Nervous and excited about new endeavor (11/13/13)

That sounds very exciting Cathy and right up your alley.  Wishing you and the store all the luck we can muster :)   You know there is just nothing better than helping those sweet shelter pets... or maybe I am a little biased :)

Cathy that sounds pretty cool! Wish you the best!

Cathy, that is so exciting.  I wish you and the shelter storefront great success. I've read a few articles about that and it seems to be a good way to let some shelter dogs get some much needed exposure.  

Very cool!  I can't wait to read your updates about how much of a success and wonderful it is :)

very exciting!! keep us up to date on the progress!

Hi Kathy in Northern CA - I'm Alex the CEO of DOG.com

I can't give you any recommendations in terms of what to do business-wise but I must agree that it does sound exciting - and a great way of helping rescues. If there is something DOG.com and I can do to help you or Shelter Hope - please do reach out.

A few years ago we had a program called Dog.com 'to the rescue'.

Basically for every toy etc we sold - we'd donate one to a shelter so they could use or sell it for $$. Been thinking of doing that again actually. Would love your thoughts.

Anyhow we have to think of ways to to in some way help the shelter model become more self-sustainable.

Best of luck and wishing you much success.

(Lastly I cannot leave without saying that as you may know this community is soon undergoing some improvements and fingers crossed it will be a lot more easy to use in all regards).

Alex

That's so cool, Cathy !!!  Keep us posted.

Deb W.

Cathy, what an awesome opportunity!  I would love to be involved in something like that, especially since the risk sounds minimal.  

Our friends adopted both their dogs from a similar type shop/adoption center in Portland called The Pixie Project.  I think it's a neat idea.  For a few years, our local humane society has had cats up for adoption in the local Petco store, as well as the independent pet supply shop where we buy Ruby's food.  It definitely helps widen the reach of the "regular" municipal shelters since not every community member visits them.

I'll be really eager to hear updates from you!

Thanks everyone and Alex, I will definitely reach out to you once I know more. The business plan with be presented to the owner of the property tomorrow. If it's approved, the flagship store in Southern Calif. will ship supplies and equipment and we can get set up.

One of my top concerns is the care of the rescued dogs when the shop is closed. They won't remain in the store overnight, so the plan is to use foster homes or boarding facilities. I know how challenging it is to find foster homes and boarding would be costly. I'm assuming this has been thought out but I'll know more after the meeting on Monday.

If anyone is bored or has more interest, here's a great video of the opening of the first store. www.youtube.com/watch

That sounds very exciting Cathy; I hope the presentation goes well tomorrow. Maybe they don't plan to have very many dogs at the store, so finding foster homes won't be difficult. Wishing all of you involved the very best!!!!