Working Like Dogs and Loving It

This week I had the opportunity to travel down to Marlborough, MA to vist two friends of mine at their place of employment. Golden retrievers, Brandy and Tori are the official mascots of Pets Gone Healthy a fabulous pet store that specializes in natural and holistic products for dogs and cats. As a matter of fact I'm not the only one that thinks they are tops. Pets Gone Healthy was recently given the honor of Holistic Pet Retailer of the Year by the publication Pet Product News! Owners Sandie and Ken Wheeler have worked very hard to provide only the highest quality products to their loyal customers. From premium dog foods to treats, vitamin suppliments to natural skin treatments as well as toys to accessories this small family owned business has everything needed to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

I mentioned that Pets Gone Healthy is a family owned business. The two most important members of that family are Brandy and Tori. Brandy, age 5 has "worked" at the store since its opening in the summer of 2005. Tori, age 2 joined her sister shortly after that and began "working" as a wee pup. Being store mascots is a tough job but someone has to do it! I sat down with Brandy and Tory to learn a little bit more.

• L: What is your favorite part about coming to work every day?

• B & T: There is a lot of things that we like about it. But our favorite part is greeting the customers as they come in. An important part of our job is making our customers feel welcome. All we do is give them our cute look. They always say hello and give us scratches behind our ears. They always leave with a smile on their face. So we must be doing something right. Another perk is unlimited free treats!

• L: What is your least favorite part about coming to work?

• B & T: Well that is a tough one but one draw back of being part of a successful business is that it can get very busy in here at times. When that is the case the customer always comes first which is fine with us except when nature calls. . .and we have to pee!

• L: Do you have a favorite human customer?

• B & T: All of our customers are so good to us but if we had to pick it would have to be Uncle Ed.

• L: How about a favorite non-human customer?

• B & T: There are too many to choose from. We really love all of our furry friends.

• L: Do you get to try out new products?

• B & T: Yes. All the time. We try out new leashes and collars. Our customers often ask us to model coats and other clothing. Our favorite things to try out, though, are the toys and the treats!

• L: Have you every gotten into trouble while at work?

• B & T: We are really model employees. We try very hard to do as we are told and follow our boss' instructions. But it is a great big world out there and sometimes when the door opens we can't help ourselves and slip outside when someone is coming or going. We always come back though. We know that we have it pretty good around here.

• L: What do you do to melt your bosses' hearts?

• B & T: Our bosses' are the most important people in our lives. They would do anything for us but when we want to melt their hearts all we have to do is look at them with our wide puppy eyes and give them a big smile.

• L: When you are not working what is your favorite thing to do?

• B & T: We love to go to the soccer field and chase tennis balls.

• L: Where is your favorite place to walk?

• B & T: We love it when we get to take a walk through the woods.

• L: Hot dogs or hamburgers?

• B & T: Hamburger (Raw).

• L: Peanut butter or cheese?

• B & T: Peanut butter.

• L: Dog bed or people bed?

• B & T: People bed.

• L: Thank you so much for your time, ladies. One dog's work is another dog's play. Continue to do what you are doing. It sounds like your job is to put a smile on people's faces and that you do it very well!

Be sure to check in again. Now I am off to find the next "Every Day Dog."