01/17/2024
Even though this is my favorite post each year. I have highly procrastinated it for two reason...
1. This post holds me accountable to my clients, employees, community, and family. So it needs to be well thought out as well as clearly wrote out.
2. There's a topic that brings me to tears at even just the thought, how am I supposed to put it in words?
However there is so much good that comes from this post, so it must be followed through.
Holy Moly 2023 was excellent.
We hit our sales goal for the year and even exceeded it a few months.
We started our Dog Gone It services (I've only been talking about it for two years 🙃) in June.
Lauren started her grooming apprenticeship and has fast tracked it.
However, I lost my best friend, sidekick, inspiration, and most loyal companion, Maverick. Anyone who met him knew just how extra special he was to me. He often left that same impression on every dog and human he met. He was used as a tool when working with challenging training clients; he was the perfect calm and proper dog to help any others struggling with socialization skills. He even took a bite (or two) to help train. He did it with pride, not fear. In his younger years I was never seen without him whether it was working or in my social life. He went were I went! It's hard to believe I'm doing these days without him.
The decision to euthanize your companion is not easy and never taken lightly. I'm typically in the position of giving advice during this difficult time, but it was YOU; my clients, family, and co-workers that guided me, picked me up, and supported me through this. I received some of the most comforting advice and support before, during, and after this process. THANK YOU, truly! He is missed EVERYDAY.
AND... I added Yellow, the world's naughtiest mutt to our funny farm. Yet, we love him. He has proven he's just as smart as naughty. He has learned the commands sit, shake, down, stay, off, wait, come, and rollover (reliably) in less then the month we've had him. He has also proven if we have 40 toys on the floor he's going to find something he shouldn't for his entertainment. And, rarely cuddles because he can't stay still for long enough unless he's sleeping.
Now that we are in 2024, what can we look forward too:
Lauren is projected to graduate in April, which means we will have four groomers. Lauren will also be celebrating four years at LPS. She already knows and has proven her pet skills. We are just helping her grow into the best pet care provider possible.
Kacie is also celebrating FIVE years at LPS, and l have an exciting surprise for her. Despite how she feels about surprises 🤣 too bad Kacie!
We are looking forward to watching the growth of our DGI Services. We want to create comfort in ditching the traditional pet boarding option. Years back Shelby and I worked at a boarding facility (it's how we met! I knew I wanted her to work for me then.. and believe me I expressed that to her! Look where we are now ❤️) and experienced that the traditional boarding option isn't for every dog, but had been the only option. Insert us here! DGI will come to you so your pets can remain in the comfort of their own home, keeping their stress levels low and immune systems high. Another goal being hit to becoming your one-stop-shop for complete pet care. The feedback has been comforting that NOW was the right time to start this. I'm beyond excited to watch it grow - takes me back to the days of opening the Spa 🥰.
When you use our DGI Services, your pets will get to meet Kim! She has an unmatchable love for caring for your pets, she does it with such tender pride! We are so thankful for her addition to the LPS team.
We have a billbaord going up, so let me know when you see it!
I've been saying it for years, but we are truly the blessed ones. We have the best clients both human and pet. We are celebrating because of you and your continued support. We understand we aren't for everyone, and we are OK with that. Our style of honesty and having your pets' best interest in mind (always) isn't easy. It means having challenging but profeasional conversations, but it's done with the intent to aid you in tackling challenging training, grooming, and overall health issues. We are on your team and want to prove our dedication to your pets through our reliable services while restoring customer service!
So.... THANK YOU to my team, clients, family, and community. Here we come 2024!