Interview: Lindsay's Pet Sitting in Waterloo, WI

Who watches your pets when you're away on vacation? Many of us are lucky enough to have a trusted friend or family member to care for our pets when we're away, but sometimes that's not a possibility. There are many pet sitters available for hire--it can be overwhelming with all the choices! It's hard to know which pet sitter is best qualified, who you can trust with your pets, and who will treat your pets with the same love and respect you give them. It's even more difficult when you live in rural Dane County, outside of the service area of many Madison-based pet sitters. Mad About Pets wants to make your job a little easier: meet Lindsay's Pet Sitting! Lindsay's Pet Sitting is based out of Waterloo, Wisconsin and serves other surrounding communities. Lindsay is a lifelong pet lover and has over 20 years of professional experience with animals. She was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an exclusive interview about her pet sitting business. Get to know Lindsay, your new favorite pet sitter!

Lindsay and pals

What is your personal background with pets? Do you currently have any of your own?

I have been working with all kinds of animals since I was 6-7 years old. I grew up with a bunch too: dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles (iguanas, chamelions, etc), rodents (gerbils, mice, rats, etc), and of course fish. (In fact, my parents took a picture of me in my crib touching nose-to-nose with our Dachshund Charlie.) If I wasn't in school, I was attending animal care classes, dog training classes, and helping care for family's and friends' pets. I started training dogs when I was 14-15 years old in obedience, and when I was 16 I worked my first job at the Washington County Humane Society as an animal caregiver. I just continued working in various animal jobs up until currently. The list of places include the Dodge Country Humane Society as an animal caregiver, adoption counselor, receptionist, and working with the Beaver Dam Police Department for animal/stray control and on cruelty cases. I also worked at Dane County Humane Society, Spring Harbor Animal Hospital as a caregiver and vet assistant, I was a manager at a dog daycare, I worked at Pet Supermarket in Madison, and various boarding kennels around the state. I also have done animal behavior modification for aggressive dogs and cats over the years, through the humane societies and with various dog trainers. I also have volunteered at various humane societies for vaccination clinics. I have worked with all breeds of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds (including cockatiels and parrots), chinchillas, ferrets, snakes, lizards, amphibians, sugar gliders, and SO many more. I was always doing something with animals on my free time as I grew up.

Willie and Laurel, two of Lindsay's cats

What made you decide to pursue pet sitting?

I have always enjoyed caring for people's pets. It was always a natural thing for friends and family to contact me to care for their pets. They knew I had a strong passion for animal care, had a good rapport with animals, and made a connection that was very spiritual with the animals. 3 years ago I moved to Waterloo due to a divorce. At that time I noticed there weren't many options for boarding around this area. As I met people, and they found out what I did for a living, they asked me to care for their pets. (I was also hearing from a number of people they were upset with the boarding prices at many of the facilities around and that it was inconvienient to drive 20-30 miles one way to board their pet. PLUS their pets were anxiety-ridden about being boarded in a kennel.) I was commuting to my job at a pet care facility on Nesbitt Rd in Madison 5 days a week, driving a total of 500 miles a week. There came a point I couldn't drive that much, due to gas prices, anymore. This past February I decided to market my own pet sitting services. I figured with over 20 years of animal care experience under my belt, and other qualifications (which I'll mention in a bit) and the need in this community for this kind of service, I felt it was a good fit. Animal care has always been a passion, I honestly couldn't envision being happy doing anything else.

Do you have any special training or qualifications that set you apart as a pet sitter?

Besides my previous experience mentioned, in 1997 I took a 3 month Humane Education Class at the Hinsdale Humane Society in Hinsdale, Illinois. I also attended an animal behavior class and lecture while I was working at the Dodge County Humane Society (the class taught how to reduce stress in shelter animals). Then, back in July of 2010 I completed a course for Emergency First Aid for Pets at Emergency Medical Training Services out of Brookfield, WI (run by an instructor through the Red Cross), and became certified in animal CPR and Heimlich. My pet sitting is also fully insured through American Family Insurance.

Lindsay's sugar gliders

What kinds of animals do you serve? Do you have any restrictions?

I care for all kinds of animals. I have no restrictions. Dogs (all breeds, I'm 100% comfortable around Rottweilers, Dobermans, Shepherds, and the bully breeds), cats, birds, rabbits, exotics (chinchillas, sugar gliders, wildlife, etc), lizards, repitles (yes even snakes-I have no fear of them), amphibians, and even livestock (I have clients who have llamas, sheep, steers, horses, etc). I have always had dogs and cats of my own, but I've also had 2 chinchillas and 4 ferrets in the past. I've grown up with Great Danes, Bassets, and a Shepherd/Collie mix, so I'm used to BIG dogs. I've also rehabilitated a red squirrel and a grey squirrel. Currently, I have 7 cats, 2 dogs (a Basset Hound and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi/Miniature Poodle mix), a mini-lop bunny, 5 sugar gliders, 2 gerbils, and two 50 gallon fish tanks. One of the tanks is all chichlids (which are aggressive fish), the other tank is a community tank with a Snakeskin Gourami, various species of tetras, etc which are non-aggressive fish. So, as you can see, this passion still carries on in my personal life.

Contact Lindsay's Pet Sitting to see if you're in her service area!

Where is your service area?

My service area is Waterloo, Watertown, Lake Mills, Marshall, Sun Prairie, and all the country roads in-between.

Why should Mad About Pets' readers hire Lindsay's Pet Sitting over other pet sitters?

As I tell everyone, I take animal care seriously. Animals can't speak, and they trust us, so we need to show them that respect and love back and work to understand them and their needs. In my eyes, animal care doesn't take a vacation, just because it's a holiday and everyone else is not working, that doesn't mean your pets don't need care during that time. I apply that dedication to every single animal I care for. I am always flexible and don't mind working through the holidays. I'm a no-nonsense kind of person. In my eyes, someone saying on paper why they're "the best" is a good selling point, but it's the personal connection I make with the owner and the pets (and my experience) that speaks for itself. Pet sitting IS my full time job, I do not have another full-time job. This is considered a part-time position, but I also am the Alderperson for Ward 4/5 on the Waterloo City Council currently. I also am on the Community Development Committee, Public Safety and Health Committee, the Plan Commission, and the Library Board. So, I'm very involved with the community, and serving the public politically has run through generations of my family. Everyone from my great aunt, to my grandma, then my mom (she also was the Municipal Court Judge in Horicon as I was growing up) have "politically served" either in their communities, and even in Washington D.C.

Willie and Bella

Where can readers find more information about Lindsay's Pet Sitting?

As I tell everyone, my preferred method of finding out about my services is to call me at 608-279-4264. While email is ok, I prefer speaking to an actual person, I believe there is a level of respect due when working with people's pets. Email, or any other electronic method, is very impersonal in my opinion, and I pride myself on establishing a real-life in-person bond with someone. Otherwise for simple inquiries people can check out my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lindsayspetsitting or email me: kitt...@gmail.com

Interview: Dogs Love Running

Everyone knows that dogs love going for a walk. Even the laziest pups enjoy a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood! Unfortunately in today's hectic society, sometimes it is hard to make time to walk the dog every day, or walk the dog as far as he'd like to go. This can lead to an overactive dog with no way to burn off his extra energy, or even an obesity problem.

What can you do in a situation like this? You could hire a neighborhood teenager to walk the dog. But what if there are no trustworthy teens? What if you live in a quiet neighborhood full of retirees? The prospect of having a healthy, active dog may start to seem bleak. You may give up on your dream of owning a canine companion. NOT SO FAST!

Dogs Love Running to the rescue!

Dogs Love Running is a dog running and dog walking franchise that offers a variety of pet care services including pet sitting, dog walking, and...dog running! Yep, you heard me right---they will actually take your dog for a run. Imagine how tuckered out your dog would be after a long, satisfying run!

At the moment, Dogs Love Running is only available in Illinois and Indiana, but it's a quickly growing franchise and certain to spread throughout the midwest soon. Hey, if you're serious about pet care or fitness, you may even want to check out starting a franchise of your own! Though Dogs Love Running doesn't yet have a location in Wisconsin, they were kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an in-depth interview about their business.

Mad About Pets can't wait until Dogs Love Running is available here in the Madison Area!

Photo credit: thatmutt.com

(Mad About Pets) First off…why dog running? Is it better for dogs to run than walk?

(Dogs Love Running) We started this company and our flagship service, dog running, because we saw a need that many dogs have; they are naturally full of energy but their owners have very limited time/ability to really let their dog cut loose and expel that energy in a positive way.


Running can be great exercise for many dogs. Clients of ours that have sporting breeds like Labs, Retrievers, and other high-energy dogs absolutely love our running service. For them, running is a better option than walking just because it allows the dog to use up the energy inside them that otherwise might manifest itself in other ways (sometimes as bad behavior). For other clients of ours, walking is the better option due to the breed's nature, health concerns, or physical limitations.

 Do you find that certain breeds pop up more frequently in your business than others? Does it seem that some breeds *need* to run more than others?

(DLR) Certain breeds naturally have more energy than others and most of our running clients tend to be mid-size to larger sporting type dogs. We still have pugs and bulldogs and those types of breeds too, but they'll use our walking service, not the running. Although we wouldn't say that any dog needs to specifically RUN, many do absolutely need a way to use all the pent up energy inside them. Running with us is a safe, consistent, and reliable means to burn off that energy and make dogs tired.

Photo credit: 4pawsu.com

If a dog has never run on a leash before, is it something they pick up on easily? Does a dog need to be well-trained to walk on a leash before they can use your service?

We've never had a situation where a dog wouldn't be able to walk or run with us on a leash. Some dogs are more trained and used to being on a leash than others and that definitely makes our job easier. But even if they're not used to being on a leash, we always follow general dog training principles of keeping the dog on our left side and right next to us so that they get a consistent experience. They'll typically get used to this pretty quickly and it helps make for a more enjoyable experience for all since they know what to do.

What kinds of people do you think most frequently use Dogs Love Running?

85% of our customers are those that are at work during the day (or somewhere that takes them out of their home for 8-12 hours/day) and need us to come and make a mid-day visit with their dog. Sometimes we visit 5 days per week if it's a case where the pet needs a bathroom break in addition to the exercise. Some clients have us come 2 or 3 times per week mostly just for the exercise portion of what we do. Also, there are lots of people that don't necessarily need us for running, but still appreciate what we can do for their pets with our walking service. Pugs, toy breeds, and many other dogs make for great walking partners. The other 15% of our business is from pet sitting. When people are gone for more than a day at a time, we can come and take care of their pets at their home. This can be for dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, and most other household pets.

What kinds of safety precautions do you take so that customers know their dog is in good hands?

Pet and human safety is our number one consideration. As mentioned earlier, we adhere to generally accepted dog training principles while walking/running as well as during all other times when we have possession of a customer's furry friend. This helps keep people and pets safe since we're always doing the same things in a consistent and reliable manner. Our franchisees are people that run their business as their full-time job so they take it very seriously. They are always involved in dealing with the customers and keep a very detailed watch over their staff team members. All the people on our team go through an extensive interview and background check process as well as do a lot of training before they come in contact with customers' animals. Because of what we do and how we do it, we attract highly-qualified, responsible, trustworthy, and energetic staff members who truly love what they do.

Photo credit: petazon.com

You also provide dog walking services: how important is it for elderly and/or obese dogs to get out every day to walk? Can you provide service to special dogs like these?

Nearly every dog not only wants, but also needs, some type of routine exercise. For extreme examples that may include physical and/or health limitations, we need the client's veterinarian to sign off on what we're doing. Assuming that we have authorization, we can definitely help with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Not all our clients use us for running. Many use us for walking and even just backyard playtime. For an elderly pug, as an example, a run isn't going to be what they need. But some gentle backyard playing or a very casual stroll up and down the block in short distances may be just the ticket. We're very in tune with what the animal wants and can handle.

In your opinion, what is the most important reason people should consider checking out Dogs Love Running?

What we do that's different than 99.9% of all the other related services out there is that we try to help pets live longer and behave better through exercise. As a customer of Dogs Love Running!, you know that everything we do has a focus on exercise, healthy choices, and living an active lifestyle. And using our service is super-easy. We have the same team member visit your pet all the time, flexible scheduling, automated weekly credit card billing, and many other operational processes that make it a breeze for people to work with us. And, if someone is considering starting a pet business, they can join our team as a franchisee and we'll help them start and operate their own Dogs Love Running! business in their home town. We love what we do and both our human and animal clients love it, too.

People can find out more at http://www.dogsloverunning.com/ or by calling 1-877-PETS-RUN.

Help Dane County Humane Society with Community Change!

Here is a way to help DCHS that Mad About Pets just learned about today...Community Change! Community Change is a website that offers discounted gift cards for local restaurants, stores, etc. like Wando's, The Brink Lounge, Benvenuto's, Claddagh Irish Pub, and tons more. When you buy a discounted gift card through Community Change, DCHS (or several other charities, if you prefer) will get 20% of the purchase price donated to them.


Click the image to check out Community Change's gift card deals!

 Next time you're looking to buy a gift, consider purchasing a gift card through Community Change and help homeless animals in Dane County! Heck, why not just treat yourself to a gift card at a local spa? :)

BIG Easter sale tomorrow at Tabby & Jack's

THE BIG EASTER EGG HUNT AND EGGCELLENT SALE!

TOMORROW (4/23/11) ONLY!

FOODS ON SALE!

BRAVO RAW DIETS 25% OFF

STELLA & CHEWY $6 OFF 6# FRZN & 16OZ FRZ DRD

$3 OFF 3# FRZN, 6OZ FRZ DRD AND CARNIVORE TREATS

CANIDAE AND FELIDAE 10% OFF

SOLID GOLD 10% OFF

NUTRISOURCE 10% OFF

PURE VITA 10% OFF

NATIVE 10% OFF

VITAL ESSENTIALS RAW DIET 10% OFF

NATURE'S LOGIC $10 OFF LG BAGS & 50% OFF SM BAGS

FROMM SURF AND TURF 12# AND 26# BAGS 20% OFF

NATURE'S INSTINCT 5# BAGS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

VITAL ESSENTIALS BUY A 2# CHUB & GET A 1# CHUB FREE!

OTHER GREAT DEALS!

BEDS 20% OFF

BOWLS 20% OFF

SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS 20% OFF

CRATES AND SOFT CARRIERS/SHOULDER BAGS 20% OFF

FREEBIES IN THE EGGS!

HUNT FOR YOUR EASTER EGG AND REDEEM FOR A FREEBIE WITH YOUR PURCHASE!

Examples of prizes: BOWLS ~ BEDS ~ CAT TOYS ~ DOG TOYS ~ FREE BATH AND DESHEDDING TREATMENT ~ FREE NAIL TRIMS ~ COLLARS ~ LEASHES ~ DOG AND CAT FOOD ~ PET NATURAL TREATS ~DELIFRESH 8 OZ BAGS OF DOG NATION TREATS ~ CAT ATTRACT LITTER ~ TECH CLEANING PRODUCTS~ MUCH MORE!

Fitchburg Store

2990 Cahill Main
Fitchburg, WI 53711
608-277-5900

Store Hours:
M-F: 10-8, Sat: 9-6, Sun: 11-4
Capitol Square Store
14 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-271-7888

Store Hours:
M-F: 11-6, Sat: 10-5, Sunday: 11-4

Madison's very own: Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture

Do you want to support local pet businesses, but just don't find enough variety in-store? Good news- you can shop online for pet furniture, products, and gifts, and STILL support local Madison entrepreneurs!

Online retailer Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture provides designer and luxury pet furniture for cats and dogs of all sizes. The website features quality premium cat and dog beds for sale, in small and large sizes, bumper, donut/round, and elevated/raised. They also offer a large selection of Made in the USA and earth eco friendly furniture for your pet.

Madison resident Barb Pawlik has owned and operated Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture since 2007. Her husband, Carl, helps out by doing unique engraved glass pet portraits, memorials, pet portrait lights, etc. It is truly a 21st century "mom and pop" business! As of March 11, 2009, Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture carries only products made in the USA. According to Barb, "I've always thought it was important to try to use only products produced in America in both my personal and business life. I'm happy to say I've now found several manufacturers who not only make their own products right here on U.S. soil, they do it in an earth-friendly manner. Yes, you can buy less expensive beds, gates, toys & more elsewhere. But I hope you won't! This is my small effort to support USA workers and the products they make. If we all make some contribution to this effort maybe we can turn the economy around. It's become my mantra, "Is it made in the US? Ok, let's talk. If not, thanks but no thanks." "

So before you buy your next piece of pet furniture from Amazon or another online retailer, consider purchasing from Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture to keep your money right here in Madison supporting local business and American manufacturing.

BIG news from Tabby & Jacks!

From Tabby & Jack's:

It brings us great excitement to announce that we will be opening a location on the Capitol Square this August! After much research in many of Madison's neighborhoods and the surrounding communities, we found the Capitol Square to be the greatest opportunity for us. The Central Downtown District currently is lacking a pet store and grooming facility and we are thrilled to fill this need!

We will be located at 14 W. Mifflin on the Square located next to Coopers Tavern and conveniently located 1/2 block from State Street. Meter Parking is available on Mifflin or in the W. Dayton/N. Carroll parking ramp only one block away.

We will provide the same human grade dog and cat food free of byproducts and fillers. Our focus still remains on fresh foods containing raw meats balanced for your dog or cat. Of course the unique accessories will also be plentiful including new lines of gifts for the pet lover.

We will also provide full service grooming. Our holistic grooming salons provide the most calming environment for your pet. We do not use cage dryers and only use the highest quality products free of any chemicals. The 1-2 hour appointment is ideal for a trip to the square with just enough time to grab a bite to eat, some java or shopping on State Street.

To make a Capitol Square location possible, we are moving our inventory and equipment from Struck Street and closing the west side store. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause our west side patrons, and hope you understand that this was an opportunity of a lifetime that was too hard to pass up.

Because of the anticipated closing, new store hours for Struck Street will be as follows:

-Monday: Closed

-Tuesday: Closed

-Wednesday: 11-6

-Thursday: 11-6
-Friday: 11-6
-Saturday: 9-1
-Sunday: Closed

Starting immediately, everything store-wide at the Struck Street location is 20% Off. We anticipate Struck Street closing permanently in approximately 3 weeks.

Please stay tuned for our downtown opening sometime in August!

Bone Appetit!

The Pack at Tabby & Jack's

More details on Tabby & Jack's Feb 27 grand opening!

From Tabby & Jack's:

Saturday, February 27, 2010- Tabby & Jack's Grand Opening!

Stop by the NEW Struck Street location (631 Struck St, Madison WI 53711) for freebees, coupons, in-store specials, demos, "Ask the Vet" and much much more!

* Free Tabby & Jack's Calendar

*Free Tabby & Jack's Bandana

*Free Tabby & Jack's Pumpkin treats

*Free Freezer bag with every Nature's Variety Raw Purchase

*Free Sojo's treats

*Free Sojos Trail Size Diets

*Free Honest Kitchen Trial size diets

*Free Stella & Chewy's Raw and Freeze Dried Trail Size Patties
*Free Tech Stain removers wipes
*Free Tabby & Jack's canvas bag with $20 purchase,
 *...and Much, Much More!!!

FREE NAIL TRIMS FROM 12-2 IN THE TABBY & JACK'S MOBILE GROOMING VAN!! First come first serve!

Drawings:

(No purchase necessary. Must come instore to register. Need not be present during drawing)

(2) Stella & Chewy's Gift Baskets ($40 Value ea.)
(2) Large Bags of NutriSource Dog Food ($40 Value ea.)
(2) Tabby & Jack's Baskets with Tabby and Jack's Cookies, Canvas Bag, Free Groom and Planet Dog toy ($100 value!)

The store is open M-F from 11:00am-6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm, and closed Sundays.

Tabby & Jack's on Struck St now open!

To celebrate the opening of their new Struck Street location in Madison, Tabby & Jack's is holding a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, February 27, 2010! Many experts will be on hand to talk about raw diets, training, and healthcare. Stop by the new location anytime during the month of February to receive a treat bag for your dog or cat.

To further celebrate, Tabby & Jack's will have great deals this month, so check out the monthly specials and stop by either store before the end of the month to take advantage of these great deals!

Tabby & Jack's also provides mobile grooming and home delivery service for your pet's supplies. Please call 277-5900 to arrange for mobile services.

The new Tabby & Jack's location can be found at 631 Struck Street, Madison WI 53711. The store is open M-F from 11:00am-6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm, and closed Sundays.

Support Madison Mutts through Wishbones for Pets fundraiser/good drive

Madison, WI, October 17, 2009 -- When Tami Lewis, the owner of Gotta Go Out, LLC, wanted a way to celebrate her local pet sitting company's anniversary and give back to the Madison area pet community, she decided to participate in a national pet goods/fund raiser called Wishbones for Pets. What she didn't know was which local adoption or rescue group to help. Then she met Tony.

Tony is a whippet mix that was being fostered by her clients Lauren and Michael Wojtasiak. He had come from an overflowing shelter in Illinois. "We found out that he was heartworm positive before he came and that the poor guy had been attacked by dogs before making his way to us", says Lauren. Madison Mutts spent money treating Tony's heartworms, but it was well worth it for Tony. After some basic training, medical care, and a good foster home with Michael and Lauren, he turned out to be the perfect family dog. Tony was adopted by a wonderful mom and her two sons and they have reported that he has brought such joy to their lives.

As a pet sitter who loves all pets, Tony stole Tami's heart and she decided that Madison Mutts would be the rescue group she wanted to help by hosting the Wishbones for Pets program in Madison. Wishbones for Pets began in 2004 by Janet Depathy, a professional pet sitter in Plymouth, MA. It is the first pet sitter related charity open to all professional pet sitters in North America, and runs annually from mid-October through the week after Thanksgiving. The pet sitter asks local businesses to sponsor drop off bins for pet goods donations or coin jars in their store or office. Since 2004, hundreds of pet sitters across the United States and Canada have participated in the program.

Madison Mutts is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on volunteers and donations. Every donation helps them continue their much needed work. The Wishbones for Pets program runs until November 29th and the following businesses are sponsoring donation bins for dog goods or coin jars for cash donations.

• Tabby and Jacks, 2990 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
• Bad Dog Frida, 2094 Atwood Avenue, Madison
• Nutzy Mutz and Crazy Catz, 330 W. Lakeside and 555 S Midvale Blvd, Madison
• Candlin Pet Hospital, 1244 S Park Street, Madison
• Rufus DuMonde Pet Salon, 600 Williamson Street, Madison
• Goochi Poochi, 6708 Raymond Rd, Madison
• Finer DeTails Pet Spa, 5502 Mahocker Rd., Mezomanie
• Whole Pet Veterinary Clinic, 529 S Park St, Madison
• Dog Lovers of Madison, 901 Watson Avenue, Madison
• Muir Field Pet Clinic, 3175 Muir Field Rd., Madison
• Companion Animal Hospital, 660 South Gammon Rd., Madison

 For more information about the work of Madison Mutts, visit www.madisonmutts.org. To see a list of local drop locations, to sponsor a bin or coin jar, or to get more information on Gotta Go Out's hosted Wishbone for Pets drive in Madison, visit http://www.ggout.com/.

Related Post: Mad About Pets' interview with Gotta Go Out, LLC owner Tami Lewis

Local Business Spotlight: Rover Makeovers

Rover Makeovers is one of Dane County's premier pet grooming businesses. Based out of Cambridge, WI, it is a full service spa sure to please even the most discerning of pets (and of course their owners!) Mad About Pets is pleased to provide you this exclusive interview with owner Julie Anderson:

What animal(s) does/does your business cater to, and what kinds of products/services do you offer?

We cater to both dogs and cats, but we see a lot more dogs. We offer trendy or traditional pet grooming with a gentle touch. We will soon be offering touches of color or the bling of Swarovski crystals to your pet. We use spa line products & give blueberry facials and paw treatments. We also offer beautiful & unique pet photography at the location of your choice. And introducing "Spoiled Rotten Rover", a small line of unique gifts for for dogs & the humans who love them. We are proud to carry Fido-Vite, a natural food supplement to help keep your dog healthy from the inside out.

What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

I have had a love affair with dogs since I was a little girl. Unfortunately , allergies kept me from owning a dog for many years. Thankfully, I out grew those allergies. I had gone to school for commercial art & photography in the 70"s. I became a groomer 19 years ago in Illinois. After 12 years there, I moved back to Wisconsin & eventually to Cambridge where I found the perfect little spot, right on Main St. to open Rover Makeovers.

How are you different from other groomers in the Madison area?

I am different because I understand dogs & their behavior. They seem to know right from the start that I am someone they can trust. I keep it calm by not having a shop full of barking unhappy dogs. They are rarely kenneled & wait by the front door or in the front window on a bed for their "taxi" to pick them up. We are not a "daycare". It is rare that a dog has to spend the whole day in our shop. Most are picked up when they are finished unless requested by the owner to pick up after work. I also am pretty good at what I do & will suggest for you a stye that I think would make your dog look best. Not to mention, I have the very best homemade doggie jerky around! Everyone gets a reward after their grooming!

What is your favorite aspect of your business?

Being able to spend the day with various dogs and "sculpt" them in to works of living art.

How can customers contact you for more information or with questions?

By phone at 608-445-0755 or email at mydogsdig@gmail.com, visit one of my websites http://www.rmpetportraits.com/ or http://www.rovermakeovers.com/, or just stop in at 150 W Main St, Cambridge, WI 53523

Business Spotlight: Gotta Go Out, LLC

Gotta Go Out, LLC is one of Madison's premier pet sitting services. Principal Owner Tami Lewis provided this exclusive interview with Mad About Pets, to help better acquaint pet owners in Dane County with the history of Gotta Go Out, LLC and the services offered:

What animals does your business cater to?

Cats, Dogs, Fish, Birds (including parrots), Lizards, Horses, Chickens, Hamsters, etc. Pretty much any pet, as long as they don’t require live feedings during the visit and they are in our service area of Central, West, or South Madison; Fitchburg; Middleton; Monona; or Verona.


What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

After working 20 plus years in corporate America and using pet sitting services to take care of my own pets, I decided to follow my passion for pets and start my own pet sitting business.

Please describe your facility or accommodations, and any special training or accolades you or your staff possess.

Gotta Go Out, LLC is bonded and insured and a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI). I (Tami Lewis) have been trained in pet first aid through the American Red Cross and am an accredited pet sitter through PSI. I am well versed in caring for pets from cats and dogs to rodents, reptiles, parrots, and horses. I have cared for geriatric pets, provided hospice services, provided puppy training, and medicated pets when needed.

How are you different from other animal boarding/sitting services in the Madison area?

I spent some time and money getting accredited by Pet Sitters International, the largest pet sitting organization in the world. I also set the business up as an LLC from the beginning and bought Liability insurance and got bonded. I currently have 100% satisfied customers and I go out of my way to keep my reputation extremely high. I have experience providing hospice care to pets ill with cancer as well as administering medications, so I offer services to human clients with their terminally ill and geriatric pets.

How can customers contact you for more information or with questions?

For general information about Gotta Go Out’s services and pricing, the website is a good resource. They can see it at http://www.ggout.com/. If they wish to ask questions or get more information, they can contact me at (608) 316-2021 or tlewis@ggout.com.

The Bucky Book: Save and be charitable at the same time!

Many Madison residents are already familiar with the Bucky Book and the savings it offers. For those not familiar, the Bucky Book is a coupon book which offers money-saving vouchers for many local businesses. Unlike other coupon books which target a broad region of the state, the Bucky Book is geared specifically towards Dane County businesses. As a result, more of the coupons are useable and buyers can save a lot more!

What some may not realize is that by purchasing a Bucky Book online, $12 of the overall $35 price tag can be donated to whatever charity the buyer chooses. When ordering online, simply designate the charity of choice and $12 will be donated directly to that charity! The Bucky Book is a great way to help local charities, all while saving hundreds of dollars on products and services at local businesses already frequented by most Madisonians.

The Bucky Book contains 2-for-1 and 50% off offers for 300+ local merchants, as well as over 50 coupons for absolutely free items and services! An added bonus to this year's edition is online access to even more coupons and offers, as well as special deals sent to buyers (with online access) on their birthday or anniversary. In addition, the book comes with a free gift of over $70 in coupons good-as-cash with 16 participating businesses.

The Bucky Book can also be used as a fundraising opportunity for schools, groups, etc.

For more info: Participating businesses, Buy Bucky Book online, More Bucky Book Info

Business Spotlight: bad dog frida

bad dog frida, located in the popular Atwood shopping neighborhood, is a truly unique pet care store. Full of bright colors and whimsy, bad dog frida is everything you'd hope for in a Madison pet boutique. Mad About Pets was very happy to learn more about this fun business through an interview with the owner of bad dog frida:

What animal(s) does/do your store cater to, and what kinds of products/services do you offer?

We cater to dogs primarily but also to cats. While our cat selection is smaller the items we choose are favorites among many! Some of the products that we offer for both dogs & cats are:

* high quality healthy food and treats
* health supplements
* durable toys including "smart toys"
* eco-friendly beds
* unique collars/leashes
* whimsical t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for humans
* artwork - much of it local
* books on health and training

Services that we offer are referrals and reference materials for people looking to provide holistic care for their animals. For example, we have had a lot of experience and success with treating our own animals through acupuncture and herbs and can provide lots of information. We also hold monthly educational workshops on a variety of topics.

What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

I have had a vision of starting a store like this for years. My passion has always been animals - I've worked at a Humane Society in Seattle for years and then managed a vet clinic in Madison before opening the store. Our goal in opening our store was to provide unique items for people who feel about their animals the way that we do - but also to be a community resource. Supporting rescue groups and humane societies is also a part of our mission.

How is your business unique/different from others in the Madison area?

I believe we are different because of the experiences and knowledge we have had and can share with people. From behavior to health we have learned so much in our own lives and continue to educate ourselves both for the benefit of our own animals and for our customers. Our customers continuously tell us they appreciate that when they come to the store they know they can talk to us (the owners) and that we care...and remember their situation. That continuity is important and valued with our customers.

We also hold many events, including a monthly (usually free) educational workshop. We have had some great topics and speakers, including Patricia McConnell.

Our support of rescue groups and humane societies is also somewhat unique. In addition to holding Meet & Greet events in our store to promote adoptable animals, we also feature a different group each quarter. During that quarter the group is featured on our website and in our store, we have a collection jar out for customers to contribute to, and then at the end of the quarter we provide a check from bad dog frida. The donation is typically around $850. Fifty dollars or so is usually from the collection jar and the remaining amount is from us.

We have recently started Re-Dog, a resale store-within-a-store! We purchase gently used, clean items from people and then put them out for sale the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Items are priced very low - a great way for people to get a deal on items and for things to be recycled and kept out of landfills!

In regards to our products we carefully screen everything before we will carry it. We won't sell anything that we would not give to our own animals - whether to eat or to play with. We look for local and eco-friendly items and are proud to support local artists and give them another venue to show off their work.

What kinds of special events, classes, etc (if any) do you host at your business?

In addition to the workshops and meet & greet events listed above we also hold a fun monthly social event called Coffee Hound Hour. It is held the 1st Saturday of every month from 9:30-10:30 am. We provide coffee, dog treats and people treats and it's a fun activity for dogs to meet other dogs (on leash), and for people to meet other dog loving people! In addition all treats are 10% off during the hour. We also are proud to participate in MMOCA's Gallery Night event as another way to support artists.

For more info: Visit bad dog frida at 2094 Atwood Ave, Madison WI 53704 or on the web, call (608) 442-6868, or email bark@baddogfrida.com