Owning an independent pet store is full of surprises. Last month, we experienced another one that became very personal.
Two years ago I purchased a product called Gingerleads. They are a very well-engineered sling to assist dogs following surgery, providing support for their ability to walk I thought about the market for them–thinking about dogs that have knee surgery and elderly dogs that need help getting up the stairs and just helping with their balance. We sell a fair amount of these things. I get raves from folks that have used them.
Last week our Emma went lame. She had no control of her back legs. She could not walk. Taking her to our vet and then to the Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, we discovered that she had ruptured a disc in her back. Surgery was called for and was performed. We were a mess. Buffalo Grove had our dog and here we were in Naperville helpless with nothing to do but wait.
That’s when I remembered the Gingerleads and I ran to the store to pick up one.
Two days later we went to pick her up. She was barely walking with the assist of a sling.
Our Gingerlead…. it is a life saver. She is moving better each day with the help of this simple design. I can’t believe how happy having products like the Gingerlead has made me. These specialty products are seldom found in big box stores.
The experience will prepare me to help other folks in need. This awareness is what you get at a small business. People who care, learn their products and help you buy and use them.
I love supporting other small companies. And as a small business man, I love what I do.
