to was allowing a customer to come into our store, purchase $50 worth of merchandise and we would receive $15. We lose money on every person that redeems a coupon but for the very few who over-spend the coupon amount. What we did get was a very high percentage of customers who have never been into our store. Whether they ever come back in is up to debate and will only be answered by time. Mr. Larkin has most assuredly made an attempt to keep these potential customers from ever returning.
As I said, Dick was a jovial guy to speak with. I had already been in contact with The Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce about their offer to act as a conduit between local businesses and Groupon. I wanted them to know of our experience with Living Social and how the cost structure is very expensive for a retail establishment. They put me in contact with Groupon itself. I told them that while their idea is great they needed to be more upfront with stores and how the costs and benefits can be skewed based on what type of business they operate. When Dick began to question me, I was primed and ready. I absorbed his whole sob story about being driven out of business by Walmart and how he was trying to help small town businesses succeed. He was very upfront about really wanting to talk about internet coupons and what effect they had on our store. Boy did we talk and talk and talk and talk.
I suppose what has really gotten under my skin is how many of the facts for his blog have been altered.
Yesterday I returned a phone call from Mr. Dick Larkin. He told me that he is a rep for The Yellow Pages (not an accurate name but you get the idea) that mostly caters to smaller communities. He was a jovial guy to chat with and customer of Zane + Zara's. His interest in speaking with me was all centered around our usage of Living Social. Living Social is one of the rapidly multiplying internet coupon sights. He was very curious as to why we, as a retail establishment, would utilize one of these internet coupon sights.
A quick study guide for an internet coupon sight. The vendor, Zane + Zara's, sets a coupon amount and some basic rules such as: how many can be purchased, when they expire, etc, etc. We chose to do a "pay $25 get $50 merchandise certificate that excluded food products. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The basic 50% off coupon strips us of any profit because of our cost structure. You add on to this that when Living Social cuts us our check for the coupons purchased they take 40% of the $25 purchase price and then send us the balance. So, what we agreed to was allowing a customer to come into our store, purchase $50 worth of merchandise and we would receive $15. We lose money on every person that redeems a coupon but for the very few who over-spend the coupon amount. What we did get was a very high percentage of customers who have never been into our store. Whether they ever come back in is up to debate and will only be answered by time. Mr. Larkin has most assuredly made an attempt to keep these potential customers from ever returning.
As I said, Dick was a jovial guy to speak with. I had already been in contact with The Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce about their offer to act as a conduit between local businesses and Groupon. I wanted them to know of our experience with Living Social and how the cost structure is very expensive for a retail establishment. They put me in contact with Groupon itself. I told them that while their idea is great they needed to be more upfront with stores and how the costs and benefits can be skewed based on what type of business they operate. When Dick began to question me, I was primed and ready. I absorbed his whole sob story about being driven out of business by Walmart and how he was trying to help small town businesses succeed. He was very upfront about really wanting to talk about internet coupons and what effect they had on our store. Boy did we talk and talk and talk and talk.
I suppose what has really gotten under my skin is how many of the facts for his blog have been altered.
- This one hurt too: the coupon almost put us out of business. If a bad advertising decision put us out of business, we're living far to close to the edge to begin with. We have made many bad decisions and we're still kicking. The good thing is that we seem to be making far more good decisions than bad ones. If I'm not mistaken, this is how it's supposed to work.
- All coupons have been redeemed and we have received a $1500 check from Living Social. Well, in truth only 92 coupons were sold (very successful) and only about a dozen have been redeemed. As for the check from Living Social, not at the store yet. Maybe in a week or so.
- Let's look at, "Didn't the coupon holders buy more merchandise than just the $50." "Not a chance!" is my quote. The truth is the majority have kept their purchases close to the $50. A few have bought above the amount of the coupon, though. I suppose it's the semantics here that bother me. "Not a chance!" makes me sound angry and put-out by the customer. I don't think anyone who knows or has interacted with me thinks that I would blame a poor decision by myself and Russell on our customer. We actually like what we do and the people who come into our store.
- The idea put forth by Dick that he initiated the conversation about us perhaps having future benefits from the customers brought in by the coupon and my saying, "It's possible but I don't think so. We attracted every cheapskate in Chicago..." Actually is a total flip of that piece of conversation. I have said to Dick, The Chamber of Commerce, our neighbors and the Groupon rep, that the one thing that might salvage this coupon for us is the new customers coming into our store. If they are only motivated by the "deal" well, yes, we will probably never see them again. If they are interested in, what we think, is a unique shopping experience and a fair price for great products then, we'll see them again.
- Oh, and I love this one, "John, who owns a high-end pet boutique in Chicago." OK, yes the vaseline on the lens did obscure my face but, just how dumb is Dick? Everyone put the call out, how many John's own high-end pet boutiques in Chicago who just participated in an internet coupon. Actually, just how many John's own pet boutiques in Chicago. Should I start expecting invitations to little cocktail get-togethers so all of us boutique owning Johns can make shop talk?
- This is my last bullet point as I'm beginning to bore myself and my hurt feelings are starting to subside. (It's the ice cream.) 1500 sq ft is NOT TINY damn it! People say it every day, "wow, this place goes back further than it seems." The condos above us are 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. We have families living above us. And have you seen our heating bill during the winter. We may not be Macy's but we are NOT TINY. Dick's dog is TINY. Oh, and on a side-street? Side-street my ass! We are directly on W Roscoe. We are surrounded by great food and cool shops and a gym that is going to be the death of me. If W Roscoe is a side-street than so is Southport and we have TWO grocery stores. Has that Jewel on Southport even got a roof yet? And it's 4 steps down, not seven. I don't know why that bugs me but it does. I put a mop to those steps at least once a week and there are 4 of them. If ya' can't count, ya' can't blog Dick.
Now, what has been the point of all this ranting? Well, the point is Dick. He reps for The Yellow Pages and his lunch, I assume, is being eaten by the internet coupon businesses. If you are the correct business, they offer a huge bang for your buck. We, along with thousands and thousands and thousands of businesses have never even thought of taking a Yellow Pages ad. Think about it, when was the last time you actually picked up a Yellow Pages? If I need information, I go to my computer, my web-enabled phone or the GPS in my car. The Yellow Pages are a dying collection of ads and Dick is going to fight that fact with every weapon he has at his disposal. I thought I was just chatting with a sympathetic ear and made ANOTHER mistake.
Am I thrilled with how our coupon has worked for us? No. Will we ever repeat this mistake? Probably not but at my age the memory is the first thing to go. Will I allow Dick's blog to go unchallenged? Well, we have that answer, don't we? Dick, I've visited your Facebook page and I don't recognize you or your dog but, if I were you, I wouldn't come in Zane + Zara's again. You see, I'm a forgive and forget kind of guy but Zane and Zara, that's their names up on the marque. They might very well take you out back and beat you about your head and shoulders with a stuffed squirrel and then force you to watch as Zara bites its little head off. I've seen these two in action. It's not pretty.
John Ira Smith
Zane + Zara's
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Politics of Saving a Life
Hey, it's Zane. Once again, John has commandeered my blog to go off on a rant. I have to say, with much discussion, Zara, Zelda and myself are totally behind him. Please read on:
The Politics of Saving a Life
Wow, to say that I was taken aback is putting it mildly. Honestly, not taken aback; more disappointed. I certainly did not find myself surprised. I find myself very sad. Zane + Zara’s tries to do a Rescue Day each month. It is our way of giving back to our own community. We are firm believers in the rescue process. In our house we are all rescues. We were taken out of bad situations and given new chances. We are all grateful.
Up until now, all of our Rescue Days have been breed specific: Dobermans, Dachshunds, Pugs, Golden Retrievers, etc. What we have been lacking is a, how to say it, general Rescue Day. You know, come one come all, everybody, every size and shape, welcome. So we’ve gone fishing...and fishing, and fishing, and fishing. We’ve tried everyone that we can think of to no avail. And the excuses are completely understandable: “If we do a rescue at Zane + Zara’s during the weekend, then those are dogs that won’t be at the main facility and potential adopters will be less than please.” I totally agree. If people are used to shopping at one place why split the merchandise?
Not long ago I received a phone call from Chicago Canine Rescue. Mind you, they’ve sent me packing before so I was intrigued. You see, a number of their volunteers shop at Zane + Zara’s and I, shamelessly and with vigor, would always tell them that we’d LOVE to do a Rescue Day for CCR. So you can imagine I was more than happy to “chat up” the lovely young lady on the phone that day. We talked and talked and, as God is my witness, we seemed to be on the same page. Until...Yeah, there is always an UNTIL. She made mention that a member of their board of directors is, none other than (drum roll please) the owner of Dog-a-holics. OK, everyone who thought this was water under the bridge, raise your hand. Seriously, raise your hand. Mine’s up. Even Zane, Zara and Zelda’s are up.
Well, the brakes were slammed on the whole conversation. I explained that there was some bad blood between Zane + Zara’s and Dog-a-holics. I told the nice young woman that while I wasn’t sure what caused the bad blood but that it culminated with a phone call to Zane + Zara’s telling us to stop stealing their customers. I said that while I would be more than happy to forge a nice relationship with Chicago Canine Rescue, they are after all just 4 or 5 blocks from our front door, she had better clear it with the board member in question. That was the end of that conversation. And I thought the last I’d hear from CCR.
Until, there’s that UNTIL Monday night around closing. As I’m pulling in our sign in walks the young lady with whom I spoke. She came to deliver the bad news that CCR would never be able to utilize Zane + Zara’s. “It’s a conflict of interest,” she said. Now my reaction was rather nonplused as this was what I expected. Russell, on the other hand, was not happy. “All we want to do is help the dogs. How is it that one person can stop that process?”
“Well, it’s a conflict of interest.”
“Really? And what about all of the other sponsors? Just how did they get past this conflict of interest.” Take a moment and check out the CCR web-site. I see lots of conflicts. Just how did they get to make a difference?
She stopped, as if she actually didn’t know that CCR had other pet industry sponsors. They do, all you have to do is peruse the CCR web-site. Pet stores, photographers, trainers, etc, etc. Ugh!
You know, I’d be inclined to just let this whole thing drop but for the idea that a pathetic political game is being played with the lives of animals. The idea bandied about when we chatted on the phone was that we could have a Rescue Day where dogs in foster homes could spend a day at our store. These are dogs that really don’t get much face time with the public as they’re in temporary homes. What a perfect idea. They aren’t in the main facility so we would not interfere with that and they tend to be forgotten unless the foster family can no longer care for them. We also offered our video monitor in the store to display pictures of dogs in foster care with little notes about them.
Now I have to be completely honest here. From what the nice lady said, the issue was never even brought up to the owner of Dog-a-holiocs...as far as she knows. Other persons squelched the idea because they didn’t want to ruffle the feathers of said board member. What a load of crap. So dogs will go without forever homes just to mollify the ego of a bitter member of the board at CCR. I just want to vomit. I have to wonder is the Red Cross managed like this? What about the March of Dimes. Or, close to my heart, The America Cancer Society. Does PAWS operate like this? Should I not run the Chicago Marathon for PAWS because they have a relationship with, I don’t know, Wigglyville? What the hell people! Is this the Politics of Saving Lives today?
This is a call to arms....for the three people who actually read this blog. Pick up the phone and call Chicago Canine Rescue (773-697-8848) and lodge a protest. Tell them they are idiots for biting an outstretched hand. Tell them to reconsider. And then pick up the phone once again and call Dog-a-holiocs (773-857-7600). Tell them that this heavy handed approach to being on the CCR board must stop. Every avenue available must be taken when it comes to finding forever homes for homeless pets.
Your humble servant...pissed off again,
John Ira Smith
Zane + Zara’s
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Stealing customers: by John
OK, this is John. I'm in Dallas for the evening . While SKYPing with Russell he tells me about a call he got from Dog-a-holics. It seems that a number of their customers have signed on to our Zane and Zaras FANN page. Their knickers were in a twist because they thought we were trying to steal their customers. OK, let me get this straight: we, a retail store, were just accused of trying to steal another retail store's customers. Really? In America? A store was actually trying to corrupt another stores customer. Well, this just has, "Come to the Dark Side Luke," written all over it. Now that I have that little rant off my chest...Russell and I struggle everyday where to place our advertising dollars. We look at magazines, newspapers, direct mail, etc, etc. We seem to get the biggest bang for our buck by using the internet. We tweet, we Skype, we use various ad words, we blog and, yes, we use Facebook. Facebook and it's FANN pages is pretty new for us and seems to be a great way to reach out to our current and potential customers. So now that I've laid our cards on the table let's look at the accusation of us trying to steal customers. Am I going to rope off sidewalk space in front of Dog-a-holics and hock my wares? Nah, probably not. Personally I think that might be bad form let alone bad karma. Do I want their customers to take a walk through Zane and Zara's? Yes, I do. I want Dog-a-holics' customers to come into Zane and Zara's. I want them to come often and regularly. I want them to say hello, chat a while and offer comments. I want them and all others to spend money. Do I want them to stop going to Dog-a-holics? To tell the truth, that's not my issue. We opened our doors because we thought we could offer a unique shopping experience for the dog and/or cat lover. We advertise in every way possible in order to bring EVERYONE into our store. I would get on the roof naked (Not something you really want to see, mind you.) and shout until I was hoarse if I would bring people into our store. If you are another retailer who feels threatened by these actions I'm sorry but, I'm not going to change. I like the people who come into Zane and Zara's. I want more people to come in and give us a "once over." I can't wait to open that next store and let people see how we've incorporated things that they've asked for. And then I want to open another store and another and another. (Total world domination comes later.) I think the thing that really gets to me is that when someone has come into Zane and Zara's looking for something we don't carry I have never hesitated to send them to Dog-a-holics or Wigglyville or 4-Legs. Before we opened our doors those were some of our favorite stores. I have no problem sending a customer over because I know they will have a good experience. Hell, I've even sent people over to Petco and/or PetSmart. We can't carry everything and I simply like to help people. So, that's it: Dog-a-holics I advertise. I want your customers to come into Zane and Zara's. I know that's not what you want to hear but it is the truth. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Honestly, was that too dramatic?
John Ira Smith
Zane + Zara's
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Getting fit...emergency liposuction and all
For those who follow my posts, all three of you, sorry for the tardiness of this latest missive. Google in all of their China bashing wisdom, decided that mine was a potential spam sight. Talk about guilty before proven innocent. They locked me out of my blog and then forced me to prove that I wasn't spam material. Ugh! Then, having gotten everything straightened out they still wouldn't let me back in. Finally I'm back in! And with so much to say. Russell has attached a blog to the Walk's With Zara web-site so this blog is going to be posted to this site and Walks With Zara. I think it'll be a good fit as it's all about getting up, getting dressed and getting some exercise.
*a week later, maybe two*
OK, let me just say, you humans are a total pain in the ass. I was set to write this blog about getting some exercise and use it as a launching pad for John's big announcement. Well, trying to get a commitment out of John is like pulling teeth. So, I'm just going to force him into a corner. Read on...
March is Pet Food month at Zane + Zara's. Every weekend will feature reps from some of the best foods offered at Zane + Zara's. I thought, hmmmm food, what a great time to talk about a balanced life. Cesar Milan likes to point out that dogs need exercise, discipline and affection. To put is more compactly, pets just like humans, need balance. If the balance is off the pet will never really grow into its full potential. Most people think that the be all, end all of pet ownership is affection. OK, affection is great. Hey, I'm all for snuggling up on the couch and getting my belly rubbed. Yet, like any tasty snack, too much of a good thing is, well, not a good thing. A snack is just that, a snack. A couple of times a day you need a good meal. Lying around getting your belly rubbed needs exercise to give it balance and appreciation.
I know, I know, "but it's so hard and I just don't have time." What a load of crap. Chicago is one of the most dog friendly cities in the world. Get out and explore a little bit. A short web search will give you a long list of dog parks where you can just let us off the leash to entertain ourselves and socialize. You don't have to do a thing but keep an eye on us and soak up a little sun. And don't pull out that old chestnut of, "my dog just doesn't like other dogs." Just because you've done a rotten job raising your dog doesn't mean you don't have options. First of all, you could put some time and effort into socializing your dog. Tough yes, but there is so much help out there you really don't have an excuse. Dogs are naturally social animals. If you have a dog that is overly aggressive towards other dogs you don't have an aggression problem, you have a respect problem. A dog that lunges at other dogs is asserting him or herself above you. You see, its not the dog, it's you. This is, my friends, a topic for another blog. Back to exercise. If you can't have your dog in a social setting the dog parks are pretty quiet at night. John and Russell have taken myself and Zara to PupTown, at Marine and Lawrence, after 7pm. It's quiet and we just run around like maniacs and chase a lot of balls. It's a great experience.
Lest you think that's the only option for exercise, here are some other options. How about going for a walk. By "walk" I don't mean around the block. That's not a walk, that's just pathetic. Look at your watch as we go out the door. The goal is AT LEAST 30 minutes. Anything less is just a poop run. And tying us to a bike rack while you run into Jewel, does not count towards your 30 minutes. If we stop, the clock stops. Walk us to a nearby park, a coffee shop or pet friendly store. Let's all take in a bit of the city a couple of times a day, every day. And don't forget about going for a run. If we need exercise so do you. Spring and Summer are right around the corner so it's time to invest in some new running shoes and hit the side walks. Zara and I love to run. Our friend Jordon, from Walks With Zara, takes us for a run two or three times a week. It is fantastic. All that pent-up energy gets left on the side walks. And don't let me hear that you have a small dog so you can't run with them. John tells many stories about his late Dachshund named Manners. He used to take Manners and his other dog, Emily, to Piedmont Park in Atlanta. John would be on his roller blades and the dogs would run like their tails were on fire. Manners, with her short little legs, would run John and Emily into the ground. And add to that she always found the time and energy to veer off course and chase squirrels. So, just because you have a little dog, don't underestimate their stamina. A small dog will happily run a couple of miles with you. And honestly, look in the mirror - couldn't you use a little run yourself?
There is a reason that Cesar Millan puts exercise at the top of his "to do" list. Without exercise there can be no balance to your life. Exercise calms the mind and quiets the soul. It gives you an appreciation of life. Be it a long walk, a run or just a visit to the park - exercise sets the stage for everything else. Once my mind is clear I know I'm much more receptive to learning things. I'm also less frustrated which makes me less inclined to pick fights with Zara. Which means I get bit less often which is a good thing. So here's what I'm saying: You've got a dog and a couch. They were NOT bought as a set. Get the dog off the couch and get them out into the world. Get out and get moving. Your pet needs it and you need it. Turn off the damn TV!
Before I sign off, I'm going to get myself into some trouble. As most of you know, John had a battle with cancer in 2008. He won but it took its toll. He spent most of 2009 putting his physical being back into order. Well now its 2010 and he's fat and out of shape. He's been kicking around the idea of running the 2010 Chicago Marathon. Well, I'm going to hold him to it. He's going to sign up with PAWS and raise money for them. Come into the store and hold his feet to the fire. Tell him to get off his ass and take me and Zara for a run! I'm serious here, he needs to be motivated. Short of me biting him in the butt he needs some pressure put on him. Every time you walk into Zane + Zara's make sure you mention it to him. "Hey John, hows the marathon training coming?"
Hugs and licks,
Zane
*a week later, maybe two*
OK, let me just say, you humans are a total pain in the ass. I was set to write this blog about getting some exercise and use it as a launching pad for John's big announcement. Well, trying to get a commitment out of John is like pulling teeth. So, I'm just going to force him into a corner. Read on...
March is Pet Food month at Zane + Zara's. Every weekend will feature reps from some of the best foods offered at Zane + Zara's. I thought, hmmmm food, what a great time to talk about a balanced life. Cesar Milan likes to point out that dogs need exercise, discipline and affection. To put is more compactly, pets just like humans, need balance. If the balance is off the pet will never really grow into its full potential. Most people think that the be all, end all of pet ownership is affection. OK, affection is great. Hey, I'm all for snuggling up on the couch and getting my belly rubbed. Yet, like any tasty snack, too much of a good thing is, well, not a good thing. A snack is just that, a snack. A couple of times a day you need a good meal. Lying around getting your belly rubbed needs exercise to give it balance and appreciation.
I know, I know, "but it's so hard and I just don't have time." What a load of crap. Chicago is one of the most dog friendly cities in the world. Get out and explore a little bit. A short web search will give you a long list of dog parks where you can just let us off the leash to entertain ourselves and socialize. You don't have to do a thing but keep an eye on us and soak up a little sun. And don't pull out that old chestnut of, "my dog just doesn't like other dogs." Just because you've done a rotten job raising your dog doesn't mean you don't have options. First of all, you could put some time and effort into socializing your dog. Tough yes, but there is so much help out there you really don't have an excuse. Dogs are naturally social animals. If you have a dog that is overly aggressive towards other dogs you don't have an aggression problem, you have a respect problem. A dog that lunges at other dogs is asserting him or herself above you. You see, its not the dog, it's you. This is, my friends, a topic for another blog. Back to exercise. If you can't have your dog in a social setting the dog parks are pretty quiet at night. John and Russell have taken myself and Zara to PupTown, at Marine and Lawrence, after 7pm. It's quiet and we just run around like maniacs and chase a lot of balls. It's a great experience.
Lest you think that's the only option for exercise, here are some other options. How about going for a walk. By "walk" I don't mean around the block. That's not a walk, that's just pathetic. Look at your watch as we go out the door. The goal is AT LEAST 30 minutes. Anything less is just a poop run. And tying us to a bike rack while you run into Jewel, does not count towards your 30 minutes. If we stop, the clock stops. Walk us to a nearby park, a coffee shop or pet friendly store. Let's all take in a bit of the city a couple of times a day, every day. And don't forget about going for a run. If we need exercise so do you. Spring and Summer are right around the corner so it's time to invest in some new running shoes and hit the side walks. Zara and I love to run. Our friend Jordon, from Walks With Zara, takes us for a run two or three times a week. It is fantastic. All that pent-up energy gets left on the side walks. And don't let me hear that you have a small dog so you can't run with them. John tells many stories about his late Dachshund named Manners. He used to take Manners and his other dog, Emily, to Piedmont Park in Atlanta. John would be on his roller blades and the dogs would run like their tails were on fire. Manners, with her short little legs, would run John and Emily into the ground. And add to that she always found the time and energy to veer off course and chase squirrels. So, just because you have a little dog, don't underestimate their stamina. A small dog will happily run a couple of miles with you. And honestly, look in the mirror - couldn't you use a little run yourself?
There is a reason that Cesar Millan puts exercise at the top of his "to do" list. Without exercise there can be no balance to your life. Exercise calms the mind and quiets the soul. It gives you an appreciation of life. Be it a long walk, a run or just a visit to the park - exercise sets the stage for everything else. Once my mind is clear I know I'm much more receptive to learning things. I'm also less frustrated which makes me less inclined to pick fights with Zara. Which means I get bit less often which is a good thing. So here's what I'm saying: You've got a dog and a couch. They were NOT bought as a set. Get the dog off the couch and get them out into the world. Get out and get moving. Your pet needs it and you need it. Turn off the damn TV!
Before I sign off, I'm going to get myself into some trouble. As most of you know, John had a battle with cancer in 2008. He won but it took its toll. He spent most of 2009 putting his physical being back into order. Well now its 2010 and he's fat and out of shape. He's been kicking around the idea of running the 2010 Chicago Marathon. Well, I'm going to hold him to it. He's going to sign up with PAWS and raise money for them. Come into the store and hold his feet to the fire. Tell him to get off his ass and take me and Zara for a run! I'm serious here, he needs to be motivated. Short of me biting him in the butt he needs some pressure put on him. Every time you walk into Zane + Zara's make sure you mention it to him. "Hey John, hows the marathon training coming?"
Hugs and licks,
Zane
Sunday, January 31, 2010
We just need to get out more...
House cat, house dog, house, house, house...why not just cat or just dog. There is always that familiar moniker of "house" or "outdoor" put before the type of companion. I ask why? Do you do that with your human children. "Yes, Martha, we decided to have a little boy and he's going to be a house-child. We are going to have his finger-nails pulled out and feed him dry food that will make him lethargic and crap funny. He'll be a perfect compliment to our out-door child that lives in a tent on the back yard." You'd be put in prison if you tried to do that but that's what you do to your pets. How about a little more balance to life. Why confine your companions to such a narrow life? How about if you just let us be companions? Let us come with you wherever it is you might be. Let us see the world.
This was originally supposed to be about cats. Cats really get stuck with this "indoor/outdoor" thing. Why is that? Cats have this "evil overlord" reputation and I think it's because they just don't get out enough. And when they get out, you put them in a box, toss them in the backseat and wonder why they freak out. Hell, if my only view of the outside world was from within the confines of a plastic box I'd howl too. Heck, if my only experiences in riding in the car were from within a box, to and from the vet...well, I can't imagine. Dogs get out more and I have to wonder why? We jump into the car at the first opportunity because we know that it is the way you get to the most amazing places: there is the grocery store parking lot, the gas station and its amazing smells, the wonderous park or the fantasmagorical road trip. OMG, road trips are mine and Zara's favorite thing in the world if for just one reason: french fries! John and Russell always share their french fries on road trips. They are the single most amazing snack ever and I have no idea what's in them. (I am drooling as I type.) But I digress, dogs love the car because we know how fantastic that ride can be. Cats hate the car because, well, they have tainted expectations: the box, the vet, the box, back home. It's like a scene from OZ...without Christopher Miloni. Blech!
Now follow the logic. You don't bring your cat in the car because of how they behave. They freak out because of what the car means to them. Their expectations are built around how you've always taken them in the car. Don't you see how it's not the cat that is the problem? It's you. Once again, it's your behavior that is the problem, not your companion's. Cesar Milan says it well, "I rehabilitate animals, I train people." As a cat lover (I know you're out there somewhere, reading this in a Starbucks.) wouldn't you like a cat that was just a little more...dog-like? Someone to run errands with or enjoy a picnic in the park? Well, get them out of the house more. Make the car ride the great experience that it should be: less prison cell and more hanging your head out the window. Less vet and more grocery store or gas station. And if you're apprehensive about the car try taking them outside. Just plain ol' outside. Pick up a cat harness and leash and go for a walk each day. Dog owners do this every single day. Why don't cat owners? Honestly, why don't cat owners take their companions out of the house? "Cats just don't walk on leashes." Really? You're going to fall back on stereotyping? One cat, off it's lithium, goes bonkers in a car and suddenly cats can't ride in cars. Now none of them even get the opportunity to learn to love the car. Cats climb trees and kill birds so none of get to put on a harness and go for walks. Have you people ever seen Zara go after a squirrel? OMG, have you ever seen her at the dog park?!?! It doesn't stop John and Russell from walking and working with her.
I suppose what I'm trying to get across is quit limiting your companions lives. That new kitten you're getting can be such a great animal if you will just give it/he/she a chance. Take 'em outside and in the car. Let them experience the world so they can accompany you on your journeys through life. That is what we're here for people. We're companions...even cats. Let us accompany you.
This was originally supposed to be about cats. Cats really get stuck with this "indoor/outdoor" thing. Why is that? Cats have this "evil overlord" reputation and I think it's because they just don't get out enough. And when they get out, you put them in a box, toss them in the backseat and wonder why they freak out. Hell, if my only view of the outside world was from within the confines of a plastic box I'd howl too. Heck, if my only experiences in riding in the car were from within a box, to and from the vet...well, I can't imagine. Dogs get out more and I have to wonder why? We jump into the car at the first opportunity because we know that it is the way you get to the most amazing places: there is the grocery store parking lot, the gas station and its amazing smells, the wonderous park or the fantasmagorical road trip. OMG, road trips are mine and Zara's favorite thing in the world if for just one reason: french fries! John and Russell always share their french fries on road trips. They are the single most amazing snack ever and I have no idea what's in them. (I am drooling as I type.) But I digress, dogs love the car because we know how fantastic that ride can be. Cats hate the car because, well, they have tainted expectations: the box, the vet, the box, back home. It's like a scene from OZ...without Christopher Miloni. Blech!
Now follow the logic. You don't bring your cat in the car because of how they behave. They freak out because of what the car means to them. Their expectations are built around how you've always taken them in the car. Don't you see how it's not the cat that is the problem? It's you. Once again, it's your behavior that is the problem, not your companion's. Cesar Milan says it well, "I rehabilitate animals, I train people." As a cat lover (I know you're out there somewhere, reading this in a Starbucks.) wouldn't you like a cat that was just a little more...dog-like? Someone to run errands with or enjoy a picnic in the park? Well, get them out of the house more. Make the car ride the great experience that it should be: less prison cell and more hanging your head out the window. Less vet and more grocery store or gas station. And if you're apprehensive about the car try taking them outside. Just plain ol' outside. Pick up a cat harness and leash and go for a walk each day. Dog owners do this every single day. Why don't cat owners? Honestly, why don't cat owners take their companions out of the house? "Cats just don't walk on leashes." Really? You're going to fall back on stereotyping? One cat, off it's lithium, goes bonkers in a car and suddenly cats can't ride in cars. Now none of them even get the opportunity to learn to love the car. Cats climb trees and kill birds so none of get to put on a harness and go for walks. Have you people ever seen Zara go after a squirrel? OMG, have you ever seen her at the dog park?!?! It doesn't stop John and Russell from walking and working with her.
I suppose what I'm trying to get across is quit limiting your companions lives. That new kitten you're getting can be such a great animal if you will just give it/he/she a chance. Take 'em outside and in the car. Let them experience the world so they can accompany you on your journeys through life. That is what we're here for people. We're companions...even cats. Let us accompany you.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Cat Food Hell !!!
OK, I know nobody reads my missives but I refuse to go all complacent. This is about cat food and honestly, cats should be pissed. I mean I thought dog food was a little dicey but cat food takes dreck to a whole new low. The fact that cats are not collectively refusing to use their litter boxes amazes me. Just how weak is their union?!?! Originally, I was going to put paw to computer and write a little editorial about how cats needed to get out more. That totally took a back seat when I managed to pull up some web-site (name escapes me at the moment) and took a look at the ingredients list for a dry cat food. My God it was horrible. Even if cats did get out more, which I think they should, they probably wouldn't have the energy to enjoy it. Everyone thinks cats are all imperious and aloof but the truth is they don't feel good. All this time and energy spent in making cats seem like defacto rulers of the universe is just a big cover-up for the fact that you feed your cats a big bowl full of crap each and every day. Have you taken 2 minutes out of your day to read an ingredients list? Have you? Really? I don't think so.
What is with you humans? We are supposed to be your best friends and, we don't ask for much but, decent food should be a given. The following is part of an ingredients list for a popular dry cat food. It is in order, starting with the very first ingredient. I did not skip anything but did not provide the whole list as my paws would have cramped up. Let's discuss: Poultry by-product meal, corn meal, corn gluten meal, ground whole wheat, brewer rice (probably left over from some third world brewery) soy flour, animal fat (notice they don't tell you what animal), fish meal, meat and bone meal (What kind of meat? 7 day old ground lizard probably.), brewers dried yeast, phosphoric acid (too cheap to use citric acid) and, drum roll please, ANIMAL DIGEST. Animal digest...I had to look that one up. Even with the definition in front of me I'm at a lose to tell you what animal digest actually is. I can tell you this, it's not pretty. And folks, this is what you're feeding your cat. Why, you idiots ask me, is this food bad for my cat? Well, let's discuss.
Cats are carnivores. On top of that, they are not really omnivorous like dogs. Dogs, I am here to testify, will eat most anything. Cats are pretty much solid carnivores. Now that you know what type of pet you have, take a look at the ingredients again. Notice the amount of grains and grain by-products listed. Carnivore people, C-A-R-N-I-V-O-R-E. Their bodies don't know what to do with so much grain in their diet. Honestly, I'm surprised they don't crap on your heads as you sleep. Even the very first ingredient is not meat, it's poultry by-broduct meal. Ugh! Cat's aren't imperious or demanding, they're just pissed off. I can't blame them. If John and Russell fed me cat food, aside from the obvious issues, I'd probably poop myself to death. But before I passed my last wood chip I'd go and pee on everything in their closet. It would be a total revenge piss. Stop feeding your cat crap. Take two (2) minutes and read a label. Then go visit Zane + Zara's pet boutique. You'll find food that will make for a happier cat. A happier, healthier cat is a much better companion. You might even get some kisses instead of that distant, dismissive stare that says, "your job is to fill the bowls and leave the room." I know I'm happier when I'm well fed. Now if they would start allowing me to use the silverware...
What is with you humans? We are supposed to be your best friends and, we don't ask for much but, decent food should be a given. The following is part of an ingredients list for a popular dry cat food. It is in order, starting with the very first ingredient. I did not skip anything but did not provide the whole list as my paws would have cramped up. Let's discuss: Poultry by-product meal, corn meal, corn gluten meal, ground whole wheat, brewer rice (probably left over from some third world brewery) soy flour, animal fat (notice they don't tell you what animal), fish meal, meat and bone meal (What kind of meat? 7 day old ground lizard probably.), brewers dried yeast, phosphoric acid (too cheap to use citric acid) and, drum roll please, ANIMAL DIGEST. Animal digest...I had to look that one up. Even with the definition in front of me I'm at a lose to tell you what animal digest actually is. I can tell you this, it's not pretty. And folks, this is what you're feeding your cat. Why, you idiots ask me, is this food bad for my cat? Well, let's discuss.
Cats are carnivores. On top of that, they are not really omnivorous like dogs. Dogs, I am here to testify, will eat most anything. Cats are pretty much solid carnivores. Now that you know what type of pet you have, take a look at the ingredients again. Notice the amount of grains and grain by-products listed. Carnivore people, C-A-R-N-I-V-O-R-E. Their bodies don't know what to do with so much grain in their diet. Honestly, I'm surprised they don't crap on your heads as you sleep. Even the very first ingredient is not meat, it's poultry by-broduct meal. Ugh! Cat's aren't imperious or demanding, they're just pissed off. I can't blame them. If John and Russell fed me cat food, aside from the obvious issues, I'd probably poop myself to death. But before I passed my last wood chip I'd go and pee on everything in their closet. It would be a total revenge piss. Stop feeding your cat crap. Take two (2) minutes and read a label. Then go visit Zane + Zara's pet boutique. You'll find food that will make for a happier cat. A happier, healthier cat is a much better companion. You might even get some kisses instead of that distant, dismissive stare that says, "your job is to fill the bowls and leave the room." I know I'm happier when I'm well fed. Now if they would start allowing me to use the silverware...
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Opening a business...just how stupid do you have to be?
Honestly, I've been waiting to write this missive for a long time. And the truth is, this will probably be a multi-day struggle. You see, I'm faced with a dilemma: Do I go all Harvard Business School on you and describe the intricacies of opening up a business in a bad economy or do I tell the truth. And believe me, the two are very different stories. Business School will prepare you for so many things that you'll face when opening a business. But, Business School will never be able to prepare you for two things: the whims of the consumer and the fact that most of the time you have to be a stark, raving lunatic to go into business for yourself. If you cannot make your peace with those two things you really need to rethink going into business for yourself.
I'm being very truthful here - if you're not prepared for the consumer to reject some, part or all of your business, your baby, your heart and soul - you probably need to stay in corporate america. Because, they will reject something. No amount of market research, corner polling or advertising will insulate you from the big, Roman thumbs down. Emotionally you need a thick leathery skin. And that stark, raving lunatic comment could not be closer to the truth. There is no good time to open a business and our current economic climate makes things that much worse. But the lunatic will grab onto any positive moment and run like hell. Example: Businesses are failing right and left, record high unemployment has seized the country but rents are low. The lunatic ignores the first two points and grabs the third like a cheap Las Vegas cocktail waitress. After all, cheap rent is something that will help a business survive. This is the mantra of a lunatic and said lunatic will chant this at any occasion. There's cheap rent or, oh and I love this one, "all of my competition has gone out of business or scaled back so much that there is an opportunity." Honey, there's no competition because the economy is a wreck. Just what are you thinking?!?! But the lunatic perseveres. They are not blind to the obstacles; just way more focused on the positive. John and Russell are lunatics to the core. You have never met two people who could focus so much energy on something positive.
Now, just how does a Thick Skinned Lunatic go about starting a business? The TSL needs a motivation. But for a TSL is needs to be a special motivation. Having a great product or idea is simply not enough for a TSL. A TSL will stand for years at the precipice of the cliff but never jump until that special motivation comes along. For John and Russell it was cancer and that fight with cancer motivated my two TSL's to do a lot of soul searching. Now, mind you, a special motivation does not have to be life threatening...but it helps. TSL's, you see, are drama queens. John and Russell felt that they were given a second chance at life. They knew that their circumstances could have easily taken a different turn. Just what was this second chance going to look like?
Russell had a little dog walking business already, and as the economy got worse he seemed to get busier. This prompted a little, "can we do something with this?" Well, they both love animals, have retail experience and management backgrounds, so why not a little shoppe...a little pet store. And, as they are total lunatics, this just became completely obvious to them. A high-end pet boutique is just what they'd like to do. It would parlay the dog walking business into something greater. Now a sane person would point out that they really didn't have any experience in running a pet supply store. Hotels, office design, airlines, retail clothing, yes, but pet supply? Nope. Just how was this going to work? The lunatic does not say how. The lunatic just makes it happen. Lunatics are sort of like artists.
A great sculptor does not see a giant piece of marble. Michealangelo did not see the marble, he saw the David within. I would venture a guess that if you could go back in time and speak with him, Michealangelo would tell you that he simply removed all of the marble that didn't look like David. A TSL lunatic looks at a business the same way. If you remove all of the obstacles what you are left with is the business you dreamed of. Goal set, John and Russell went about removing all obstacles. And boy were there obstacles.
The story goes that there were three obstacles in the very beginning: How to finance it, where to put it and what to name it. The disagreements were over the name of all things. There was an uneasy truce over the name Zara's Stuff. John thought it was cute and breezy but Russell thought it lacked direction and dignity. And then I came along. As you might have noticed in their business practices, John and Russell will bend over backwards to make a customer feel like they are being treated fairly. It is instinctive to them and permeates their lives. With my adoption they decided that I needed to be added to the coming marquee. So it was decided that the store would be Zane + Zara's pet boutique. Zara's Stuff, inc. became the parent company for the store and the dog walking business. What to name it was checked off the list. Now, where to put it.
Being lunatics, they were not going to know where to put it until they saw it. They involved their real estate broker and the hunt began. Two spaces quickly rose to the top. One was small but it spoke to them and what they wanted the store to be: food, fashion and fun. The other was large...too large maybe. But it was a shell ready to be customized and the owner was offering 6-months of free rent. They discussed and discussed and discussed. It was just so big. But the location was good. Starbucks across the street, Red Line stop about three blocks away and a 5 minute walk from our condo. And did I mention, 6-months free rent? Who, in their right mind, passes up 6-months of free rent? They put in an offer. Floor plans were drawn and the excitement began to percolate. Well, fate has a way of protecting the lunatics. Or at least giving them little lints. The condo association, as they had done in the past, began to give the owner problems. Did we really want 10 years of legal trouble? Was this beautiful space worth the potential trouble. John and Russell politely bowed out. At that point their real estate guy said they should take a look at a space near his office. It was a more manageable size, brand new and in a great neighborhood: Roscoe Village. They saw, they loved and the rest is history.
Financing this endeavor was probably one of the most complex issues Russell and John faced. And it forced them to do something away from the lunacy. It forced them to do a business plan. Common sense told them that they really didn't want to use their own money. Using someone else's money is always a better idea. But who was going to loan money to them for a start up in a bone-suckingly bad economy? Well, how about the Small Business Administration? Isn't that what they're for...loaning money to small businesses? The online resources from the SBA are substantial and very useful. For the uninitiated there were lessons on business plans, financing, renting vs owning, tax information, et al. As bright as they are, John and Russell made good use of the SBA web-site.
The rest of the story is typical lunacy. An obstacle would pop up and they'd remove it. The master plan for this endeavor called Zane + Zara's became a living entity. It grows and evolves every single day. John and Russell set out to be a destination for all those looking for the best in dog and cat products. You need to come in a see how they are succeeding. Come in and say hello to the lunatics.
I'm being very truthful here - if you're not prepared for the consumer to reject some, part or all of your business, your baby, your heart and soul - you probably need to stay in corporate america. Because, they will reject something. No amount of market research, corner polling or advertising will insulate you from the big, Roman thumbs down. Emotionally you need a thick leathery skin. And that stark, raving lunatic comment could not be closer to the truth. There is no good time to open a business and our current economic climate makes things that much worse. But the lunatic will grab onto any positive moment and run like hell. Example: Businesses are failing right and left, record high unemployment has seized the country but rents are low. The lunatic ignores the first two points and grabs the third like a cheap Las Vegas cocktail waitress. After all, cheap rent is something that will help a business survive. This is the mantra of a lunatic and said lunatic will chant this at any occasion. There's cheap rent or, oh and I love this one, "all of my competition has gone out of business or scaled back so much that there is an opportunity." Honey, there's no competition because the economy is a wreck. Just what are you thinking?!?! But the lunatic perseveres. They are not blind to the obstacles; just way more focused on the positive. John and Russell are lunatics to the core. You have never met two people who could focus so much energy on something positive.
Now, just how does a Thick Skinned Lunatic go about starting a business? The TSL needs a motivation. But for a TSL is needs to be a special motivation. Having a great product or idea is simply not enough for a TSL. A TSL will stand for years at the precipice of the cliff but never jump until that special motivation comes along. For John and Russell it was cancer and that fight with cancer motivated my two TSL's to do a lot of soul searching. Now, mind you, a special motivation does not have to be life threatening...but it helps. TSL's, you see, are drama queens. John and Russell felt that they were given a second chance at life. They knew that their circumstances could have easily taken a different turn. Just what was this second chance going to look like?
Russell had a little dog walking business already, and as the economy got worse he seemed to get busier. This prompted a little, "can we do something with this?" Well, they both love animals, have retail experience and management backgrounds, so why not a little shoppe...a little pet store. And, as they are total lunatics, this just became completely obvious to them. A high-end pet boutique is just what they'd like to do. It would parlay the dog walking business into something greater. Now a sane person would point out that they really didn't have any experience in running a pet supply store. Hotels, office design, airlines, retail clothing, yes, but pet supply? Nope. Just how was this going to work? The lunatic does not say how. The lunatic just makes it happen. Lunatics are sort of like artists.
A great sculptor does not see a giant piece of marble. Michealangelo did not see the marble, he saw the David within. I would venture a guess that if you could go back in time and speak with him, Michealangelo would tell you that he simply removed all of the marble that didn't look like David. A TSL lunatic looks at a business the same way. If you remove all of the obstacles what you are left with is the business you dreamed of. Goal set, John and Russell went about removing all obstacles. And boy were there obstacles.
The story goes that there were three obstacles in the very beginning: How to finance it, where to put it and what to name it. The disagreements were over the name of all things. There was an uneasy truce over the name Zara's Stuff. John thought it was cute and breezy but Russell thought it lacked direction and dignity. And then I came along. As you might have noticed in their business practices, John and Russell will bend over backwards to make a customer feel like they are being treated fairly. It is instinctive to them and permeates their lives. With my adoption they decided that I needed to be added to the coming marquee. So it was decided that the store would be Zane + Zara's pet boutique. Zara's Stuff, inc. became the parent company for the store and the dog walking business. What to name it was checked off the list. Now, where to put it.
Being lunatics, they were not going to know where to put it until they saw it. They involved their real estate broker and the hunt began. Two spaces quickly rose to the top. One was small but it spoke to them and what they wanted the store to be: food, fashion and fun. The other was large...too large maybe. But it was a shell ready to be customized and the owner was offering 6-months of free rent. They discussed and discussed and discussed. It was just so big. But the location was good. Starbucks across the street, Red Line stop about three blocks away and a 5 minute walk from our condo. And did I mention, 6-months free rent? Who, in their right mind, passes up 6-months of free rent? They put in an offer. Floor plans were drawn and the excitement began to percolate. Well, fate has a way of protecting the lunatics. Or at least giving them little lints. The condo association, as they had done in the past, began to give the owner problems. Did we really want 10 years of legal trouble? Was this beautiful space worth the potential trouble. John and Russell politely bowed out. At that point their real estate guy said they should take a look at a space near his office. It was a more manageable size, brand new and in a great neighborhood: Roscoe Village. They saw, they loved and the rest is history.
Financing this endeavor was probably one of the most complex issues Russell and John faced. And it forced them to do something away from the lunacy. It forced them to do a business plan. Common sense told them that they really didn't want to use their own money. Using someone else's money is always a better idea. But who was going to loan money to them for a start up in a bone-suckingly bad economy? Well, how about the Small Business Administration? Isn't that what they're for...loaning money to small businesses? The online resources from the SBA are substantial and very useful. For the uninitiated there were lessons on business plans, financing, renting vs owning, tax information, et al. As bright as they are, John and Russell made good use of the SBA web-site.
The rest of the story is typical lunacy. An obstacle would pop up and they'd remove it. The master plan for this endeavor called Zane + Zara's became a living entity. It grows and evolves every single day. John and Russell set out to be a destination for all those looking for the best in dog and cat products. You need to come in a see how they are succeeding. Come in and say hello to the lunatics.
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