Thoughts on a September 30th PT meeting in Fort Wayne????

[mugsy]

How about a possible meeting for the open house at Perfect Pet Food and Accessories here in Fort Wayne on Saturday September 30? We are open 9-4 on Saturdays. Pets are always welcome, however, there is not a place for them to run free as we have no fence and are on a VERY busy road...5 lanes!! The store is not very large, but, a very fun place (according to a lot of our customers) and we have a warehouse. We are about 3 hours from Chicago and 2 hours from Indy and Toledo and South Bend area, 3 hours from Columbus, 3 1/2 from Cincy, 3-3 1/2 from Detroit, about 4 from Cleveland, 2 from Findlay....hmmm....anywhere else?? :)

[shais_mom]

might be doable!
I'll mention it when we 'gather' on Sunday in Findlay! :)

[mugsy]

Excellent! Let me know!

[I_luv_rusty]

I want to go lol. Have fun who ever goes... thats (September 30th) my Birthday!!! :D

[Cincy'sMom]

Might be a possibility. Have to find out what is going on at work, as they may be sending me to Seattle sometime the end of September. I'll let you know!

[Donnaj4962]

I would LOVE to attend, but my best friend is getting married that weekend in Indy and apparently, this is going to be the wedding of the year! The festivities started in June and the invitations to new events just keep coming! :eek: (And as the invitations keep coming in, my bank accounts gets lower and lower! :rolleyes: )

I want to be there.... hopefully another one could be planned for another time and then I can make it. Of course, I have no dogs, just kitties, so I may need to borrow a puppy! Can that be arranged?

I will keep an eye on the thread to see what transpires.... hope there can be a gathering, and then another one planned!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Pets are always welcome, however, there is not a place for them to run free
as we have no fence and are on a VERY busy road...5 lanes!!

The store is not very large, but, a very fun place,
and we have a warehouse.

... anywhere else?? :)

Youngstown = 4 hrs + 10 minutes and 254 miles :eek:

So the Warehouse ... is that "In Bounds" for the Furry Visitors?
How large (or small) and how Secure is it for a Doggie Play Area??

Dunno if the FurKids would *enjoy* a four hour road trip with limited romping
upon arrival.

[cyber-sibes]

Hmm, I thought about coming to your open house. Don't know if I have to work that day yet. Will let you know.

[ramanth]

This might be doable. I'll run it by the hubby. :D

[mugsy]

This should be fun....here's the itinerary so far:

1. Nutrena dealer here 9-4...bring in an empty bag of the horse feed you feed now and she will replace it with a free bag of Nutrena and will be introducing new stuff

2. Nature's Variety (Prairie) both raw and dried will be here from 10-2 with samples and info on the food (dog/cat).

3. Pet Adoption Day with Perfect Paws Pet Rescue from 10-1

4. refreshments (compliments of my mom, Carleen's mom, Carleen, and Jeanne) cookies, brownies, coffee, and lemonade

5. raffle for fun prizes

We're working on getting a couple more vendors there...

John, it will only be a small kennel area set up...the area is not fenced, but, the dogs can be in the store as well. This will be fun if you guys can come! People we haven't seen in a couple of years!

[ramanth]

Would it be possible to do a picnic dinner/get together after the store closes?

I see that there is a park near the store.

Not sure if we'd be able to make it by 9, but it's only a 2 and a half hour drive for us. If we left home by 9, we could make it out by Noon. :)

[cyber-sibes]

Mugsy - how late is the store open? I like the pic-nic idea. It's only a couple hours for us, too. Sure would be fun to meet some other pettallkers.

I just got off telephone with the Parks dept. They do have a dogpark, but the passes are quite expensive for non-resisdents. He's going to see if they would allow us a one-day "pass" to use the park. Should hear back from them, maybe tomorrow. He said there are several other parks around, but couldn't think of one with a pavillion right off hand.

[mugsy]

Well, the dog park is actually on the opposite side of town from the store. And Mike and I do not have passes for it. I seriously doubt that this city will allow one day passes, but, we shall see. The store is open until 4, but, then we have to clean up and close down. Actually, it's not uncommon to have people show up at 4:30 or 5 either....Franke Park is about 2 minutes from here and there are pavillions...it's a nice park, but, not for dogs to run loose...no fence. There is a pond and it's right next to the zoo. We are truly pushing this, so hopefully it will be a big day!

It's nice to see that people are willing to drive down! (or up if the case is there! lol)

[cyber-sibes]

.Franke Park is about 2 minutes from here and there are pavillions...it's a nice park, but, not for dogs to run loose...no fence. There is a pond and it's right next to the zoo.That sounds nice, and it's convenient.

[mugsy]

It IS a very nice park and there are multiple pavillions. I don't know how much it is to rent them or the availability. If you want me to call I can... just let me know....

[ramanth]

Franke Park was the one I saw on the map and the one I had in mind. I don't mind that Kia has to stay on leash. It won't kill her. :D

I understand having closing procedures and clean up. I'd be willing to help out.

[mugsy]

Awwww... what a girl!! Thanks!!

Is anyone interested enough for me to call and see about getting a pavillion at Franke Park knowing that your dogs cannot run free?

[mugsy]

Another addition!!

EAGLE PACK IS GOING TO BE AT THE OPEN HOUSE FROM 10-2

[Logan]

Molly, things sound great for your store! I know you and Mike have to be so excited about everything. We will be there with you "in spirit" as it is a bit far for us! ;)

[mugsy]

Aww c'mon Logan...it's not THAT far! lol What's a thousand miles or so between friends?? :p ;)

[lizbud]

We won't be making the trip, but want to wish you both all the best of luck
in your new venture. Hope it's a huge success. :)

[mugsy]

Thanks Liz!! We're hoping for a good turn out! We will miss you though!

[mugsy]

Wellness stopped by today and left a bunch of raffle prizes and a boatload of coupons!

[mugsy]

Yet another update....Canidae is going to be here too!

So far:

Nutrena
Canidae
Eagle Pack
Nature's Variety
L'Avian (bird food)
Pet Adoptions

[mugsy]

Does anyone know if they are going to make it to the open house next Saturday??

[ramanth]

I'm planning on driving down. :)

[shais_mom]

I think I might have a family obligation but will let ya' know later in the week.
:)

[cyber-sibes]

Not sure yet...fingers crossed!

[ramanth]

Molly, what is the address for the store? :) Thanks!

[mugsy]

Here's the flyer that we sent out...

COME ONE! COME ALL!

OPEN HOUSE

PERFECT PET FOOD AND ACCESSORIES
1313 W. COLISEUM BLVD
260-483-0944
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
9-4
Vendors, specials, coupons, refreshments,
pet adoptions!!!

[cyber-sibes]

In case I don't make it in person,

Good Luck & Best Wishes with your new business!

[mugsy]

We have a great surprise (will disclose on Sunday) and prizes are:

4 different prizes of 4 20 pound bags of Canidae dog food
1 "Wellness" canvas bag with 6 bags of yet to be released treats
A Paul Revere Lantern bird feeder with a bag of bird seed
Still working on good cat prizes and small critter prizes....

ACK I'm getting nervous!

[shais_mom]

I'd really like to go but this family event came up that I can't miss.
:(
Please take lots of pics Kimmy - and Molly and tell us alllllll about it!

{hugs}

[mugsy]

Will do!!! We'll miss you, but, have fun at your party!

[ramanth]

Molly, we hope to get there by Noon.

We're bringing Kia's crate with us. If there is a place we can set her up, then we could do dinner. :)

I'm so excited for you guys! :D

[mugsy]

Sounds good! You will LOVE Carleen...she's just up your alley!!! I'm getting incredibly NERVOUS!!! :eek:

[ramanth]

Is Carleen a person or pooch? ;) :D

[Cinder & Smoke]

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/biggrin.gif
CONGRATULATIONS
to Mike & Molly +
HAPPIE Open House
at the Pet Food Shop!

Have a GREAT Day!!
If you can make it to Fort Wayne - the hours are 9am to 4pm on
SATURDAY, September 30, 2006 --- TOMORROW.

Here's a linkt to MapQuest - Click it and **wait** for the entire page to load ...
Then fill in your "Starting Address" - the "Destination" (Mike & Molly's Shop)
is already filled in for you.

MapQuest link >>>
(http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?2a=1313 W Coliseum Blvd&2c=Fort Wayne&2s=IN&2z=46808&2y=US&cid=lfddlink])
MapQuest Directions To: Perfect Pet Foods in Fort Wayne, IN (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?2a=1313 W Coliseum Blvd&2c=Fort Wayne&2s=IN&2z=46808&2y=US&cid=lfddlink)


============================================

Mike & Molly ~

Sorry the FurKids and I won't be making the trip ... it's just a bit "much" to
do in one day. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif

I wish you both The Very Best ... Have a **GREAT Day!!

{{{HUGS}}} from Phred, Cinder, Smokey, Bowser, & Boots da Kat

[cyber-sibes]

Congrats! Hope you get a grand reception there in Ft. Wayne. I won't be able to attend as I am working- deadlines - deadlines - deadlines, but I will be thinking of you all day! :D Maybe we can come for a "drive" some other time.

[pitc9]

Congrats and I wish you all the Good Luck in the world!!
Sorry I can't make it, I'm at work today! :(

[Cincy'sMom]

Hope things are going great today!!! Unfortunately, we aren't able to make it over wither, but are wishing you all the luck in the world.

[ramanth]

Andy and I got home around midnight (after stopping off at my parents). What a day! :D Molly and Mike, it was so great seeing you guys again. Congrats on a wonderful store and turn out! I took a few pictures of the outside/inside, but alas, no group shots.

Kia wolfed down one of the sample packs. Hard to say if she was just hungry or actually liked it. :rolleyes: :D

We're looking foward to digging into that Canidae we won. I swear we didn't stuff the raffle box! :o ;) :D

Thanks again for the fun day and dinner. Kia has now crashed out and I'm about to follow suit.

Ta!

[mugsy]

It was a FANTASTIC day!! Andy and Kimmy, it was great seeing you and I hope Kia is tuckered out because of all of the attention she got! She sure was a hit with the customers! Does she still like the bone that she made Mike go back down and get for her?? lol. And Andy, thanks so much for vacuuming for us at the end of the day!! I got back to the store and Mike told me that Andy had vacuumed the whole store after everyone left (actually there were still stragglers until 6:30!).

And, as Kimmy now knows, Carleen is a human!! lol Carleen set up the food table for us and her mother baked 3 pans of her famous triple chocolate brownies (which were the hit of the day) and she baked snickerdoodles and then she made all of the workers (Mike, Carleen, Jeanne, Andy, Kimmy, and me) and the demonstrators and rescue people lunch! She made wonderful ham and swiss and turkey and cheddar roll ups and brought grapes and cheese logs and crackers. We could not have pulled this off without her help! Then the Dragon's Keep Cafe came (we thought they forgot) with the espresso machine and special coffee for the guests (which was also very popular).

We had customers that had never been in and were quite impressed with all of the happenings and we had winners (including PT's own Kimmy) who won prizes. We had 4 20# bags of Canidae dog food (Kimmy won one of those), a halter and blanket for the horse people, a wicker cat bed with red cushy bed, a cat harness and leash with a sparkle ball toy and a cat nip fish (won by one of my student's mother!), a Wellness canvas bag with 6 bags of their holistic treats, and a bird feeder with a bag of food. One of the local radio stations ran an ad for us and one of the DJs just LOVES us and he plugged us hard (for free) all week and the station gave away 2 bags of Eagle Pack food, so those people came in as well and were duly impressed. I think overall it was a good day!! Now we just have to get them to come back!! :)

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

Glad to hear things went so well!! Wish we could have made it over!

[Corinna]

Gld to hear it went so well. Sounds like a lot of fun was had by all.

[shais_mom]

Glad to hear things went so well!! Wish we could have made it over!
DITTO!

[mugsy]

Thanks guys!!!

Hey Kimmy....where are the pictures!! I am being impatient!! And thanks again for coming down!

I wish you all could have come...it really was fun!

[Karen]

Sounds like a great day/event! I always wish we could be wherever Pet Talkers are agthering, but until I get me a dragon (Kim'll understand) I just can't be everywhere instantaneously like I'd like!

[ramanth]

I won't be able to upload them until tomorrow at work.

Ahhh yes Karen...to have a dragon would be the best! :D No time constraints or tired drives home... *sigh*

[cyber-sibes]

Sounds like a wonderful day! sorry we had to miss it, will definitely keep it in mind for a future road trip!

[mugsy]

I can't wait to see them Kimmy! Thanks for taking them!! Also, Karen, we did have the Dragon's Keep Coffee House at the store too! Just ask Kimmy about the Blueberry White Chocolate coffee....

[mugsy]

KIMMY!!!! I'm getting impatient!!! How did the pictures turn out?? lol I know, I know....I'm pushy!!! ;)

[ramanth]

Sorry for the delay... I haven't been feeling well. :(

Here are the pics. :)

Signage
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0798.jpg

Front of store
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0799.jpg

Bird feeders
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0800.jpg

Kia wondering what I'm up too
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0801.jpg

Dog treats and items galore
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0802.jpg

Andy and Kia check out the table full of goodies
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0803.jpg

Kia racing down the ramp
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ramanth/fort%20wayne/IMG_0804.jpg


I thought I took more, but I guess not! The store looks empty but honestly, it was far from. I guess I'm apprehensive about sticking a camera in customers faces. :o

[mugsy]

AWWWW Kimmy! I'm sorry!!! I hope you feel better soon! When you do feel better could you email the pictures to me and to the store? The store's email is [email protected]

Thanks for the pics! They're great!!!

[Logan]

Oh Molly, I am so happy for you and Mike that the day went so well, and what a nice "treat" to have Andy, Kimmy and Kia there!!!! :) I wish I could have brought my crew, but you might be glad I didn't! ;)

[Donnaj4962]

WOW! Those pictures are great! Looks like it was a great day for you! I am going to try to get to your store this weekend and check everything out! I am sorry that I couldn't be therre for the grand opening festivities on Saturday, but I was in Indy helping my best friend get married! But I WILL stop in... I promise!


CONGRATULATIONS!