Scampers Weekly Recap – January 8, 2016

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Scampers Weekly Recap - January 15, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 Dear --Valued Customer--

Has anyone else noticed that the days are staying brighter just a little bit longer?

We've got some winter to go yet, but there's always this period of lightening and warming at this time of year.

Yesterday, we actually spent several hours outdoors in our shirtsleeves enjoying a preview of our days to come, and the pooches enjoyed it so much too.
 
 
 
 
We've been alerted to the spread of H3N2 Canine Flu, since April 2015, and it's making its way to Washington. This is a highly contagious upper respiratory flu with symptoms including runny nose and eyes, cough, general lethargy.

You will have received an email communique through our GingrApp on Thursday. In case you missed it, we also posted the information on our Facebook page.  The basics are that (1) this is an extremely contagious flu which is (2) not deadly, although (3) if left untreated can lead to pneumonia. And (4), please, and this is a general rule, don't bring your pooch to Scampers if they exhibit any signs of illness, and (5), if you see signs of illness, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Working together, we can help to limit the spread of H3N2 in Washington.
 
 
 
 
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.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Pets are like their humans in many ways. They actively seek comfort, just like we do. We can easily increase their overall comfort by caring for their physical and mental needs. One of the simplest and most challenging ways to increase daily comfort is to keep our pets properly pedicured!

Pet nails grow continuously, and can become very uncomfortable if they grow too long or splinter and crack. Some pets will happily sit still for grooming, but many don’t!

Here are some tips for keeping your pup’s tips and toes in tip-top shape.

  1.  The nail is ready to be trimmed when it is near the floor or your pooch clicks when they walk on a hard surface.

  2.   Acclimate your pooch to the trimmer and to having their feet handled. If they are jumpy, start off with a week or two of gentle foot massages, starting at the shoulder and gently but firmly working down to the paw. Reward calm behavior frequently.

  3.   Once your dog is ready, gently and firmly pick up each paw, squeezing slightly to separate the toes. Clipping from top to bottom (not side to side), carefully take off a bit at a time until you see a semi-circle appear. This means you are getting close to the quick (the blood supply to the nail). If you trim too much, apply a styptic pencil or corn starch to stop the bleeding, pet your pooch, and call it a day. You can always try again tomorrow when your dog is refreshed and calm.

  4.   If your dog is terrified of the trimmers even after acclimation and gentle foot massages, ask your vet - or Scampers' own Chris Sugarbaker! - for regular pedicure appointments.

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 $29.06 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 those who are beginning your
puppy training courses...

 
 
 
 
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".

This week, we welcomed a lovely bunch of newbies with excellent results.

On Monday, we welcomed Dash, a mini-Aussie, and Brune, an active Havanese, and everyone made sure to make them feel right at home.

Tuesday, it was Griffen and Kona the Rhodesian Ridgeback pup. The Littles made sure Griffen was comfy and at ease. For Kona, that first-day experience was a full-tilt party.

Wednesday we welcomed young Coenan, a little Chihuahua mix, and he found lots of "cousins" to make him feel comfortable. He was a rock star!

Yesterday, it was Romeo who joined the group, and he was another who just slid right into the rhythms of the room, and all the pooches in his group. He's a handsome fellow who fits his name to a T!

We're keeping the fun going, and always happy to show the newbies the ropes.
 
 
 
 
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:

 
 
 
 

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!
 
 
 
 
 

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