Scampers Weekly Recap - January 29, 2016
Dear --Valued Customer--
We've reached the last week of January! How did that happen so quickly?
But while it went very quickly, it was also a fun week with lots of great adventures as we welcomed several new pooches to our party.
Golden Pals - Coop, Finn and Loki
Serious Stranger Danger:
Never let your dog accept treats from a stranger!
Current Threat of Intentional Dog Poisonings
Never let your dog accept treats from a stranger!
Current Threat of Intentional Dog Poisonings
King5 News reported last week that over a dozen dogs have been sickened, and 3 have died, from suspected poisonings at dog parks in the Seattle area, including Bothell, Lynnwood, and Snohomish. If someone offers your dog treats, take their picture, get their name, get their license plate number, report the incident immediately...
Meanwhile, never let your dog eat anything off the ground. Always watch to see what they're getting into.
Snohomish County officials now report a total of three dog deaths due to possible poisoning in area parks. The latest deaths were reported after dogs visited Tambark Creek Park in Bothell and the Lake Stickney boat ramp in Lynnwood.
Park rangers were first alerted after a dog became sick and died after visiting the Willis Tucker off-leash park around Thanksgiving. Veterinarians confirm that dog died after ingesting rat poison. It's not clear exactly how the other two dogs may have become sick.
Area veterinarians have also reported at least another dozen possible poisonings. Rangers have no leads and are investigating how the poisonings may have happened.
David Green, a park ranger at Willis Tucker Park, says these are the first poisoning deaths reported at county parks.
"This is a very new thing," said Green. He and other rangers are posting warnings for park visitors, clearing brush to prevent suspicious activity and trying to keep dog owners vigilant.
"We want them to what their dogs are doing, watch what they are getting into watch who they are playing with," he said. "We would hate to see any other dogs get sick."
It's that time again! We've uploaded a bunch of photos of your pooches taken by our wranglers. They're in our Facebook page waiting for your votes. The photo that gets the most votes will grace our reception area for the next month.
PupPod is the new fun and training game for your dog that everyone is talking about.
We've launched the pilot PupPod program at Scampers, and have set up a PupPod in our boarding area for interested pooches to exercise their minds. You can sign up your pooch for a 1/2 hour's PupPod time - just let us know if you're interested in having your dog participate in the brain training with PupPod at Scampers.
“PupPod is the only product to combine a game, a reward, streaming video, and analytics so pet parents can remotely watch their dog’s accomplishments and understand what their dog is thinking.” said Erick Eidus, Co-founder and CEO. “Playing PupPod requires your dog to process information and think, which engages your dog’s frontal cortex. The more they engage this part of the brain, the smarter they get, like a muscle that gets stronger. A strong brain means a longer attention span for training and a more relaxed dog in the evening. It may also help to reduce senility in older dogs."
During the beta testing phase of product development, Eric approached Scampers requesting to set up a PupPod in one of our unoccupied play areas to demonstrate how it works. Over the course of a couple of hours we showed it to several of our campers, and the appeal was universal - of course, that may have had something to do with all those treats!
The exercise level is scalable - the smarter the pooch gets, the more challenging the puzzle to be solved before treats are dispensed.
We immediately recognized that the PupPod offers a way to integrate scheduled brain training into the Scampers experience, an option for the campers who "need a job", or who would enjoy a break from the pack with some stimulating solo time.
This week, as we received permission from our campers' "parents", we've been getting busy introducing pooches to PupPud. We've had many different responses, from willing and enthusiastic uptake to suspicion to disdain (some pooches apparently don't like salmon!)
Link, Addie, and Cassie were the big stars this week, with Kona and Jax H also showing both aptitude and enthusiasm for the game.
If you're interested in seeing whether your pooch enjoys PupPod, let us know, and we'll add them to our schedule. Then, as soon as your pooch is introduced to PupPod play, we'll let you know so you can view them in action.
You'll be able to access their profiles on the PupPod website, and find links to the videos of your pooches' PupPod play as they are uploaded.
By the way, if you don't have one already, you can create a profile (link to helpful information here) and that's another way to let us know you'd like to add your pooch to the PupPod schedule for an upcoming Scampers visit.
Chris Sugarbaker of Cut-N-Run, mobile groomer extraordinaire will make his next visit to Scampers on Tuesday, February 2nd.
His schedule really does fill up often, and while we'll try to squeeze everyone in, please make sure to get your request in early if your dog needs a spruce-up.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your pooch, or ...
Most behavioral issues can be traced to only a handful of motivations (reasons) and triggers (prompts for a behavior).
Dog breed greatly influences behavior, but individuals within each breed have unique experiences and may vary from “standard”.
Interestingly, purebreds tend to have more behavioral issues than mutts, because there is a genetic link between physical and personality traits. We do not know the exact nature of that link yet, but we do know the fundamental motivations and triggers for behaviors, and can predict our dogs’ responses.
Our scientific understanding of animal behavior is quickly evolving. To learn more about the fundamentals of canine behavior, you may find it interesting to join the Scampers staff for one of their upcoming Staff Training Days, where we discuss the latest research and practical hands-on techniques for effective canine communication and training. We'll let you know well in advance of the next time we schedule a Staff Training Day.
Thanks to Elise Poston for this submission. Look for more Did You Know tidbits from Elise in future editions of Scampers Weekly Recap.
Last year, Elise, who is a CERT (Community Emergency Response) trainer and WASART (Washington State Animal Rescue) volunteer, provided training for our staff in Community Emergency Preparedness - think earthquake, fire, flood - with your dogs in mind. (Did you know that you cannot bring your pooches to the community shelters following an such an emergency?) We were all so impressed with and so grateful for the information we received that we followed that up with a second seminar, this one for our clients, at no cost.
While we had a good turnout for that event, many Scampers families who had expressed interest in attending were challenged with time conflicts, so we plan to schedule another seminar this spring.
If you'd like to attend this 90 minute seminar on Saturday morning this spring, please let us know, and let us know of any .
Have a Cuppa Joe in support of pet rescue
Hey all -- look for our coffee service each morning when you are dropping off. We're donating the coffee and trimmings to the cause. Any funds we take in for cups of coffee will be forwarded to Homeward Pet.
We hope you'll opt for a quick Cuppa Joe from right here at Scampers so we can all help support canine rescue efforts.
Weekly Report - We are delighted to report that this week we collected $15.00 for Homeward Pet. Thank you very much. We hope you enjoyed your coffee!
Watch for the updates of our framed Friday Funny in our reception area.
We'll also make sure they're posted on our Facebook page so you can share them with your friends.
We'll also make sure they're posted on our Facebook page so you can share them with your friends.
We're a pretty close knit group of pooches - we form strong friendships, and we get to know each other very well. When we new pooches join us, we love to introduce them around and get them started in their Scampering adventures - that's why they call us the "Welcome Waggin".
We love welcoming all the new pooches, and we've been getting lots of practice lately!
On Monday we welcomed Jack the English Setter and Carmen the German Shepherd Mix. They both found that Scampers offers plenty of new and entertaining ways to spend their energy - both made friends quickly and settled into the routine in no time - what a great way to start the week!
Wednesday was a very busy day for the Welcome Waggin' bunch. Emma, a truly impressive Great Dane, joined the Big Dogs at the front of the house, collecting admirers - canine and human alike - wherever she turned. Meanwhile, Beanie, the baby Corgi, was was making her own excellent impression as she ran circles with the other puppies in the Littles group. Tilly, a young Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, was a great addition to the big dogs, and found a whole bunch of energetic and willing friends to romp with.
Dozer, the aptly named English Bulldog, joined the Big Dogs yesterday. He's a very smiley and affable fellow, always willing to slobber and smooch with his friends. We're looking forward to seeing him meet his near-twin Maximus O. They will certainly make a fun pair!
We're wishing speedy recovery to our good friend Kiska, who was just a little to energetic the other day when she got home and dislocated her hip! Poor baby - we're missing you.
Hey, Peeps, don't forget, if you're curious about how we spend our days and you're not quite sure what those report cards really mean, you can watch the adventures in the photos and videos our wranglers are posting on the Scampers Facebook page.
There's also a ScampersDogs channel on YouTube where you'll find all kinds of fun videos, and we update that selection periodically.
There's also a ScampersDogs channel on YouTube where you'll find all kinds of fun videos, and we update that selection periodically.
Our boarding facility has very been busy this year, especially over the holidays - our facility was absolutely full to the brim with happy campers! We're still hosting plenty of pooches throughout the month of January, as well.
Samson is a frequent Scampers boarder. Here he is greeting the morning staff with his great big grin!
This is Gunde, relaxing during her recent weekend with us. Gunde used to be a regular camper and we've missed her wily sense of humor, so we're glad she still comes to board once in a while.
Sibling Berner-Golden mix pups Nox and Oris found a nice spot for a mid-day nap - boarding is tiring work for these active and mischievous pups.
Scampers Online Reservations and Account Management
Our online management system is cooking along nicely now. We are still working on completing the data input, particularly for incomplete vaccination data, but you are able to make your reservations online for boarding and for daycare if you're so inclined.
Every once in a while we receive a photo from one of our customers showing us what their beloveds are doing after their day at Scampers.
We're always looking for new material but we have some classics to share:
Here's Tillie H giving us her impression
of a tired poodle. Too pooped to notice
her lovely rawhide chewy.
of a tired poodle. Too pooped to notice
her lovely rawhide chewy.
We loved this shot of Sadie - the look on her face says that she's not pleased that her belly rub got interrupted for the sake of a camera.
Like many pooches, Swiffer enjoys the world through an open car window, even if he so tired after his Scampers day that he sleeps through it!
Here's Jemma, enjoying her downtime. This is at her mom's office, where she spends her time when she's not at Scampers.
Little Joe is enjoying sweet dream of all his favorite Scampers friends - his mom got up left him a nice warm chair!
Odie sure loves his ball, but was too tired to do anything but hold it!
This category of owner-contributed pics features dogs enjoying their extracurricular fun.
This is where we'll post the pics we've received of your pooches enjoying summer vacations, beach roaming, ball games, and any other such general exploring.
The Force seems to be awakening in Lily C. She is wearing her Yoda ears to honor the occasion.
Hooch sure enjoyed this view of the south shore of Crater Lake.
Ripley S relaxes at home with a good book.
Here's Lola B as captured by the brilliant Dogs of Marymoor photographer.
Murphy C surveys his domain!
We have also received some great shots documenting "The Real Reason" you bring your furkids to Scampers.
The famous Odie is at it again.
Mr. Champion Counter Surfer has his eye on the beautiful beignet!
Pretty Abby G is a very helpful pooch indeed. This lovely picture shows her effort at helping to unpack mysterious things at the office.
Canine Nosework Classes at Scampers
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and an inborn desire to hunt. The sport of K9 Nose Work is designed to develop the natural scenting abilities of your dog by using their passion for hunting and their love of toys, food and exercise.
It's a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy and you get to find out just how good your dog's nose is.
Vicki Francks, owner of Cascade Canines continues offering K9 Nose Work Classes using Scampers facility. If you'd like some information on the next round of classes, give Vicki a call at 206-849-7643. More information is also available as Scampers front desk.
It's a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy and you get to find out just how good your dog's nose is.
Vicki Francks, owner of Cascade Canines continues offering K9 Nose Work Classes using Scampers facility. If you'd like some information on the next round of classes, give Vicki a call at 206-849-7643. More information is also available as Scampers front desk.
A gentle reminder that Scampers daycare hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and our weekend and holiday daycare hours are by appointment only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the case of an emergency, we are able to make the accommodation for extended stay. Please call us, though, to advise.
Dogs on Leashes, Pretty Please
Our reception area is often very busy, and we host many dogs with many different kinds of personalities. While we love them all, we know that some are inclined to jump up and greet new friends, and others are inclined to try to protect their beloved humans.
Our reception area is often very busy, and we host many dogs with many different kinds of personalities. While we love them all, we know that some are inclined to jump up and greet new friends, and others are inclined to try to protect their beloved humans.
To avoid any kind of mishap, please ensure your pooches are securely leashed and in control while in our reception area.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Very best regards,
Linda Olsen and Stina Hughes
Scampers Daycamp for Dogs
Scampers Daycamp for Dogs
Play all day - go home happy.
12532 124th Street NE Kirkland, WA 98034
T 425-821-9100 | F 425-821-4685
T 425-821-9100 | F 425-821-4685
