Storefront pet adoption

I often think I’ve come up with a great and original idea for a business or product, and then I find out someone else has already accomplished it.  Case in point, see the below entry about “Dante’s Elbows”, and you’ll realize that my idea for elbow wraps for dogs wasn’t quite so original.  The same is true with my longstanding wish to open storefront pet adoption centers in strip malls.  I’ve always wanted to replace all those horrible “pet stores” which sell from puppy mills, and instead offer stores which have shelter pets for adoption.  I thought a storefront idea was perfect, because it would bring the animals to the prospective adopters, and would allow people to stay away from the main shelter, which I know so many folks find depressing.  So, I was completely thrilled when I found out that The Animal Foundation had opened a storefront adoption center quite close to us, even if they had read my brain waves and stolen my thoughts wink

The Animal Foundation has been in my bad books since last year, when they euthanized the stray cat, Stewie, who we took to them.  I’ve since come to realize that the Foundation sort of runs as two separate entities, the shelter/animal control and the adoption center, so I think my anger is mostly with the shelter and perhaps not specifically with the adoption process.  I’ve heard rumours that perhaps the two areas of the business don’t always see eye to eye, so I’ll hope the people who came up with the idea for the storefront adoption center are the same ones who would have helped save Stewie if they had the chance.  We unfortunately only have two major rescue groups here in Las Vegas, the Animal Foundation and the NSPCA (which is on the other end of town), so I’ve either got to come to some sort of truce with the AF or never be able to do any volunteer work with animals.  I’m attempting a mental truce.

Today, Flippy and I made an impromptu trip the storefront adoption center while we were out picking up our dinner at Quiznos.  That’s how you know the storefront is convenient—you can get a sandwich nearby, and pick up your dry cleaning, too.  I took a photo with the camera phone:

image

The store was formerly the location of a vet’s office, so the layout inside is quite good and sectioned off nicely for different animals.  The dogs are way in the back, in chain link kennels, the cats are up front by the window in a large common area, and a smaller room houses rabbits (and one cockatiel).  There are also areas for storage, and a laundry area.  Other than a bit of dog poop in one kennel, the place was quite clean and homey, and all the animals were nicely socialized, even the cats!  There was one small dog who was a bit iffy (i.e., he barked and seemed to want to eat Flippy), but I think he was just scared.  I fell in love with a beautiful brown pitbull who had lovely manners and desperately wanted affection, as well as a black cat who was missing both ears but otherwise looked like a combination of Frank and Tie.  I guess all black cats probably look like a combination of Frank and Tie.

The store had a “Help Wanted” sign in the window, which I assumed meant, “Volunteers Wanted”, but I found out they really are hiring paid help.  I picked up an application, although I think my work authorization may still be a month or so away and I doubt any positions will still be available by the time I’m allowed to work.  The positions interested me, though—I could work part-time, four hours a day, just cleaning and socializing before the store opens.  They also want a website, which would be easy enough to design.  I wouldn’t have to deal with the general public, and I wouldn’t have to do adoptions.  We spoke at length to the two girls working today (they were probably no more than 20 years old), and they were friendly and had great attitudes (and good politics).  The manager arrived at one point, and although I didn’t speak to her, she looks a fraction of my age and it made me feel old yet worldly.  I haven’t been in the work force in a decade, so I need every bit of self-assurance I can get.

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 06/17 at 07:54 PM

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  1. The storefront adoption center does sound like a great idea.  We have quite a few pet stores in my area that display cats and dogs up for adoption through the local SPCA.  Even some of the bigger pet store chains are doing this to some degree. 

    For years I volunteered with our local SPCA. I did hospital visits, cleaned cat cages, walked dogs.  A problem back (on my part) had me stop most of these physical activities.. but now that I am feeling better I would love to help out again.  The help is so very needed.. and to have the chance to actually get paid for it.. now that would be a bonus. grin

    Posted by Simply Coll  on  06/18  at  04:56 AM

  2. Hey, that sounds like a great opportunity!  I wish you luck.  I know what you mean about that worldly feeling. grin My coworkers - and students - get younger and younger.

    Posted by Nancy  on  06/18  at  01:56 PM
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