FEBRUARY 2010

It's February-Winter and Snow with Hearts Aglow

Have all of you dug your way out of the tremendous snowstorm yet? What a challenge it's been to clear our homes and businesses of the 24" inches of snow around us. I hope you are feeling a little more at ease with it all by the time you read this newsletter.

We at Godfrey's have thus far weathered the economic woes, too. Many of you have asked us how we are faring over these tough months and thankfully we can say that we are doing ok, even growing from 2008. We are blessed to have a client customer base that supports local business like ours and continues to hold their dogs dear to their hearts and homes as true members of the family.

I must admit that I've been somewhat negligent in not getting this email out sooner than this. As a business owner and entrepreneur, I knew that I needed to speak to you, my customers, more frequently over these last few months, especially during the holiday season. There were just so many things to tell you and so many great products and gifts I knew you'd love. But my voice was silent and I just couldn't get my emails out. Let me briefly tell you why.

As some of you know, our 10 yr. old golden retriever, Jackson Godfrey, was battling an aggressive oral tumor during the months of Nov. through to his passing on January 12, 2010. He was our handsome, kind, gentle boy who came to Godfrey's every day since we opened and he heartily served as our first O.G. (Official Greeter). My husband and I adopted Jackson from Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (www.dvgrr.org) back in 2003 when he was 4 years old shortly after we lost another golden rescue named Spencer, who we had adopted from DVGRR when he was 10 yrs. old. For over 5 years, we had been active volunteers with the organization and had both served many roles there prior to my opening Godfrey's. Jackson and our two other goldens that we adopted from DVGRR were our true rewards for our rescue work, right up there with helping other goldens find their 'forever homes.' Thank you, DVGRR, for all of our amazing goldens.

Jackson was a dream from the time we brought him home and loved being part of our golden pack, joining Emma (also adopted from DVGRR) and Tucker. And it seemed that he was meant for being a shop greeter. He was by my side meeting with various vendors prior to opening, he sat in on porch meetings outside and he brought a sense of calm to all of us. He listened to my plans and my vision of what I wanted Godfrey's to be and he quietly offered support during the times when I had my doubts that it would all work out. After we opened, we saw that he also brought a sense of calmness and peace to our customers, too. He never jumped on anyone; he simply asked to be acknowledged and then he waited for a petting or two and even better, a biscuit or two. He then could walk away and leave our customers to their shopping. Many times you would find him laying right in the middle of the floor in our check-out area. He wouldn't move away...our customers needed to step over him. I always said that he was our worst OSHA hazard in the workplace. ;>) And he was a wonderful mentor to Eli, Cheryl's golden retriever puppy, when she began bringing him in to work here. Jackson and Eli forged a great friendship.

Jackson loved every minute of his 'work' at Godfrey's. And trust me when I say this...he loved knowing all of you. He couldn't wait to hop in my car to go to work every day. Losing him has been extremely difficult for me. He was always by my side, day and night. So many of you who have learned of his passing have so kindly sent cards and emails. Some of you have told me what his presence brought to Godfrey's and some of you have shared a tear or two with me. Your unique experiences with him and your compassion overwhelms me still. I am truly blessed to have picked this business that I love because I can have you as my customers and as my friends. I humbly thank you.

Losing beloved fur children happens every day to all of us. My experience is all too familiar to many of you reading this just as it is as different from yours. Their lives are too short yet we fall in love with another soul and do it all over again, knowing that in all likelihood, we'll once again outlive them. Yes, we find we can love again, even knowing all that because they enrich our lives so very much. We would never want to live in this world without them.

So in speaking of loving again...3 weeks before Jackson's tumor was even noticed, we had added an other furry member to our family in June 2009, an 8 week old english cream golden retriever puppy we named Lake. Yes, hearts woefully hurting after the loss of our Emma in March 2009, we chose puppyhood. Looking back on that decision, I'm glad we had chosen this path to a fresh start after losing three of our goldens within 18 months.

Jackson was able to fill the role of Lake's big brother and mentor for 8 months and what a wonderful job he did with Lake. And now Lake is learning the ropes as an "Official-Greeter-In-Training"
under Eli's tutelage, so the cycle of life and love and learning continues. Lake has brought us joy and makes us laugh. Thank goodness for that and for his purity of heart.

I'd be remiss not give a special thank you to Cheryl for "manning the fort" at the shop during the busy holiday season when I needed those afternoons at home with Jackson to tend to his special needs and "be in the moment" with him. She's a professional in the truest sense of the word.

Ok, so I said that I'd make it a brief explanation about why I've been distant. Guess it's not so short. Guess I had a lot to tell you. Thank you for lending your ear.

We have a lot of good things to tell you in the world of dogdom, too. Like more terrific foods, treats, natural supplements, and toys for our good buddies like Himalayan chews and antler chews, great human-grade canned foods from Fromm Family Foods, and new gift items for the dog lover in all of us. End cabin fever and come out and browse, chat and share a story or two. We're always up for that and we love to hear from you.

February is National Pet Dental Month. As you are giving and receiving those great doggie kisses, check out your dog's teeth and gums. Look like they need some attention? Visit your veterinarian for a dental checkup. We've got some great natural dental hygiene products to help keep breath and teeth clean and fresh! From Sat., Feb. 13 thru Feb. 28 our dental products are 10% off!

Hugs to your pups,

Barb and the Staff at Godfrey's

Upcoming Events

Sat., Feb. 13: "Valentine's Day Whine & Dine Brunch" and "Bedroom Sale"  10am-4pm

Enjoying good food has always been a part of celebrating Valentine's Day with the one(s) we love. Some of us plan intimate dinners at home, some like to celebrate at their favorite restaurant, and for others a pizza and a glass of wine shared at home with our special valentine does the trick. And when you think about those you hold most near and dear to your heart, we know that you want to remember your furry loved one(s) on this special occasion. In fact, their unconditional love for us is unwavering. What better occasion to celebrate that bond than on Valentine's Day!

Photos courtesy of Pooch Smooch Photography

We thought that this would be a perfect occasion to introduce our customers, both furry and human, to some new and exciting ways to freshen up meal time for their dogs, and that's what our Brunch is all about!

In this way, you'll be able to see, touch, and smell these healthy, human-grade canine foods to feel comfortable with new ways of feeding your dog. Feeding them better whole human-grade foods doesn't have to be scary. Ease into it. Add good stuff as a 'topper' to their normal food. We bet you'll find out how satisfying it is to feed your dog excellent foods that energize the body and nourish the soul.

Learn ways to incorporate fresh, healthy, home-prepared items to your dogs daily feedings. See how easy it is to prepare and offer your dog nutritious, whole toppings to their kibble using some of our organic pre-mixes. The more your dog gets whole foods without artificial preservatives, flavorings or colorings the better!

Find out about gluten-free foods and the benefits of feeding a low carbohydrate or carbohydrate-free diet, especially for dogs with food allergies, food sensitivities, or dogs coping with cancer.

Here's what we'll be serving for our complimentary "Whine & Dine Brunch Canine Brunch":

Food and Treats:

The Honest Kitchen dehydrated foods-You've got to smell this stuff to believe it and your dog will love it!

Homemade treats using The Honest Kitchen dehydrated foods.

Dried papaya treats-natural dried papaya that you can share with your dog. Papaya is known for it's antioxidant properties and aids in digestion.

Nummy Tum Tum for Dogs: Organic sweet potato and organic pumpkin. A topping of pumpkin aids in stomach digestion, adds fiber to the diet, and can help a dog with both diarrhea or constipation. Amazing stuff. We used to use this in our golden retriever rescue kennel to help dogs with either of these issues and it works! Sweet Potato is a nutritious food supplement for dogs. These organic sweet potatoes are grown in the USA and are an excellent way to help sooth an upset stomach.

New Fromm 4-Star human-grade canned foods

Weruva human-grade foods

Sojourner Farms Europa fresh mix

Laske Kronch Salmon treats. This treat consists of fresh wild salmon and 15% Wild Salmon Meal. The salmon treat's strong fish smell is perfect for getting your dogs attention and is non greasy, with the benefit that, dogs love it! Kronch Salmon Treats are naturally rich in protein, omega -3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. This helps your dog maintain a beautiful shiny coat with the added benefit of an improved active life.

Take home free samples of the Honest Kitchen mixes. Check out their fantastic cookbook, filled with both recipes that use their pre-mixes and recipes that are just plain wonderful made from fresh, whole ingredients.

Beverages:

Dog-Wa

If you are concerned about your dog's vomiting, gas, or other digestive problems, a veterinary exam will help rule out problems that require medical therapy. But if your dog suffers from common symptoms of impaired digestion — grass-eating and vomiting, chronic stomach upset, bad breath or “clear-the-room” gas, a natural solution may be Dog-Wa. It’s a safe and effective liquid dog supplement you mix with water or food. Dog-Wa’s fresh herbs are meant to soothe your dog’s stomach, aid digestion, reduce dog gas, and promote fresh breath.

Bark Vineyards Wines (non-alcoholic of course!)

Two FREE Drawings

Maybe you'll get lucky and win one of our two free Drawings...

Sterling sterling silver Mother-of-Pearl Heart and Paw pendant from Puppy Paws fine jewelry

New cookbook titled "Made out of Love...recipes to prepare for (and sometimes share) with your animal companion" by Lucy Postins, founder and CEO of The Honest Kitchen.

We're also having our annual "Bedroom Sale," where you will find tremendous sales on human and canine apparel, beds and other goodies found in our "bedroom." This seemed like a perfect fit for our Valentine's Day theme (here's winking at you...get the connection?) It's also nearing the end of the cold winter season, at least let's hope so, and we're thinking ahead to apparel for warmer days. We still have pretty many sweaters for dogs and the ever popular "Wag More Bark Less" long-sleeved sweatshirts for people. Check out our new human apparel line "Teddy the Dog" and pick up a warm hoodie for your favorite valentine. We'll also have a selection of winter coats on sale, too. The sale will end Feb. 28th and applies only to in-store items.

NOTE: PARKING SPACES WILL BE HARD TO COME BY ON SATURDAY DUE TO THE HUGE SNOW PILES FROM WEDNESDAY'S STORM. OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS, TINY TREASURE DAY CARE, IS ALLOWING OUR CUSTOMERS TO PARK IN THEIR LOT ON SATURDAY. LOOK FOR A PATH TO OUR PLACE. THANK YOU, BOB, AT TINY TREASURES!

  

Sun., Feb. 21: Pooch Smooch "St. Patty's Day" Photography  11am-4pm

Be sure to capture your adorable canine in a professional photograph for St. Patrick's Day! Angela Stehl of Pooch Smooch Photography will be here and she'll have the staging set up and props for a 'green' theme for good luck. Feel free to bring along your own items if there are some special ones you'd like to use in the photo. Her sitting fee is $10.  You will review all photos she takes that day and select just what's right for you. Photography events are held in the Godfrey’s retail building, downstairs.

Payment is required the day of the photo shoot. You will be called when the photos are ready for your pick up at Godfrey's and they will be back to us within 3 weeks. Appointments are scheduled every 15 minutes. Include family members, too! To book an appointment, call us at 610-777-5755.

Get these future photography dates on your calendar!

The following dates/themes are reserved for Pooch Smooch photography sessions in 2010

(all are 11am-4pm):

Sun., March 14 Easter/Spring

Sun., June 13 4th of July

Sun., Aug. 1 Summer

Sun., Sept. 26 Fall/Halloween

Sun., Oct. 24 Holiday (order your Holiday cards!)

Sun., Nov. 28 Holiday

Canine Massage offered at Godfrey's by Therapetz

When? Appointments scheduled from 11am-1pm for the second Saturday of every month in 2010.

Next appointment date: Feb. 13, 2010

Location: Downstairs at Godfrey's

Canine Therapist: Lorraine Storms

Private appointment rates: $ 20 for 15 minutes $30 for 30 minutes

To book your appointment: Call Lorraine at 610-370-5007 or email her at raine.storms@comcast.net. Questions are welcome, too!

Other Good Stuff to Know...Savings for You!

Canine Birthday Savings

Is your dog a member of our Canine Birthday Club? If not, now's the time to register him or her in our club. It's free and it only takes a minute to register. Receive a one time per year savings discount of 15% off one dog item purchased during his or her birthday month.

Fromm Family Foods Frequent Buyer Program

If your dog's food of choice is Fromm's, then first of all, he or she knows what great food is! Secondly, you can enjoy some savings by buying this brand. Fromm Family Foods offers a frequent buyer program: Buy 12 bags and receive the 13th bag free! Ask us for details the next time you visit us.