I am sharing with you a Pledge that the Kauffman Foundation, an organization supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, has published. I read it this morning and thought it dovetailed so nicely into my last post that I want to share it with you.
I believe the American Dream is still alive and well, even it may be more difficult to get there sometimes. If you are an entrepreneur, the words will mean a lot to you. If you know an entrepreneur or perhaps a budding entrepreneur, you may want to share this pledge with them, too.
The Entrepreneur's Pledge:
I am an Entrepreneur.
I am following a dream, pursuing an opportunity, taking charge of my own destiny.
I am bringing something of value to society, making a job for myself and for others, and creating wealth that benefits my family, my community, my country, my world.
I am one of a movement of millions of entrepreneurs and innovators who made America great, and who will continue to keep our economy going ... and growing.
I am what I am because many people have helped me along on this journey.
Therefore:
I will tell my story, sharing my successes and failures, so that others taking the entrepreneurial path can learn.
I will strive to mentor an aspiring entrepreneur.
I will make my voice heard by those who make policy decisions that affect me and my business.
I will appreciate and celebrate my accomplishments, and the accomplishments of all my fellow entrepreneurs.
I will give back to the society that helped me to be successful.
I will Build a Stronger America.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Grand Opening on May 1, 2011!! Come join us from 3 - 8 pm!
We are so excited about the Grand Opening for Fenway Bark on May 1, 2011!!
We have been open for a month but we want to memorialize what has been an epic up hill battle to open a business in this economy and having overcoming what might have otherwise been business sinking salvos coming from so many directions.
The salvos came in so many forms; permits issued in error or in delay, financing that was slow to materialize, hiring the right staff to go the distance, and more. Like a dog with a bone, resilience was the name of the game and indeed, we learned what resilience really means.
We also learned what it means to be loyal. Through the worst of our delays, we were loyal to the employees we hired and kept them employed to avoid contributing to already dismal unemployment numbers in South Boston. We did so with our own capital because, simply, we felt it was the right thing to do when people left other jobs to take a leap of faith with a start up. Their loyalty to us during the difficult days during the delays will always be remembered. Those who lifted spirits and looked for opportunities to grow I hope will stay with us for a long, long time.
We have legions of business supporters who have been patient with us as we have brought this business to life and I want to take a moment to let you know about their support of small business so that if you are in need of similar services, you can think of them.
G2 Technology Group
Lori Yarvis - Archstone Law
William Shaevel - Shaevel and Krems
Cobalt Construction - Jon Daskam
Universal Flooring
Mount Washington Bank
South Boston Animal Hospital
AMB Trust
I have probably forgotten to mention a few and if I have, I'll be sure to mention them in future updates.
We also have had the immeasurably important support of our families and friends and we are so grateful to each and every one of them. There were moments in this journey that I felt like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" where all his friends and family come to the rescue in terms of support. Remember, whenever a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!
And now, after training our staff, ensuring each of them is trained in CPR and First Aid, building our facility, and collaborating together to build one of the best dog and cat care facilities arguably anywhere, we are here for you for boarding, daycare, grooming, training, and all pet retail products. We will be opening physical therapy center in the summer.
At this juncture we need you, the customers, to help keep our small business buoyant and we hope that you will come see us soon, see what we about, and let us earn your confidence. We know we will.
We invite you to read our Facebook and Yelp reviews to see what our customers are saying about us.
Between now and April 30 we are offering a special deal to our customers. If you purchase 20 days of daycare at one time, we will give you $100 in facility credit and if you buy a 60 days, a $300 credit. For this limited time, we are offering the same credits for our boarding packages.
What can you do with your credits?
Purchase your pet food, tick medication, training classes, grooming appointments, or apply it to a future package purchase. You can use your credits toward buying your pup a treat at the end of daycare or a self serve dog wash. Simply put, the credits can be used toward any service we offer and you don't have to drive to multiple locations or try to find a parking space each time you need one of these services. It is all under one roof with free parking in the heart of the City.
On a final note, the cost of going to one location to get all of your ancillary pet care needs is not insignificant. As gas prices are now predicted to be going to $5 - $7/gallon, being able to get everything you need for your dog or cat in one place with free parking (on the North side of our building between truck bays 74 - 79, our dedicated area) should help you save time and money.
Come check us out and if you like what you see, put your toe in . . .the waters fine!
We have been open for a month but we want to memorialize what has been an epic up hill battle to open a business in this economy and having overcoming what might have otherwise been business sinking salvos coming from so many directions.
The salvos came in so many forms; permits issued in error or in delay, financing that was slow to materialize, hiring the right staff to go the distance, and more. Like a dog with a bone, resilience was the name of the game and indeed, we learned what resilience really means.
We also learned what it means to be loyal. Through the worst of our delays, we were loyal to the employees we hired and kept them employed to avoid contributing to already dismal unemployment numbers in South Boston. We did so with our own capital because, simply, we felt it was the right thing to do when people left other jobs to take a leap of faith with a start up. Their loyalty to us during the difficult days during the delays will always be remembered. Those who lifted spirits and looked for opportunities to grow I hope will stay with us for a long, long time.
We have legions of business supporters who have been patient with us as we have brought this business to life and I want to take a moment to let you know about their support of small business so that if you are in need of similar services, you can think of them.
G2 Technology Group
Lori Yarvis - Archstone Law
William Shaevel - Shaevel and Krems
Cobalt Construction - Jon Daskam
Universal Flooring
Mount Washington Bank
South Boston Animal Hospital
AMB Trust
I have probably forgotten to mention a few and if I have, I'll be sure to mention them in future updates.
We also have had the immeasurably important support of our families and friends and we are so grateful to each and every one of them. There were moments in this journey that I felt like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" where all his friends and family come to the rescue in terms of support. Remember, whenever a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!
And now, after training our staff, ensuring each of them is trained in CPR and First Aid, building our facility, and collaborating together to build one of the best dog and cat care facilities arguably anywhere, we are here for you for boarding, daycare, grooming, training, and all pet retail products. We will be opening physical therapy center in the summer.
At this juncture we need you, the customers, to help keep our small business buoyant and we hope that you will come see us soon, see what we about, and let us earn your confidence. We know we will.
We invite you to read our Facebook and Yelp reviews to see what our customers are saying about us.
Between now and April 30 we are offering a special deal to our customers. If you purchase 20 days of daycare at one time, we will give you $100 in facility credit and if you buy a 60 days, a $300 credit. For this limited time, we are offering the same credits for our boarding packages.
What can you do with your credits?
Purchase your pet food, tick medication, training classes, grooming appointments, or apply it to a future package purchase. You can use your credits toward buying your pup a treat at the end of daycare or a self serve dog wash. Simply put, the credits can be used toward any service we offer and you don't have to drive to multiple locations or try to find a parking space each time you need one of these services. It is all under one roof with free parking in the heart of the City.
On a final note, the cost of going to one location to get all of your ancillary pet care needs is not insignificant. As gas prices are now predicted to be going to $5 - $7/gallon, being able to get everything you need for your dog or cat in one place with free parking (on the North side of our building between truck bays 74 - 79, our dedicated area) should help you save time and money.
Come check us out and if you like what you see, put your toe in . . .the waters fine!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
It's off to the races at Fenway Bark! Little League on the Big Lawn!
Fenway Bark will be offering Daycare on Saturdays to meet the needs of our customers!
Check out this video of four of our regulars having a great time on the lawn!
Check out this video of four of our regulars having a great time on the lawn!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
National Pet ID Week - April 18 - 24 by Leslie Miller, Veterinary Technician at Fenway Bark
In celebration of National Pet Id Week (April 18 – 24th) we’ve compiled a list of ways your pet can be identified, should he/she become lost.
ID Tags –
Your pet should always wear a collar with a tag that has his/her name, address and phone number. You can get personalized ID tags made at your local pet supply store or there are many options online.
Red Dingo provides high quality tags for a decent price and ships them to your door!
Fenway Bark is a proud supplier of Red Dingo tags. Come in and order your custom tag for your pet!
Rabies Tags –
When your dog is vaccinated for Rabies, your vet will provide you with a tag that has a unique number on it, as well as the Vet’s address and phone number. This is another way your pet can be identified should he become lost.
Dog Licenses –
Most Cities require dog owners to purchase a license for their dog. (Proof of current rabies vaccine is required.) You will be given a tag with a unique number on it. Should your dog become lost, the finder could call City Hall of the town that the license was issued in and find out the contact information of the owner.
Check your town’s website for more information on dog licensing in your area.
Custom Collars / Leashes –
There are many places out there that sell collars and leashes with your pets name and your phone number embroidered on them.
Lucky Pet and LL Bean offer options as well as the vetted suppliers for Fenway Bark.
GPS collars –
There are a few products that have come on the market that utilize GPS technology to pinpoint your dog’s location. However, they too can be easily removed and are pretty expensive.
Garmin Astro DC 40 Collar:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8576&ra=true
Spotlight GPS Pet Locator:
http://www.spotlightgps.com
Zoombak GPS Locator:
http://www.zoombak.com/products/pet/
Microchipping -
While fancy tags and collars are nice, they can slip off or be removed by thieves. Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are inserted via syringe between your pet’s shoulder blades, just under the skin. While the needle is slightly larger than those used for vaccines, the procedure does not require any anesthesia and causes minimal discomfort for your pet.
Once implanted, the microchip can be read by universal scanners at vet’s offices, shelters, animal control, etc. Each chip has a unique number that identifies your pet. Once the number is found they call the microchip company to get the contact information* for the owner. The microchip companies also provide a tag for your pet’s collar with the microchip number printed on it.
*PLEASE NOTE: It’s really important to keep your contact information up-to-date when you move or change phone numbers.
Microchipping is very affordable – at approximately $35 - $50. Some pet stores, shelters and even vet offices, have low cost microchipping clinics. It’s a small price to pay to increase the chances that your loved one will be returned to you if lost or stolen!
Home Again Microchips:
http://public.homeagain.com/
Avid Microchips:
http://www.avidid.com/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Fenway Bark in the news!
Fenway Bark Stay.Play.Heal. was featured today on Boston.com! Click here to read the article!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month - by Emily Hines, Guest Attendant, Fenway Bark
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. It is caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group.
What symptoms should I look for?
The early signs of Lyme disease in dogs are most commonly loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Lameness may occur at the same time or may occur later. In some dogs, enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually generalized enlargement) occurs. In dogs, skin signs, heart disease, kidney problems and neurologic signs are reported to be rare. Symptoms of Lyme disease are usually delayed for several months but start to occur about 2 months after exposure and should show up by 5 to 6 months after a dog or cat is bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria.
How can I protect my dog?
• You may request a test for Lyme disease from your veterinarian during your pets annual exam
• Regular use of a flea preventative that protects against ticks as well; such as Frontline or Advantage (available at Fenway Bark!)
• Check your pet for ticks after they go outside
• Ability to differentiate an Ixodes tick from other ticks may help the veterinarian identify if it is a carrier of Lyme disease.
What should I do if my dog has Lyme disease?
There are a number of antibiotics from which to choose. It is important that you keep your dog warm and dry, and you will need to control its activity until the clinical signs have improved. The recommended period for treatment is four weeks. Your veterinarian is unlikely to recommend dietary changes. Do not use medications unless they have been recommended by your veterinarian.
Fenway Bark offers a full line of products for flea and tick prevention. Stop by our store soon to pick up your supply!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month by Emily Hines, Guest Attendant, Fenway Bark
What is considered Cruelty to animals?
Animals without proper shelter, in need of medical attention, not receiving proper nutrition, animal fighting and animals abandoned when an owner moves away.
What are the consequences for Cruelty to animals?
In the state of Massachusetts if you are found guilty of animal cruelty you may receive up to a $1000.00 fine, seizure of your animal or up to one year imprisonment.
What can I do if I think an animal is being abused?
Contact your local law enforcement/animal control office or the MSPCA Law Enforcement Department.
The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department Administration is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. When calling after hours, leave a brief message along with your name, and the area code and phone number where you may be reached during normal business hours. MSPCA Law Enforcement Department voice mail will not be monitored during weekends, nights or holidays, and voice messages left will not be received until the next business day. In the event of an emergency after hours, local city/town police departments may be contacted. All Calls are Confidential.
Outside Massachusetts, contact your local police department, animal control or animal protection organization.
How can I help?
- Always make sure your pet is wearing an I.D. tag
- Prepare a Disaster plan that includes your pet
- Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered
*If you see something, say something! Animals don’t have a voice of their own, so we need to protect them. We collectively share the responsibility to keep animals safe.
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