Fetch 'n Fun

Happy Birthday Ruby

Here we are celebrating Ruby's sixth birthday - that's her sticking her tongue out at the camera - sorry Ruby I guess I shouldn't have said how old you are. Ruby brought special birthday treats for everyone!  Many more pictures to the left.

Ground Hog Day - Doggie Denial

Buster whispers, "Hey Hunter, did you hear that the ground hog saw his shadow yesterday - we might finally get some great snow!"

Hunter replies, "Yeah, I can't wait, but keep it quiet, I don't think everyone is so happy about it."

 

Louis says, "Shadow, what shadow?" 

 

He looks around, "No shadows here."

Tyson agree with Louis, "Yep, no shadows here."

Check out the new photos on the left.

A Decade of Dedication

We all grieve in our own way, but the passing of Kokeano has taught me that we ALL grieve, dogs included. Kokeano left us on Wednesday; he was 10 years old this month. When he was diagnosed with cancer this summer we were told he had six months, I mentally braced myself that come Christmas we may be saying goodbye to him. In November he spiked a fever and a blood test confirmed that the cancer was systemic. Since our business is in our home, there is always someone nearby for our dogs, but I felt an unexplainable need for someone to be with Kokeano at all times. So for the past two months he has never been alone. We all took turns being with him, and our other dogs took their turns comforting him as well. Kokeano is on the lower left with Clementine next to him and Zander behind him.

 

We had two months to love him, and tell him how much he meant to us, to comfort him, to say goodbye…and yet, it still does not feel like it was enough time. Fortunately Sophia and Nicolette were home from college on Christmas break. He slept most of the time, waking only to go to the bathroom. When he stopped eating we bought him all kinds of treats to entice him to eat. He did enjoy those treats! No longer could he get up to greet us at the door, but he still wagged his tail for Nicolette when she came home. They had a special bond, and Kokeano reserved his strength – saving his tail wagging just for her. He lost weight rapidly, going from 65 pounds down to 40 pounds, and in the end he was so weak he could not stand. We are grateful he suffered very little. He looked so small in the end and his eyes looked sad. Just before he died Zander kissed him goodbye. I needed to be near him, so I placed my hand on his head and looked into his eyes. Kokeano gave me a final look; then had the most peaceful expression before his eyes rolled back and he was gone. Kokeano loved being under the blankets with us, so much so that he would wake us up so that we would cover him. Dr. Nolan apologized for the feminine blanket, and I explained that Kokeano LOVED blankets. Dr. Nolan wrapped him up, and John carried Kokeano to the truck. When John came inside he nearly collapsed from grief.

We are all grieving. I did not expect it to be so hard. Even our other dogs are grieving. Today Zander stands in the middle of the living room barking and whining at no one. His best friend is gone. He is grieving. Clementine sat for an hour just looking at the door. She is grieving. Nike is trying to figure out his place now that Kokeano is gone; after all someone has to be top dog, right?

Sorry Nike, but no one will be the alpha dog like Kokeano.

Kokeano…founder of Fetch ‘n Fun. He was the Master Comforter and Protector while John was gone in Iraq. Alpha dog and Professor of Proper Doggie Daycare Etiquette, and most beloved canine….you may be gone, but as long as I live, you will always be the dominate dog in my life and in my heart. Below are pictures of Kokeano helping us to build Fetch ‘n Fun.

Have fun in Heaven Kokeano...see you soon.

SSSHHHH......

John doesn't know yet, but look what will be under our Christmas Tree tomorrow morning.  We've adopted Nike.  Merry Christmas everyone!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Whether I am spending the holidays at home or at the relative's house, the Thanksgiving and Christmas season can be the most wonderful time of the year.  As I prepare for Christmas shopping, I gather coupons, flyers, and e-mails alerting me to special discounts.  Each year I receive dozens of solicitations from various charities to make that last tax deductable gift of the year to their needy cause.  I open the mail to read the statistics on how many people have diabetes or are homeless and in need of shelter and food for Christmas, so could I please donate money.... Or watching TV I see the pictures of starving children all over the world, or puppies that appear to be weeping while mournful music plays in the background and a voice is pleading for a donation.  Suddenly I don't feel like it is a wonderful time of year....

So...I have taken to reminding myself that I cherish this time of year because of the wonderful family I share it with, and the spirit of giving that I love.  I have taken charge of my giving....and try to make wise decisions when it comes to charitable donations.   This year I have decided to shop directly from charitable organizations when I can.  Not only have I found some terrific gifts, but in purchasing these gifts I have donated money, food, and books to the needy.  It feels great. 

I would encourage you to do the same.  Check out Lucky Pup rescue's shop site at:  http://www.luckypuprescue.org/store.html

If you know of any charities that are having sales for Christmas, please share their information in a reply to this post.  We can make it a wonderful time of year for many.

Susan

New Photos

Check out the new photo album to the left.  Below is John with Roxanne. 

We now have 5 outdoor pens which gives us greater freedom to place dogs according to personality!  You will also see pictures of our new employees, along with our daughter Elisabeth who continues to be a great help to us.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

 

The Winners of the Canine Costume Contest

First place prize: 10 day pass to Fetch 'n Fun

Second place prize: 5 free days to Fetch 'n Fun

Third place prize: a free day of Fetch 'n Fun for both Princess Lea and Yoda.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone for joining in on the fun!

 

Many Thanks

Last night John, Elisabeth, and I had the honor of attending the Seventh Annual Entrepreneur Awards Celebration as nominees for the Small Business Award.  Never having attended the event before we were not sure if the nominees or winners would be asked to say a few words, so being the type of person who likes to be prepared, I decided to write a little thank you.  It turns out that no one was asked to accept their beautifully framed award with a thank you speech (what was I thinking, this wasn't the Oscars after all), but I wanted to share with you what I wrote because we are truly thankful to all of you for your support over the past six years.  

So....here is what I had planned to say if we had been asked to say something:

 

Good Evening.  I am Fetch, and this is my husband, Fun; otherwise known as Susan and John.  We opened up our small business here in Wells in November 2005 and even with the recession that shortly followed, we have been able to survive due to the many lessons we have learned from our four legged clients. First, we have learned that small business owners need the tenacity of a Bulldog while maintaining the dignity of the Great Dane.  We have followed our dream like a Terrier follows his nose and looked over our business like the careful, watchful eye of a Bernise Mountain Dog.  Although we may be as protective as a German Shepherd we have learned that it is equally important to be as silly and playful as a Labradoodle.  All the while we do try to keep our wits about us like a Standard Poodle.   We have learned from our precious deaf, blind, or three legged dogs that no obstacle needs to get in the way of a really good treat.

 We think we are the luckiest business owners in Maine! While other business owners may be ordering merchandise, revising menus, or posting clearance signs, we have the privilege of playing fetch, giving tummy rubs, and picking up poop all day!  What could be better, right?  We’re not only lucky because we have the companionship and unconditional love of dozens of dogs every day; we also have the best customers – the dog’s parents!  They are as loyal to us as their dogs are to them.

There is an old and popular saying, “Be the person your dogs thinks you are.”  But that might imply that dogs think we are all always wonderful, and I believe dogs are much smarter than that.  Dogs don’t love us because they think we are perfect, they love us because they know we are not.  So instead I’d like to say, Be a dog for a day and you will be a better person for life.

Thank you Sefanie for nominating us, and trusting us with your lovely dog, Buster, who is always happy and playful.  Thank you to our staff that is as eager to learn as a 4 month old puppy, but thankfully don’t tire out as quickly. Thanks to our 9 year old dog, Kokeano, who was diagnosed this summer with cancer.  If it was not for Kokeano, there would be no Fetch ‘n Fun.  Finally, small business owners are known for making many sacrifices, and no one knows that anymore than the owner’s children, so we would like to thank our daughters, Elisabeth, who is here with us tonight and Sophia & Nicolette.  May we love you as faithfully as our dogs love us.

Happy Halloween

Cast your vote for Fetch 'n Fun's 5th annual Canine Costume Contest.  One vote per person, so share the link with your family and friends.

http://staciasphotos.com/?p=3990

The Results are in....Finally.

NIKE:

I sent Nike's first DNA test off with much anticipation!  Only to find out that a determination of his breed(s) could not be made.  I was told that it was either because I didn't get enough DNA, or because he shares a water bowl...so a second DNA test was sent.  I kept Nike from drinking with the pack, and scraped those cheeks hard!

Meanwhile, we were running a contest to see if anyone could guess what Nike's two most prominent breeds are.....

Well, the results are finally in, and I was completely surprised!!!

One of Nike's parents one was 1/2 Tibetan Mastiff and 1/2 American Staffordshire Terrier.  Nike's other parent was 1/2 Doberman Pinscher and 1/2 Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a bit of Keeshond. 

WOW!

So what does all that mean??? 

 

The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog on planet earth! One sold recently in China for just over $1.5 million dollars!  They sell in the US for an average of $5000.00!

The Tibetan Mastiff is independent, strong willed and territorial, they are great guardians, have a tendency to bark at night, especially if left outdoors, and need an owner that will be a dominant pack leader to prevent behavior issues.   Hm....sound like someone I know!  Just this week Nike began barking at night!!

Look familiar?  The American Staffordshire Terrier was created when various breeds of terriers were crossed with the bulldog.  Colors can range from pure white to blue.  Nike's coloring is much like the picture above, but his ears have the blue hint which made many of us think he might be part Weimaraner, but no...he is more closely related to the Blue American Pitbull Terrier - no wonder he plays so well with Tuck and Maddy!!!

The AST are intelligent, hard-working and stoic dogs, they enjoy dog sports and agility - something Nike loves!  They are very loyal to family - We see this in Nike as well.  

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier also ranges in color from blue to fawn to white.  This breed, as well as the two previous breeds, typically has a white spot on the chest - which Nike does have.  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was originally bred in England for dog fighting, when dog fighting was banned in England, the breed became a favorite working dog and demonstrated remarkable skills with children.  It is sometimes referred to as a 'nanny dog' because of this.  It does have stubborn tendencies, but responds well to positive reinforcement and treats or favorite toys (don't we all!).  They also enjoy sports and competitive obedience.  Nike seems to regard children more as toys....but we are working on that!

The Doberman Pinscher is widely used as a guide and therapy dogs, though it has gained a reputation as a guard dog.  These dogs are some of the most intelligent, obedient, energetic and watchful dogs - Wow that does describe Nike, with great strength and endurance - no wonder Nike loves to run.  They also enjoy sports and are eager to learn.  They respond well to obedience training.  They are protective of their family around strangers. That would be Nike for sure! My friend Karen learned this recently when she left my house with ice on a bruise Nike gave her.  :(

Due to their desire to obey and their strong desire to protect, three of the above breeds can be trained to be aggressive to other dogs and people....which makes me wonder...Was Nike bred for dog fighting...something that is all too common, though illegal, in this country?  If you consider the cost of the Mastiff, and the profile of these dogs...was there someone in Georgia (where Nike was first found) trying to create the ultimate fighting dog?  We will never know... but what I can tell you is that what was created is one of the most intelligent, loving dogs I have ever met.

When you put it all together you have Nike: a dog that is incredibly smart, strong, and devoted to his family. 

So who is the winner of the DNA test guess?  Both Trisha and Nikki guessed Mastiff - so they have both won.  None of the other breeds were guessed...not even by me! 

You know...all this DNA stuff really got me thinking.  Nike may have been bred for a specific purpose, but instead he has become something quite different.  He is an all American Mutt that is loving, smart, and fun.  How many of us can say the same thing about ourselves?  When my family talks about heritage, of course John being Greek and the whole Greek culture dominates the conversation.  But as for me, I am really an all American Mutt just like Nike.  A combination of English, French, Irish, and German...and I'd like to think I have the best off all breeds within me - just like Nike, loving, smart, and fun.  Mutts rule!

Oh....one more thing about the nanny dog....Nike is a cleaner.  He follows me around the house and has learned my habits, as well as everyone one else's.  If I leave my shoes where they don't belong, he puts them where they do belong.  He is so accustomed to Beth NOT putting her shoes away that when she finally did, he moved them to their normal spot: the middle of the kitchen floor!  Oh well, at least he thought he was helping.

Susan - the American Mutt