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.
