Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Posted: 19 Apr 2010 10:26 AM PDT

I'm so behind in my posting about BlogPaws, I meant to write this post last week, so forgive me if I go on and on. You can also read lots of info about BlogPaws at the many blogs all over the net, but especially at DogTipper where Paris and John have a widget that lets bloggers add their post to the list.

Today I'd like to finally write about PetSmart. PetSmart came on board as the Cat's Meow late in the planning, but they were so supportive and helpful, we owe them a shout out. A big Woofy Woo! if you will. Holly and Michelle and Jennifer were more than eager to participate. When we discovered we needed more dog beds for the hotel, they didn't hesitate to send 20 good sized dog beds along - so our visiting doggies had comfy places to sleep.

Check it out on this post "My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much." As blogger, Michelle Maskaly, says, "It's the gift that keeps on giving." ALL those dog beds went to the shelter after the conference!

On Sunday morning, after the conference, PetSmart hosted a tour of a local store, which a number of bloggers (including me and Tom) got to participate in. We often shop at PetSmart (among other places) and I've always been curious about their grooming parlors and their "pet hotels."

Wow! did we learn a lot in just over an hour that Sunday morning! We got a free bus ride to the store, and we were escorted around by Districk Manager Frank Costancio, who admits that Columbus is more fun than...where he previously lived. Ok, maybe he didn't say "fun" but I remember that he was tres' happy to be in Columbus.

My focus today is on the PetsHotel at PetSmart. We met Victoria Corbett, PetsHotel Manager, and she showed us the spacious doggie "suites" which I think could be relevant to a certain Grey Hound, and the kitty cottages... with personalized TLC! Some areas even haveTVs which, we were told, are more for sound than video. The pets like the sound of the TV (looked like it was tuned to Animal Planet but I'm not sure), and that makes sense to me.

The PetsHotel also has a Bone-booth®. I wish I'd taken a picture of it. It's for pet parents to call in and talk to their pet, if they want. I imagine if you're away for more than a few days, that could be comforting.

There is also a great "playroom" where the pets (dogs) are exercised with their pet friends, at least twice a day, I believe. (can you tell I didn't take very good notes?) Victoria said they often pair bigger dogs with smaller dogs, primarily because the big dogs like it. I can understand that because we will probably adopt a big dog and a smaller dog, and if they become fast friends, they'll want to be around other pairs like them. For big dogs that are not fond of other dogs, they'll be exercised separately. And, little dogs - contrary to popular belief - are not necessarily afraid of big dogs. They don't see "big" they merely see "dog."

I was so impressed with the care and attention the pets got at PetSmart's PetsHotel, I feel confident that we might use their services in the future. Not for the Wabby. I could not leave her in a kennel, no matter how plush - she's pretty set in her ways and we have a trusted pet sitter who comes to the house. But, I could see sending our dogs to the PetSmart "Doggie Day Camp" occassionally, to acclimate them to the possibility of staying there if and when we go on a trip of more than a few days.

It's important to know you have a place to take your pet where they will get attention, the right food, are able to sleep on their own beds, and can even make friends with other pets who they might see now and again. The staff at PetSmart was so comfortable with the pets, even in the pet salon where we saw a Golden Retriever being groomed and enjoying it so much he was smiling!

I expect I'll have other posts about this trip to PetSmart. It left a lasting impression.

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Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Scratchings-and-Sniffings

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