Scampers Weekly Recap – January 8, 2016

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Scampers Weekly Recap - January 8, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 Dear --Valued Customer--

We've made it into 2016, and now we're all back to our normal routines, and isn't that a lovely relief!

We hope everyone had a wonderful time over the holidays, and that everyone is ready for a great year.

At Scampers, we're hitting the New Year at a full gallop, and looking forward to lots more fun.
 
 
 
 
PupPod is the new fun and training game for your dog that everyone is talking about.

We took the PupPod prototype for a test drive at Scampers recently, and everyone who had a chance to try it out had a grand time with it. They found they could make goodies appear by carrying out little tasks.
 
 
 
 
“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.

We're launching the pilot PupPod program at Scampers next week, and will be setting up a PupPod in our back room for interested pooches to exercise their minds. Soon, you'll be able to sign up your pooch for a 1/2 hour's PupPod time - Scampers PupPod becomes available beginning Tuesday, January 12th. Let us know if you're interested in having your dog participate in the brain training with PupPod at Scampers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here's Eric's message to you:

The PupPod pilot is kicking off next week at Scampers and your dog can try the hottest new pet technology gadget for free.

If you are not familiar with PupPod, you can check it out at www.puppod.com. PupPod is a self-guided, learning system for dogs. It keeps dogs entertained and allows pet parents to keep tabs on their dog. Dogs play with smart toys to earn rewards from a wirelessly connected treat/kibble dispenser. The game evolves based on the dog's performance so dogs have to keep advancing to keep earning rewards. Pet parents can receive videos and game stats to feel more connected with their dog.

To create your PupPod account, go to www.puppod.com and select the "Login" menu item in the top, right-hand corner of the page and follow the steps to create an account. That's all you have to do. When your dog plays PupPod, you'll see videos and stats to help you feel more connected with your fur-baby.

PupPod is still in development and Scampers is the first daycare to pilot the product. Please be prepared to experience an alpha product that's evolving every day. This is an exciting opportunity for pet parents who like to impact technology. That said, please understand that PupPod is providing you with very early access to their service so expect it to be a little ruff. :-)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

And, oh by the way, with PupPod's online interface, you'll be able to see video of your furry little camper getting smarter and smarter! How cool is that?


 
 
 
 
Chris Sugarbaker of Cut-N-Run, mobile groomer extraordinaire will make his next visit to Scampers on Tuesday, January 19th.

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 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 


We're in the New Year now, so this is the perfect time to consider resolutions for your furry friends, too!

Talk to your vet about any preventative medicine which may be due (flea, tick, heartworm, vaccines), start a dental cleaning routine, commit to healthy food portions and daily exercise (talk to your vet), or sign up for a K9 Nosework or agility class.

Together, you and your four-legged friends can start the year healthier and happier than ever.

Thanks to Elise Poston for this submission. Look for more Did You Know tidbits from Elise in future editions of Scampers Weekly Recap.
 
 
 
 
 
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 $28.00 for Homeward Pet. Thank you very much. We hope you enjoyed your coffee!
 
 
 
 

Every once in a while we come across a dog-oriented joke.


For the owners of the enthusiastic labs...

 
 
 
 
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'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 haven't reported in the last few weeks, but the holiday season turned into three really busy weeks for new pooch welcomes, in every area.

The week before Christmas, we introduced Pliny, a playful Golden, to the active medium pooches, and she was a terrific addition to Monday's group. On Tuesday, young Murphy C, an adorable Labrador Retriever, joined the other fun pups. On Christmas Eve, we welcomed Boomer D's new sibling pooch, Ronin, and big English Bulldog, Bruce, and both pooches found the party suited them wonderfully.

The Christmas to New Years week was also a busy week for the mentor pooches, as Phyllis joined the Littles on Tuesday to see what her good friend Oscar's been doing all this time. Wednesday saw Zoe T and Milo S sign on for the Big Dog activities. 

New Years Eve was Eddie H's inaugural day - he'd been watching sibling pooch Della and just knew this kind of play would be good for him too.

This week has been extra busy welcoming newbies - and lots of them are new sibling pooches, as Scampers families adopt companion animals. Mollee K introduced her new brother, Lucky, on Monday morning, and squired him around as he learned the ropes. Mabelle brought new brother Marlo in on Tuesday, and he just marched in like he's been coming forever. At the same time, Charlotte brought her second-cousin-once-removed, Agnes, and introduced her to all her friends. Farley, an elegant Standard Poodle, found a comfy spot in the Active Mediums, and enjoyed the spectacle. Wednesday, we welcomed two Double Doodle pups, Lee and Charlie S, from two different families (although they too may be siblings, as they are the same age), and they sure enjoyed each other, as well as all the other pups in the place! Thursday was Ripley H's day to join in the fun, and she was a total rock star - she picked up all the routines right away. Today, we're entertaining Border Collie Mix puppy Dexter E. We're going to make sure he's had just as great a day as all our newbies.

We're getting so much practice mentoring all the newbies and helping them to learn the Scampers routines. We're thrilled to have this responsibility, and we take it very seriously.

We're missing a couple of good friends, though, and send wishes and positive thoughts for speedy return to health to Sophie and Dexter, lookalike Cavs who have had some rather difficult health challenges, but we are hopeful they are both working their way back to the fun.
 
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
 

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.

Remember to get your boarding requests in early to make sure there's room enough for your pooches. 
 
 
 
 

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:

 
 
 
 


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!
 
 
 
 
 

We know we have lots of Seahawks fans in our Scampers community. Here's where we'll post your 12th Dog pics. We're looking forward to seeing LOTS of those over the next few months.
 
 
 
 


This is 12th Dog, Izzy, a true fan:
all smiles and cheerful squeals.

 
 
 
 

And Bailey P enjoys the game from the
50 yard line!
 
 
 
 





Nelson is right at home,
at the Home of the 12th man!
 
 
 
 


Here's Flapjack, showing her enthusiasm for her favorite team.
 
 
 
 

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.
 
 
 
 


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.
 
 
 
 


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.

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

​Play all day - go home happy. 
 
 
 
 
 
12532 124th Street NE Kirkland, WA 98034
T 425-821-9100  |  F 425-821-4685