December 2010

                                                                    

We Need a Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute...

Every time I hear this song on the radio this holiday season, it gets stuck in my head. The lyrics seem very fitting this year for so many of us. It certainly hasn't been an easy year in many ways, but now that the season is in full gear we find ourselves feeling the holiday spirit and thank goodness for that. Yes, we all need a little Christmas!

We hope you'll put Godfrey's on your list of "must stop" places to shop this holiday season. Get away from the hustle and bustle at the malls and shop here with us. We've got tons of great gifts in all price ranges for people and the dogs they love and we can help you make great gift choices. With our focus on gift items made in the U.S.A., including many made by juried craftsmen, you can feel good about the gifts you choose. And when looking for high quality items outside the U.S., I focus on finding Fair Trade products that improve the lives of people who make them, like the beautiful one-of-a-kind hand beaded leather collars made by the people of Kenya, Africa, the charming mixed metal ornaments and stationery items made by the people in Thailand, and the safe, soft wool toys made by artisans in Nepal out of 100% natural New Zealand wool.

Know your friends would love something from Godfrey's but not sure what to select? Consider a gift certificate or perhaps let us make up a custom gift basket for the perfect hostess or canine gift. We provide complimentary gift wrapping, too!

A gentle reminder: As we all snuggle into our warm homes this winter, we ask you to pause for a few moments to reflect on all of the animals waiting in shelters for their forever homes. It's been a challenging and many times heartbreaking year to read of and know of the many animals who've lost their homes through no fault of their own. One of the ways we help here is to be a collection location for our two county rescue facilities, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and the Humane Society of Berks County. So when visiting us, please consider bringing along any new or gently used dog-related items you may have that could be used by other dogs or cats less fortunate. It's that time of year when blankets and towels are greatly appreciated. Or check out their web sites to see what they are in need of. Our collection box is on the front porch. And if you do donate, thank you on behalf of those animals still looking for their "forever homes." Let's all "Paw it Forward!"

Lastly, then we'll get on to the fun stuff....thank you from the bottom of my heart for your business patronage this year and more importantly for continuing to take such great care of your canine family members. I feel that you are our extended family; we share your challenges, fears and joys in living with your canine "kids." Gosh, I can remember in these years past many of you walking through our door with a new puppy or a new dog you just rescued with tons of questions about nutrition, appropriate toys, what to do about separation anxiety and how playing in our safe, off leash dog parks might be just the thing your dog needs...just to name a few of the topics on your mind. And now it's 6 years later and you're bringing in another new member of the family or you're talking about a new grandchild or a move you're making in your job or your home. Then there are the folks who make a stop at Godfrey's part of their holiday tradition when coming back to our area to visit family for the holidays. There's a sense of shared community, experience, and family amongst dog lovers here; we thank you for that and we hope you feel the same.

I'll leave you with one final wish from the heart: May the warmth and beauty of the season touch your soul and may you find 2011 to be a year full of hope and peace and tons and tons of canine love.

Extra Hugs to your pups this holiday season,

Barb and the Staff at Godfrey's-Cheryl, Sue, Kristin, Gloria and of course Eli, Lake and Charlie

UPCOMING EVENTS AT GODFREY'S

Sat., Dec. 18, 2010: "Howliday Open House" 10am-4pm NEW

Come out and share some holiday fun with us! We are all decked out in our holiday finery and ready for fun and good cheer. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the big box stores and shopping malls and spend the time with us. You'll find some terrific sale items for this day only! Gift wrapping is free. Enjoy complimentary refreshments.

11am-1pm: "Whine & Dine Fest" introducing Orijen and Acana Foods

Meet Blaine Weiner, Pet Food representative

We're excited to offer this superior line of dog nutrition, named "Pet Food of the Year 2010-2011".

Come hear, smell, see and taste (OK, your dog tastes) what all the fuss is about! Talk with Blaine about this company's philosophy and it's focus on sourcing all of it's ingredients raised or fished in regions of Alberta, Canada. This food has been certified by The Glycemic Research Institute, Washington, D.C. and is approved by the Whole Dog Journal.

12noon-4pm: Meet Santa Paws!

Your dog will be begging you for a chat with Santa Paws about his or her Christmas wish list! Bring your camera along and take a photo of your dog with Santa Paws. These photos are priceless.

11am-4pm: "Meet the Canine Artist" - Barton Henderson   It's not too late to get a personalized gift! Surprise someone with a portrait of their own dog. Here's all you have to do. Bring in a photo of the dog, meet the artist, pay a deposit and place your order. Barton may be able to complete some of the pieces right here in our shop on the 18th for you to take home. Orders completed off-site will be back into our shop no later than Dec. 23, as promised by Barton. Barton will be working in archival pastels. The standard size he will complete is 12"x16". A mat will be included, making the final size 16"x20." Cost is $50. How's that for getting fantastic, original artwork at an incredible price?! See our web site to read more about Barton Henderson. ENTER OUR DRAWING TO WIN A FREE CANINE PORTRAIT! ($50 value)

Canine Massage by Lorraine Storms, Therapetz

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

Next appointment date: Sat., Dec. 18, 2010 (Ok, it's the 3rd Sat. this month - only for December!)

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! Makes a great gift, too, for your favorite aging canine!

FEATURED PRODUCTS, TREATS GALORE AND MORE!

We have added so-o-o many product selections but these are a few of our favorite things...

so if you haven't heard of them or seen them, come out and find out what the fuss is all about!

Wigzi toys, made in the USA for canine fun and challenge Hugglehounds, because they hold up so well and are just so darn cuteBob A Lot, just because it's fun and helps dogs thinkNina Ottoson toys for the same reasonHerbsmith Clear Allerqi formula for helping to get dogs off prednisone and on to a better, allergy-free life Scooter's Canine Creations made locally with yummy ingredients and great packaging-You, go, Loretta! Dr. Becker's Bites for their great aroma and ingredients Great dog food manufacturers that continue to stick to their principles and make great foods, like Fromm Family Foods, The Honest Kitchen, Stella and Chewys, Addiction, Orijen and Acana, Sojourner Farms West Paw toys and beds made in the USA using eco-friendly processes and materials like recycled water bottlesNaturally shedded deer, elk and moose antlers as safe chewing solutions for your dogs 3-in1 Trilogy coats, providing a great versatile outerwear solution for dogs and at a great valueGeez, I could go on and on. It's a terrific time to be a dog in Dogdom!

THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL - Single Issues Sold Here