“Community Service
A Two Way Street”

by Paula and Lewis Turner
Special to Pet Product News

Be A Great Community Member!

School Tours: The key is to have the visits planned.We believe it is a good idea to meet with the teacher ahead of time and brief them on what we would like to do. They would be responsible for being sure there is enough adult supervision. Keep the groups small and no more than 45 minutes (even less for the little ones). If you sell pets, have some ready to be petted. It’s amazing the impact that a cuddle or lick on the nose can offer. Give each pupil a page from a pet-related coloring book (stamped with your logo) and a crayon to take back to class as a remembrance.

Bring a Pet to School: We don't want to sell anything on our first visit. We are at the school as a neighborhood kid-friendly pet store.

Sponsoring Goldfish: Planning is important. Most of these functions are run the same time each year, so put a reminder on your calendar. Have inexpensive set-ups ready to go. When a child holding a plastic bag with a fish drags in the parent, you can get them on their way with very little hassle. Be sure to include a care sheet. We've included some sample text below. Feel free to cut and paste it onto a sheet with your logo.

In-store Pet Adoptions: Be sure the group supplies insurance coverage, or provides you with a release of liability. This will protect you if there should be an “incident” with one of the adopted pets or volunteers from the organization.

Donations: We recently held a one-month donation drive for the Los Angeles Search and Rescue Dogs. We learned that they are not funded by any city, state or federal agency and are all volunteers.“Pawtographs” were collected. With each donation, the customer received a drawing of a paw in which they could put their pet’s name. The paws were hung throughout the store to attract attention.At the culmination of the month-long effort, four of the search dogs and their handlers came to the store for photographs. We were able to present the group with a check for $1,500.

Food drives are also easy to set up. Once you’ve picked your group (don’t forget the shelters), set up a collection bin with a sign asking for canned or dry food. Be sure the group has some means of picking up the collections when called.

Walk-a-thons: The Wellness Community and other cancer prevention organizations often sponsor people and pet walk-a-thons to raise money. Purchasing a table to display products is usually not very expensive. They’re always looking for bag stuffers for the contestants. Can covers with your logo are popular.

Whatever you choose to undertake, remember that your staff and your store are members of the community on many levels. Your staff will feel great as individuals making a difference to a program, school or organization in your own backyard. Your store will set an example and will hopefully encourage other local businesses to be actively involved in your community. And you can take great pride in your commitment both as an individual and as a local business that in your own way -- you are making a difference!

Here's the information we promised you about

Caring for Your New Goldfish!

YOUR NEW GOLDFISH
We have provided some simple steps to follow so that your goldfish will get started off on the right “fin” and enjoy a happy, healthy life.

Goldfish, for the most part, are not finicky about food and - like all pets - a varied diet is ideal. We can recommend an excellent goldfish flake food, and feedings should take place two or three times a day as long as all food is consumed within five minutes.

LIVING QUARTERS: There are lots of choices: Plastic fish bowls are available in an assortment of shapes and sizes. We would suggest an aquarium as it provides more space. It is best to limit the number of goldfish to two small fish per gallon of water. This will allow room for growth.

It is possible for goldfish to survive in small fish bowls, but they will thrive when a filter and pump are used to ensure clear clean water and adequate aeration. Consult a pet care specialist for information on the various types of filtration available.

A fish does not enjoy looking at glass walls! A few decorations will liven up the place. You can add live or artificial plants; ceramic ornaments, decorative rocks, and even treated driftwood. There is a wide selection of gravel in a rainbow of colors to assist in anchoring the plants and making their home more natural.

Don’t forget a fish net; it will be very useful when changing the water.

PLAN THE ARRIVAL: For the safety of the goldfish, it is best to have the living quarters prepared ahead of time. Goldfish can only survive about three hours in the plastic bag you received it in. Fill the living quarters with water (the amount used will depend on the housing selection) and let it adjust to room temperature. The water must be de-chlorinated. The easy-to-use drops should be added each time you change or add water. Float the plastic bag in this water for about 15 minutes before releasing the fish.

YOUR PET CARE SPECIALIST IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY… BUT WE WOULD MUCH RATHER HAVE YOU VISIT US.