01/06/2017
With notice just posted earlier that I have retired from Chessiepets, I understand there may be lots of questions, so please see below to allow us the opportunity to initiate communications, and address as best possible, in an honest and heartfelt effort, your questions, fears, and concerns.
In the meantime, may we all please welcome Laura and Thomas by supporting them and their efforts in assuming leadership of the operation, as they also look forward to caring for you, and your pets, now, and for many years to come.
FAQ's about Susan's retirement:
1) "Oh my goodness, this is such a shock! Why is she leaving?"
My years at Chessiepets have been incredible, and I will miss seeing everyone, and caring for your pets, most of whom are truly like family to me, which has truly been an honor. So many memories, and I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. After 15 years though, and several years before that for planning, researching, and dreaming, I am at a point in my life that I would like to have more mom time for my young daughter, and I am also looking ahead to some other new and exciting opportunities.
2) "Why didn't anyone tell me sooner? I've been a client for many years! How could Susan do this to us?"
Transitioning an operation of our magnitude, involved many facets, with many details, and considerations. That said, I, Susan, and the new Owners, felt it best to refrain from any announcements, until everyone was in alignment. Perhaps not the size of a Wall Street merger, but all the same details had to be worked out just the same, and utilizing a barage of lawyers, accountants, government agencies, etc., to get it just right, for all of us!
3) "What about the Staff?"
Rest assured, taking care of my Staff was a top priority in this transition, and as such, ALL of the Staff is staying on! Yeah!
4) "What about my reservations, prepaid daycare packages, and my deposits I've already paid?"
All of your reservations are fine, and in place, as are your deposits, and any other payments. Nothing is changing anytime soon, if at all. So let's all just breathe!
5) "Who are the new Owners? How do we know they'll do a good job? I'm really uncomfortable about all of this!"
Laura has worked for many years as the CEO of a successful chain of businesses, also in MD, prior to selling those business to pursue her dream of owning a family kennel. Laura and Thomas have been planning this, and researching this, for several years, also passing up other facilities they looked at, before finding us. Along with her son Thomas, they were my first choice. While others have expressed interest over the years, none were up to par, or had nepharious things about them, I sensed, that just didn't jive with me. Those of you that know me well, know that I set the bar very high, for most things, and especially my first "baby," Chesapeake Pet Resort.
6) "Are they keeping the same name?"
Yes. It is my understanding they are keeping the same name, although their new page, and email address will say something a little different, primarily because I am retaining some account name identifiers, for personal reasons, mostly. Nothing is changing anytime soon, which they have reiterated to me repeatedly. The only immenent change will be my absence after our transition period, at some point down the road. I'm still here, and ready to assist in any capacity that Laura or Thomas might request!
7) "Is the phone number going to stay the same?"
YES! 301-373-3400
8) "What about the page? I love to follow the daily happenings and photos at Chessiepets!"
The new page address is:
"Chesapeake Pet Resort," which is just slightly different from the current page I established years ago, called "Chesapeake Pet Resort & Day Spa."
Please "Like" their new page, and welcome them aboard, to continue the Chessiepets legacy!!!!
(Primarily for sentimental reasons, I am taking the current page with me, which I will "unpublish," at some time in the near future.)
Our website, Chessiepets.com, has also transitioned to Laura and Thomas, so, no changes there.
9) "What about email?"
The new email address is:
[email protected]
(I am keeping my longtime email address of [email protected]).
The other frequently used email for clients, [email protected], is no longer valid. In the meantime, any emails still coming in to the "old" email accounts, that are intended for the business, that now need to go to Laura and Thomas, will be forwarded by me, asap, for the new Owners to attend to.
10) "How do I find Susan to keep in touch?"
I would love to keep in touch, so feel free to reach me at my longtime email address, I'm taking with me: [email protected]
**********
And thus, please know that I seriously went to great lengths to make sure just the right family would be in place, to continue the great care of your pets, (and you), and the legacy, and regionally recognized Brand, I created. I have already worked with Laura and Thomas, for transition training on several occasions, and I am very comfortable with their ability to take up the reins at Chessiepets. I'm also, frankly, excited to see what their breath of fresh air will bring, to continue to grow Chessiepets as a provider of great pet care in the community!
I'm sure there are more of your questions that I would like to address in the coming days, so please let me know your thoughts, to continue the Chessiepets high level of care, and I'm sure the new Owners would like your feedback too!
I certainly understand that change is scary for some, but I also hope, and trust, that everyone will do their best to welcome Laura and Thomas, as an exciting new team to lead the operation into the coming years, as I whole heartedly have!
Thank you all!
Susan
