Greetings LaundroMuttans,
• Happy New Year
January. The dawn of every new year is named for Janus, the Roman god of doors, gateways, beginnings and endings; we have past through the portal from one year to the next. Fact: ancient Rome originally considered the winter a monthless period. It was not until 153 BC that the Roman god’s eponymic month was adopted as the first of twelve. Fact: to this day winter can still feel like a nebulous, infinite epoch of glacial darkness. No… I am not depressed. With every day passing, the sun shines a few minutes longer and the promise of spring grows steadily near. And compared to winters past, I am digging our current weather patterns… it almost feels like we are in a greenhouse. So when we do have these glorious reprieves from the inclemency, may we all frolic in the parks and do our happy dance in the mud.
• LaundroMutt: The year in review
When 2005 began, we were just leaving infancy and discovering
our legs: LaundroMutt was still in its developmental stages. We have come
a long way in our revolution around the sun: including being honored as
Best New Store and Best of Boston 2005. From an idea that was born in
the bowl of Fresh Pond Park, we have become a family solidified by one
common element: the adoration of our furry, four-footed friends. We have
discovered that some dogs are more generously endowed in the fur department
than others.
Last February, a groomer was sent to us… by her
husband. Alana swiftly gained a fantastic
reputation, not only for her grooming expertise, but also for her “dog-whispering”.
Come mid-summer, we said goodbye to Yee, who began her quest to practice
veterinary medicine. Yee had been with us since 2004 and helped us survive
our initial surge in demand. Her departure marked the arrival of Jamie
and Cheryl- with us to this day. Jamie and Cheryl both are amazing. They
can keep LaundroMutt looking phenomenal while giving every person the
individual attention they deserve. Cheryl is also leading the charge with
LaundroMutt’s Day Spa service and
daycare. Recently, we have been introducing everyone to Cattie, a
certified Dog Massage Therapist now working out of LaundroMutt. Wow, what
a year it has been!
And let us not forget our constant search for more and
more hot water. Yes, there have been times when we have enjoyed the social
aspects of the Tub Room- not because of our innate need to commune with
other beings, but because there was no hot water in the house. I have
done extensive research into the matter and soon, as Dog is my witness,
we never run out of hot water again!
• A New Year = A New Dog License
We encourage every dog owner to register your dog and
purchase a dog license. It is great indicator that you are a responsible
and caring dog owner. There are many excellent reasons why we advocate
this yearly ritual:
1) Dog licenses are only issued to dogs with proof of current rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus exists in the salvia of mammals and is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting and/or scratching. The virus can also be spread by licking, when the infected salvia makes contract with open cuts or with the mouth, eyes and nose. If left untreated, rabies is fatal. When you come across a strange dog wearing a valid license, you can rest assured it will not be rabid.
2) A dog license will ensure an expedited trip home if your dog wanders off. Once licensed, your dog is registered with the city Animal Commission. If found astray, your licensed dog will not go to the animal shelter; it will be returned to you. For just a couple of dollars, it is a great piece of mind to own.
3) Once purchased, you are providing your local community with valuable census data. It is common knowledge that only a fraction of dogs are licensed at this time. Yet, with greater numbers comes greater power and privilege… like dog parks. We at LaundroMutt are work hard with other members of the community for the creation of off-leash dog parks. If the number of licensed dogs ACTUALLY reflected the true totals, our efforts could be rewarded much sooner than later.
4) The revenue collected from licenses funds the local Animal Commissions who provide education and enforcement in our communities and schools. It is a valuable service that we often overlook.
• BarkaLounge Event: Cambridge Dog Owers Group membership meeting
We know you do a lot for your four-footed friends,
but let’s face it- aren’t dog parks as much (or more) about people as
they are about dogs? In order to continue working toward more safe and
legal off-leash space, CDOG needs more members. Your thoughts, ideas,
and feedback may help create what we do not have now: off-leash dog space.
The time commitment is minute and the rewards could be titanic. There
are no membership fees or dues and all are welcome! On Tuesday, February
21, 2006, at 6:PM. CDOG will have a gathering for potential new members
in the BarkaLounge. If you’re curious about how you can help make Cambridge
a more dog-friendly place to live, please attend. For more information,
go to cambridgedog.org, or write
to info@cambridgedog.org, or
call (617) 547-2553. PLEASE RSVP CDOG by email.
• Our Featured Product
A year ago we featured Musher’s Secret as protection
against salt and snow for your dog’s paws. In this issue we are featuring
another important safety product: the Pet Blinker. The Pet Blinker is
a LED light that clips on to your dog’s collar. It is incredibly bright
and is even water resistant. Whenever we take the dogs out at night, we
clip on their lights. Even if your dog is never off-leash, it is crucial
that your dog is visible at night to you, to other people and to bikes
and motor vehicles. Pet Blinkers come in several color combinations, which
is especially helpful when you have more than one pooch to watch over.
• Quote
"Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually
unnoticed by a Great Dane."
--Smiley Blanton
• Lave Canem
WBZ Channel 4 recently produced
a wonderful segment about us on the 5pm news. I had no idea how many people
watched the 5pm news! It was another fabulous piece and we have met a
lot of great dogs and their owners as a result. For those of you who missed
LaundroMutt featured on the shows Chronicle and the Comcast
Morning Show, they are available for viewing on our Press page.
The response from all the stations has been amazing.
Everyday we have new clients come in to LaundroMutt
who have been referred by a friend. Thank you for spreading the word.
Our clients are our best advertisement. After all, you helped make us
Best of Boston 2005. If you know of other dogs and their
owners, please forward this email on to them. And, if you have any questions,
comments or concerns, please give us a call us or send us an email.
Cheers,
Elizabeth, Evan, Maya and Brumby
LaundroMutt, Inc.
489 Concord Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-864-9274
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Copyright © 2005 LaundroMutt, Inc. All rights reserved.