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
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Let's talk cat litter!
OK, so it's been a while since I last blogged. And could I have picked a stranger subject? Doubtful. Truth is, I didn't know much about cat litter. We carry some of the stuff in the store but, to be honest, it doesn't move much. I began to wonder why. Well, if I'm not mistake, it's all about price and the fear of change. I would like to put forth that more needs to be added to the equation. You see, sometimes cheap, while easy, is a horrible way to go. And I do mean horrible.
Clay is the standard bearer when it comes to cat litter. It is cheap (for now) and available everywhere. You can't swing a cat (oops, very un-PC) without hitting a store that sells clay cat litter. It's like diapers...in more way than one. Or you can have bentonite clay. Bentonite allows the clay cat litter to become clumping clay cat litter. The problems with clay cat litters are many: first of all, the mining process is wicked bad for the earth. Most of the clay is strip mined down to a level of about fifty feet. Now I'm no geologist but strip mining a naturally occurring mineral that obviously plays some part in our natural aquaphere strikes me as a total "we should re-think this" moment. But then again, it's cheap. And we know that regardless of the implications, cheap always wins in the short run. You also have to look at what is happening to our landfills as tons and tons and tons of this clay is added. Think about it, you add huge amounts of the bentonite clay, now the most popular clay litter, into a land fill and then add liquid. You get plates of solid clay where water will no longer flow. This stops any chance of natural decomposition and/or forces liquid to pool and then fester. Ugh! Do we really need rotting trash lakes whose secondary ingredient is cat poop? Really, is this a good idea?
Are there alternatives, yes. There are a variety of alternatives: each offering a different take on being better for mother earth. Problem is, and let's say this together, they are more expensive. Add to that the whole "cats hate change almost as much as they hate baths" and you get a buying public who is loath to try something different in the litter box...even if it is a good idea. And I am certainly not one to judge. John's brother drives, among other things, a Prius. He let John and Russell drive it on their last visit. John was fascinated by the whole package. Russell on the other hand hated the brakes. They felt different as they serve a dual purpose for the Prius. One is braking, the other is recharging the batteries. This dual purpose makes them "feel" different than ordinary brakes. Russell would be a difficult sell. That is change. Everyone hates change. Make it change that has a price tag and you really get avoidance. But sometimes change can be for the greater good. Having a car that gets 40+ mpg in the city of Chicago may out-way funny feeling brakes when it comes time to trade in our SUV. Having great mpg may also out-weigh a steep price tag but that's also an individual calculation. Expensive, funny feeling brakes may lead to out and out avoidance or it may add up to a very popular car. If you'll pardon the pun, a lot of people get a lot of mileage out of driving a car that screams, "I'm saving the planet!" So, let's just say that clay cat litter is the SUV in this story. Is the world ready to trade in their comfortable SUV for something better for the earth even if it is different and pricey? Pros and cons to weigh: will mother earth win out. This, like dog food, is what you choose to inflict on your pet. It's not like we get a choice. What follows is pretty broad. After all, you need to do some of the work yourself.
How about something made of newspaper? Granted birds have been pooping on newspaper for eons but cats? What are we talking about here, a cup of coffee and the Wall Street Journal in the morning? Well, not quite. The newspapers are processed into pellets that are then used as cat litter. It has a soft touch for the cat and is totally biodegradable. You can toss it in your garden or composter. It also has a reputation as an odor controller. I wonder if the cats laugh at the parts made from the comics?
Or you could go to the silica/crystals direction. Basically, and I do mean basically, this stuff is sand. The idea behind it is "absorb and dry." And boy can this stuff absorb. It is actually so efficient it will petrify the solid waste from your cat. Sort of like some Stephen King movie. Now because this stuff is so good at the absorbing and drying, the cat waste really never gets a chance to begin decomposing and thus smelling. This gives you good odor control. If you do proper maintenance silica cat litter far outlasts clay thus making it comparable in price. Also, the waste is flushable and getting rid of the used litter means just mixing it into your garden. Sounds good right? Sort of...maybe? Silica is not particularly soft to the touch. As a matter of fact it can be kind of jagged. Cats can be sort of princess-like and they don't like pointy litter. You can get "softer" silica litter now but, these tend to roll all over the floor when the cat tracks the stuff out of the box. I know; bitch, bitch, bitch.
Finally, lets look at a group I'll call cellulose litter. This stuff is plant based so in the grand scheme of things, you grow it to use it. It can be grown for use or recycled. Pretty cool huh? Well, the price thing rears its ugly head again. Also, depending of the plant base, it may be interfering with the human food chain. For example it can be based on wheat, corn or soy bean. It is more expensive even when you toss in the use less, lasts longer equation. But, it is a better idea than clay in every way. It is so earth friendly that it needs to be a Super Hero. You can flush it, bury it or toss it into the compost pile. It can be "naturally" treated to clump, absorb more or give a nice wiff of pine when peed on. Perfect right? Well, even Jennifer Anniston has issues. Cats lead with their senses as we all do and some of this cellulose stuff smells like food: wheat, corn and/or soy bean. Cat's are smart. The don't usually poop in their food dish. Putting something in their litter box that smells like food is very confusing. Also, while it is soft to the touch, it feels different than clay litter. Cat's don't like change. And clay to wood is a big change.
Truth is, all of this represents change. Personally I think it is all a matter of perspective. I see change as fundamentally good. It keeps life fresh and interesting. I am not put off by change. You and your cat get to make that decision. I will tell you though, this whole clay thing needs to change. The mining is bad and the recycling is non-existant. Make a resolution for 2010 to try something earth friendly for the cat box. There are options available; you just need to be at peace with the change. Or you could just potty train your cat. Now that's change!
Clay is the standard bearer when it comes to cat litter. It is cheap (for now) and available everywhere. You can't swing a cat (oops, very un-PC) without hitting a store that sells clay cat litter. It's like diapers...in more way than one. Or you can have bentonite clay. Bentonite allows the clay cat litter to become clumping clay cat litter. The problems with clay cat litters are many: first of all, the mining process is wicked bad for the earth. Most of the clay is strip mined down to a level of about fifty feet. Now I'm no geologist but strip mining a naturally occurring mineral that obviously plays some part in our natural aquaphere strikes me as a total "we should re-think this" moment. But then again, it's cheap. And we know that regardless of the implications, cheap always wins in the short run. You also have to look at what is happening to our landfills as tons and tons and tons of this clay is added. Think about it, you add huge amounts of the bentonite clay, now the most popular clay litter, into a land fill and then add liquid. You get plates of solid clay where water will no longer flow. This stops any chance of natural decomposition and/or forces liquid to pool and then fester. Ugh! Do we really need rotting trash lakes whose secondary ingredient is cat poop? Really, is this a good idea?
Are there alternatives, yes. There are a variety of alternatives: each offering a different take on being better for mother earth. Problem is, and let's say this together, they are more expensive. Add to that the whole "cats hate change almost as much as they hate baths" and you get a buying public who is loath to try something different in the litter box...even if it is a good idea. And I am certainly not one to judge. John's brother drives, among other things, a Prius. He let John and Russell drive it on their last visit. John was fascinated by the whole package. Russell on the other hand hated the brakes. They felt different as they serve a dual purpose for the Prius. One is braking, the other is recharging the batteries. This dual purpose makes them "feel" different than ordinary brakes. Russell would be a difficult sell. That is change. Everyone hates change. Make it change that has a price tag and you really get avoidance. But sometimes change can be for the greater good. Having a car that gets 40+ mpg in the city of Chicago may out-way funny feeling brakes when it comes time to trade in our SUV. Having great mpg may also out-weigh a steep price tag but that's also an individual calculation. Expensive, funny feeling brakes may lead to out and out avoidance or it may add up to a very popular car. If you'll pardon the pun, a lot of people get a lot of mileage out of driving a car that screams, "I'm saving the planet!" So, let's just say that clay cat litter is the SUV in this story. Is the world ready to trade in their comfortable SUV for something better for the earth even if it is different and pricey? Pros and cons to weigh: will mother earth win out. This, like dog food, is what you choose to inflict on your pet. It's not like we get a choice. What follows is pretty broad. After all, you need to do some of the work yourself.
How about something made of newspaper? Granted birds have been pooping on newspaper for eons but cats? What are we talking about here, a cup of coffee and the Wall Street Journal in the morning? Well, not quite. The newspapers are processed into pellets that are then used as cat litter. It has a soft touch for the cat and is totally biodegradable. You can toss it in your garden or composter. It also has a reputation as an odor controller. I wonder if the cats laugh at the parts made from the comics?
Or you could go to the silica/crystals direction. Basically, and I do mean basically, this stuff is sand. The idea behind it is "absorb and dry." And boy can this stuff absorb. It is actually so efficient it will petrify the solid waste from your cat. Sort of like some Stephen King movie. Now because this stuff is so good at the absorbing and drying, the cat waste really never gets a chance to begin decomposing and thus smelling. This gives you good odor control. If you do proper maintenance silica cat litter far outlasts clay thus making it comparable in price. Also, the waste is flushable and getting rid of the used litter means just mixing it into your garden. Sounds good right? Sort of...maybe? Silica is not particularly soft to the touch. As a matter of fact it can be kind of jagged. Cats can be sort of princess-like and they don't like pointy litter. You can get "softer" silica litter now but, these tend to roll all over the floor when the cat tracks the stuff out of the box. I know; bitch, bitch, bitch.
Finally, lets look at a group I'll call cellulose litter. This stuff is plant based so in the grand scheme of things, you grow it to use it. It can be grown for use or recycled. Pretty cool huh? Well, the price thing rears its ugly head again. Also, depending of the plant base, it may be interfering with the human food chain. For example it can be based on wheat, corn or soy bean. It is more expensive even when you toss in the use less, lasts longer equation. But, it is a better idea than clay in every way. It is so earth friendly that it needs to be a Super Hero. You can flush it, bury it or toss it into the compost pile. It can be "naturally" treated to clump, absorb more or give a nice wiff of pine when peed on. Perfect right? Well, even Jennifer Anniston has issues. Cats lead with their senses as we all do and some of this cellulose stuff smells like food: wheat, corn and/or soy bean. Cat's are smart. The don't usually poop in their food dish. Putting something in their litter box that smells like food is very confusing. Also, while it is soft to the touch, it feels different than clay litter. Cat's don't like change. And clay to wood is a big change.
Truth is, all of this represents change. Personally I think it is all a matter of perspective. I see change as fundamentally good. It keeps life fresh and interesting. I am not put off by change. You and your cat get to make that decision. I will tell you though, this whole clay thing needs to change. The mining is bad and the recycling is non-existant. Make a resolution for 2010 to try something earth friendly for the cat box. There are options available; you just need to be at peace with the change. Or you could just potty train your cat. Now that's change!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Doggy Style
OK, let's set the record straight, I am a stylin' dog. My looks have been known to stop traffic. Granted that probably wouldn't happen so much if I'd quit walking out into the streets but that's beyond the point. A good dog is not only a well behaved and well groomed dog but also one who has the proper accessories.
Let's start with the collar. You don't have to break the bank to have a stylish collar. Drop $20.00 at Zane + Zara's and you can walk away with something by Upcountry or 72 Bark Place. That collar is the foundation of a great outfit. Me, I like a little bling. I am currently sporting a collar by Silverfoot. It's a nice martingale with a shiny silver chain. And remember that little jingle you hear doesn't have to be just your registration tags. Think about something extra like a nice crystal or pearl pendant of maybe something with your personal information on it just incase you go out and get yourself lost. You could also pick up a tag silencer but what good is jewelry if you can't hear it "clink" together.
Seeing as it is now winter and the cold weather seems to be upon us, you may not want to stop there. If you are one of our more hirsute breeds there is probably not a sweater or coat in your future but I will guarantee, if you have sensitive paws like Zara, you'll need footware. Chicago loves to salt the streets and sidewalks and there is noting more miserable that walking on salt. I ask you, who's good idea was salt on the ground? You have to think, "Is there a salt mine with the name Daly on it?" But, I digress. Hairy or not, you're probably going to need boots. Boots come in two basic styles: you have the more regulation boot style. This style usually has some elastic around the ankle with a velcro strip so that you can tighten the material around the foot. They are usually water-proof and have some sort of non-slip sole. These boots range in price between $40 and $60. While they are very attractive and can usually be had in colors that match a coat, sweater or scarf they do have a substantial draw-back. You can't feel the ground beneath your feet. While this might not be a big deal for you humans, it is a HUGE deal for us dogs. Now some of us get used to these things pretty quick, others, not so lucky. You end up with that "just saw a ghost" look on your face and making a brave attempt to shake the boots off of all four paws at one time. Very entertaining but it really makes us want to wet ourselves.
The alternative is the balloon style. These are silicon balloons that fit very securely over the foot. They are, of course, water-proof and most importantly, allow you to feel the ground beneath your feet. They are much less expensive: about $15.00 for three sets. The biggest draw-back is if you're not being careful, your toenails can poke through. But if you are careful putting them on, the three sets should easily last you a full season. I will say, if you're a sporting dog who likes to go hiking on nature trails and such, you'll probably tear these on the rough ground.
For those of us who have short or no coats a little outerwear is always in order. The choice is levels of warmth and sweater or coat. Sweaters are usually of a style that just pulls over your head and coats usually employ some sort of button, snap or velcro. If you are a sturdy breed like Zara a nice light water-proof jacket with a soft lining is a great choice. It'll keep you nice and dry and offer a bit of insulation against the wind and cold. If the cold is really an issue, like it is with me, a well fitting wool sweater or a fleece lined coat are in order. If you like the ease of just slipping a sweater over your head I recommend something by Chilly Dog. They offer lots of stylish colors and patterns in sizes from teeny tiny to enormous. Hand-made in South America, they are 100% wool and colored with vegetable dyes. Chilly Dog is my choice for winter wear this year. And finally you can go with a nice fleece lined, all weather coat from Muttluks. If you really like the outdoors but were saddled with indoor fur, this is the coat for you. Weather proof and fleece lined they are nice and snuggly. Solid colors, button front and a nice stylish belt around the middle. Zara and I will probably move to these coats as the Chicago weather worsens. And if the weather gets real bad I may chose a larger size than normal so that I can wear the coat over my sweater. Boxers, you see, are very sensitive to the cold.
Well, that's Doggy Style for today. Remember, just because you call us your "furry" friends doesn't mean we don't get cold. And just because we call it a collar doesn't mean it's not jewelry. Have a joyous holiday season.
Zane
Let's start with the collar. You don't have to break the bank to have a stylish collar. Drop $20.00 at Zane + Zara's and you can walk away with something by Upcountry or 72 Bark Place. That collar is the foundation of a great outfit. Me, I like a little bling. I am currently sporting a collar by Silverfoot. It's a nice martingale with a shiny silver chain. And remember that little jingle you hear doesn't have to be just your registration tags. Think about something extra like a nice crystal or pearl pendant of maybe something with your personal information on it just incase you go out and get yourself lost. You could also pick up a tag silencer but what good is jewelry if you can't hear it "clink" together.
Seeing as it is now winter and the cold weather seems to be upon us, you may not want to stop there. If you are one of our more hirsute breeds there is probably not a sweater or coat in your future but I will guarantee, if you have sensitive paws like Zara, you'll need footware. Chicago loves to salt the streets and sidewalks and there is noting more miserable that walking on salt. I ask you, who's good idea was salt on the ground? You have to think, "Is there a salt mine with the name Daly on it?" But, I digress. Hairy or not, you're probably going to need boots. Boots come in two basic styles: you have the more regulation boot style. This style usually has some elastic around the ankle with a velcro strip so that you can tighten the material around the foot. They are usually water-proof and have some sort of non-slip sole. These boots range in price between $40 and $60. While they are very attractive and can usually be had in colors that match a coat, sweater or scarf they do have a substantial draw-back. You can't feel the ground beneath your feet. While this might not be a big deal for you humans, it is a HUGE deal for us dogs. Now some of us get used to these things pretty quick, others, not so lucky. You end up with that "just saw a ghost" look on your face and making a brave attempt to shake the boots off of all four paws at one time. Very entertaining but it really makes us want to wet ourselves.
The alternative is the balloon style. These are silicon balloons that fit very securely over the foot. They are, of course, water-proof and most importantly, allow you to feel the ground beneath your feet. They are much less expensive: about $15.00 for three sets. The biggest draw-back is if you're not being careful, your toenails can poke through. But if you are careful putting them on, the three sets should easily last you a full season. I will say, if you're a sporting dog who likes to go hiking on nature trails and such, you'll probably tear these on the rough ground.
For those of us who have short or no coats a little outerwear is always in order. The choice is levels of warmth and sweater or coat. Sweaters are usually of a style that just pulls over your head and coats usually employ some sort of button, snap or velcro. If you are a sturdy breed like Zara a nice light water-proof jacket with a soft lining is a great choice. It'll keep you nice and dry and offer a bit of insulation against the wind and cold. If the cold is really an issue, like it is with me, a well fitting wool sweater or a fleece lined coat are in order. If you like the ease of just slipping a sweater over your head I recommend something by Chilly Dog. They offer lots of stylish colors and patterns in sizes from teeny tiny to enormous. Hand-made in South America, they are 100% wool and colored with vegetable dyes. Chilly Dog is my choice for winter wear this year. And finally you can go with a nice fleece lined, all weather coat from Muttluks. If you really like the outdoors but were saddled with indoor fur, this is the coat for you. Weather proof and fleece lined they are nice and snuggly. Solid colors, button front and a nice stylish belt around the middle. Zara and I will probably move to these coats as the Chicago weather worsens. And if the weather gets real bad I may chose a larger size than normal so that I can wear the coat over my sweater. Boxers, you see, are very sensitive to the cold.
Well, that's Doggy Style for today. Remember, just because you call us your "furry" friends doesn't mean we don't get cold. And just because we call it a collar doesn't mean it's not jewelry. Have a joyous holiday season.
Zane
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Do you really need a pet? Come on, really?!?!
OK, the title of this blog is a rhetorical question. Of course you need a pet. Pet's are the great, unsung medicine. It is an accepted fact that just petting a dog or cat will lower your blood pressure. People who own pets live longer and healthier lives. Dogs are especially helpful for those who suffer from mental or emotional disorders. And to cap it all off, if you are broken, ie recovering from surgery, you heal faster when in the company of a dog or cat. Honestly, if you got this kink of return from human children I think there would be a population explosion! "The doctor says I need to lower my blood pressure. Let's have a baby." Hmmmm, I just don't think it works that way.
The really issues start to pop up when it comes to how you go about getting a new dog or cat. And to be honest, whether it is a human, a dog or a cat the criteria always seems to be the same when it comes to adoption: purebred and as young as possible. Ugh! It just breaks my heart. While I don't want to judge. (I'll leave that to Zara.) Why do so many people make such a narrow search. I understand that you get a picture in your mind as to what you want but why does it have to be such a visual and superficial picture. Why does "new" always mean puppy or kitten. And why does "breed" always mean purebred? Everyone loses out a bit when your search is so narrow and confining.
Let's start with the whole "new" concept. How about instead of puppy or kitten we look at them as "new to you." There are so many dogs and cats out there that have some time already on their clocks. They are in rescues, adoption centers, local pounds and foster homes. They have been pulled out of abusive homes, rescued from puppy mills, picked up on the streets or even tearfully turned in because of financial distress. And let me tell you, they come without many of the issues that you'll face with a puppy or kitten. Think about it, no house training, no teething, no chewing. Yes, they're slightly lower on the cuteness scale but you only get a few months of that anyway. Puppies and kittens, especially if you are a first time parent, quickly lose "cute" and turn into "Oh my God!" or "Why are you still!" Yeah, there are a host of advantages to adopting an adult dog or cat. Along with that, you get a certain level of awareness in a more mature adoption. Many people say that an adopted dog or cat is completely aware of just how lucky they are to be joining a new, loving family. On a personal note, both Zara and myself are well aware that we were dealt a winning hand through adoption. Please! Just look at the sign above our store. Those are our names up in lights. All those kisses I give and the little nibbles Zara likes to bestow are gratitude pure and simple.
Now let's talk breed. Yes, a purebred dog or cat is a beautiful sight. (Hey, you're looking at one right here.) But don't discount the mixed breed. Go out and stir the soup a little. Who doesn't like to have the best of both worlds - or even the best of three or four worlds. The mixed breed dog or cat can offer so much more in a single package. How about the kind gentle character of the Golden Retriever mixed with the protectiveness of a Rottweiler. Or the hypoallergenic fur of a Poodle mixed the hunting ability of a Weimaraner. The combinations are endless and always interesting as they usually came about unexpectedly. (Somebody got out of the fence.) Zara herself is a mixed breed. We think she is a Basenji/Pit mix but Russell's father pointed out that she has webbed feet like a Retriever. That would explain her love of swimming and her unbridled hunting instincts. Honestly, she would not be Zara if she were a pure breed dog.
So what am I trying to say here? It's pretty basic really. When you decide that it is time to bring a new soul into your family don't limit yourself. If I may quote, "Life is a banquet and some poor souls are starving to death." Step up and take a look at everything that is offered. Break that mindset that says, "It must be new and it must be pure." Look at it this way: you may be able to afford a brand new Chevrolet but if you bought something used you might walk away with a BMW. (John and his car analogies.) Zara was adopted from Arf House and I was at PAWS. You may very well find the best pet in the world at a similar place. Don't deprive yourself of a loving, thankful, beautiful, house-trained, more mature addition to your family. And remember: adopting a pet, like adopting a child, reserves you a special place in heaven...or wherever it is that you plan on ending up in this grand, multi-faith world of ours.
Zane
The really issues start to pop up when it comes to how you go about getting a new dog or cat. And to be honest, whether it is a human, a dog or a cat the criteria always seems to be the same when it comes to adoption: purebred and as young as possible. Ugh! It just breaks my heart. While I don't want to judge. (I'll leave that to Zara.) Why do so many people make such a narrow search. I understand that you get a picture in your mind as to what you want but why does it have to be such a visual and superficial picture. Why does "new" always mean puppy or kitten. And why does "breed" always mean purebred? Everyone loses out a bit when your search is so narrow and confining.
Let's start with the whole "new" concept. How about instead of puppy or kitten we look at them as "new to you." There are so many dogs and cats out there that have some time already on their clocks. They are in rescues, adoption centers, local pounds and foster homes. They have been pulled out of abusive homes, rescued from puppy mills, picked up on the streets or even tearfully turned in because of financial distress. And let me tell you, they come without many of the issues that you'll face with a puppy or kitten. Think about it, no house training, no teething, no chewing. Yes, they're slightly lower on the cuteness scale but you only get a few months of that anyway. Puppies and kittens, especially if you are a first time parent, quickly lose "cute" and turn into "Oh my God!" or "Why are you still!" Yeah, there are a host of advantages to adopting an adult dog or cat. Along with that, you get a certain level of awareness in a more mature adoption. Many people say that an adopted dog or cat is completely aware of just how lucky they are to be joining a new, loving family. On a personal note, both Zara and myself are well aware that we were dealt a winning hand through adoption. Please! Just look at the sign above our store. Those are our names up in lights. All those kisses I give and the little nibbles Zara likes to bestow are gratitude pure and simple.
Now let's talk breed. Yes, a purebred dog or cat is a beautiful sight. (Hey, you're looking at one right here.) But don't discount the mixed breed. Go out and stir the soup a little. Who doesn't like to have the best of both worlds - or even the best of three or four worlds. The mixed breed dog or cat can offer so much more in a single package. How about the kind gentle character of the Golden Retriever mixed with the protectiveness of a Rottweiler. Or the hypoallergenic fur of a Poodle mixed the hunting ability of a Weimaraner. The combinations are endless and always interesting as they usually came about unexpectedly. (Somebody got out of the fence.) Zara herself is a mixed breed. We think she is a Basenji/Pit mix but Russell's father pointed out that she has webbed feet like a Retriever. That would explain her love of swimming and her unbridled hunting instincts. Honestly, she would not be Zara if she were a pure breed dog.
So what am I trying to say here? It's pretty basic really. When you decide that it is time to bring a new soul into your family don't limit yourself. If I may quote, "Life is a banquet and some poor souls are starving to death." Step up and take a look at everything that is offered. Break that mindset that says, "It must be new and it must be pure." Look at it this way: you may be able to afford a brand new Chevrolet but if you bought something used you might walk away with a BMW. (John and his car analogies.) Zara was adopted from Arf House and I was at PAWS. You may very well find the best pet in the world at a similar place. Don't deprive yourself of a loving, thankful, beautiful, house-trained, more mature addition to your family. And remember: adopting a pet, like adopting a child, reserves you a special place in heaven...or wherever it is that you plan on ending up in this grand, multi-faith world of ours.
Zane
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