Paradise   Luxury Pet Estate

Bedroom Boarding, Doggie Daycare, Grooming Galore &
Top Notch Training! 
 
 
Paradise Ponderings July 2008
In This Issue
Grooming Specials!
Pond Membership Special
Labor Day Sunday Time Change
Nametags a Must
Ask Ella
Open House Attendance 200+
 
VIP Suite
Our biggest crowd ever came by in June to our semi-annual Open House.  The Paradise Team always works very hard to be sure Paradise Luxury Pet Estate sparkles and gleams, but they did a super job of welcoming visitors, showing off where the big dogs go, introducing folks to the new VIP Suite where family members can stay together in one room, pointing out the new Training Center, and last but not least conducting tours through the new Elite Grooming Spa in the Main House.  Even the boarding & daycare dogs enjoyed watching our visitors - they thought it was our newest attraction!
 
Barkbusters Seminar Well Attended   
A large number of people attended the Barkbusters Training Seminar held at Paradise after the Open House in June.  Excellent information was provided and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future.
Thank you again Pam & Zeke!


 
 

 
 

The McConnell's Welcome a New Family Member 
 Pacman

Mark, Holly, Ella & Destiny McConnell have welcomed a new baby brother to their family.  Pac man (who really does have a Pac man marking on his side), is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and he's already strutting his stuff in the Main House Reception Area.
 
Paul & Jody Tie The Knot
Please join us in congratulating Paradise Gatehouse Manager, Paul Berger and his new wife Jody, who were just married last week.  Paul & Jody have set up housekeeping in the Merritt Island area and we all wish them much happiness in their new life together.

 
Wagging Tails
 ** to Lucy A. for donating play equipment for the small dogs.
** to Megan A. for toys for the big dogs.
** to Niki & Zoey L. for yummy Memorial Day cupcakes.
** to Louie R. for yummy donuts.
** to Kacie R. for yummy chocolate chip cookies.
** to Taria for chocholaty chocolate birthday brownies
~ Happy number 2!

 
Tree Trimming & Removal and Small Engine Repair Services Needed 
 
Paradise often has a need for specialized services & repairs.  Many of our clients have these skills.  We would be willing to barter/trade daycare and or boarding credits for some of these services.  Specifically we need: 1) tree service (removal & trim) and 2) small engine repair.  If you can help us, or if you know someone who might be interested, please call 728-2200 for details.  Thank you!
 
   
The luxurious lawns and flowers of Paradise are super green & lush after the rains we've been having, and the ponds are full and fun for romping.  A question overheard last week was, "Do the dogs still go out in the rain??"  Yes, of course they do, and most of them LOVE it. We try to wait a bit to take them out if we see an obvious storm coming, but we're sensitive to the pets who don't like rain and we try to get them to the drying room quickly if a squall sneaks up on us!  Meanwhile the others play until our handlers have reached their maximum "getting soaked" time and then we open the large daycare room for the big dogs to run in, or we take the little dogs under cover and give them all a good fluffing. 

 
 
Grooming Good News
Ricky before and after
The mercury has not only spiked, but continues to stay there!  Yikes!  Consequently, cool "Summer Cuts" are now in vogue in our Elite Grooming Spa and your heavy-coated dog will appreciate a good haircut or a Low Shed Groom at the Spa.  Haven't tried it yet?  All first-time grooms are 10% off, and all Low Shed Grooms are discounted $10 during July & August.  Please call 728-2200 for an appointment, or give us a call if someone visits you unexpectedly and YOUR DOG NEEDS A BATH quickly!!!  The Paradise Team is here to help!
 
 
Summertime Heat Dangers
Short hair is one way to keep your dog comfortable, but you'll also want to consider the following to avoid heatstroke:
1.  Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool & in the shade.  Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
2.  Provide access to water at all times.
3.  Do not leave a pet in a parked car even in the shade or if you're only going to be gone a short time.  Car temps can reach 140 degrees in just twenty minutes.
4.  Do not muzzle your pet.
5.  Avoid places like the beach & especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected & there is no access to shade.
6.   Wet down your pet with cool water or allow him to swim.
7.   Move your pet to a cool area of the house. A/C is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, but it is not always dependable.  To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice & a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock.  Place them on the floor for your dog to lie on.

 
Pond Member's Special - Monday, Aug. 4th
3 labs at pond partyDogs with Pond Memberships who come for daycare on this day will receive a free ear clean and nail trim.  Your pet thanks you!
 
 
 
Labor Day Sunday (Aug. 31) Time Change
Paradise will be open for pickups and dropoffs from 8-10 a.m. only on Sunday, Aug. 31.  This is a change from the normal Sunday schedule and is for the holiday Sunday only.  After 10 a.m. we will be closed for the rest of the day AND for the Labor Day Monday holiday on Sept. 1.  We will re-open on Tues., Sept. 2nd at 7 a.m. as usual.
 
 

 
Nametags, Nametags, Nametags 
As much as we stress how important a nametag is in this cageless environment, we find ourselves with many pets coming in without them. The dogs here are not in individually labeled pens or cages so if 6 black labs come in at one time, and they're not wearing nametags, it can prove to be a bit confusing.  In order to "dummy proof" their stay we want to ensure your dog is wearing a nametag.  To help with this we are now making stainless steel "paw-tags" for anyone who needs identification and the cost is only $5.00 per tag.
Ask Ella  
Ask EllaDear Ella, "I have this totally rad-looking spike collar and I want to wear it when I come to Paradise.  Dad's ok with it, but mom says no.  What do you think (you'd love it!)" ~ Karma.
  
Hey Karma, "Sure, Des & I'd love to see it, but the managers say no ~ too many kids roll around with each other and it's way dangerous I guess.  They have collars for sale in the reception room here (Lisa asked me to put in a plug for them!)" ~ See you soon, Ella.
 
Dear Ella, "I know it's a long time until Halloween, but I have an idea for one of the contests, "Best Tail Wag."  I'm sure my dog is crossed with a cat, because when I try to teach him to sit up or fetch or even stay, he just looks at me like "I'll get back to you."   But, when I say "treats," his tail & butt go off the Richter scale.  I know he'd win!! ~ Love Ernie.
 

Dear Ernie, I asked my Dad what he thought of this new contest idea and he said to tell your dog to "get his rear in gear" 'cause he's in the lineup!!"  Love, Ella
 
 
Destiny Dishes It Out 
 
Hey, you know what?  Ella gets all the "Ask Ella" letters because she's book smart and everyone thinks she knows everything.  Well, I'm her older sister and I might've grown up in a rougher neighborhood, but I know some stuff too. 
 
Mom says that starting next month I'm gonna get to have my own column called "Destiny's Dirt" and I'm going to get to share some stuff with you from my point of view ~ such as what happens in the social circles around here (like what we talk about when the lights go out ~ which dogs are "best buds" ~ who's the biggest flirt and who's noticing who ~ which parents send the best treats), you know, that kind of stuff.  Maybe I'll also do an in depth expose on one of our regular guests ~ some of these guys have some interesting tales to tell! 
 
Thank you for Promoting Paradise

Once again, thank you for spreading the word about Paradise.   We have been truly surprised at the number of new clients that have come in just because of word of mouth!  Our advertising is mostly yellow pages and internet because we prefer to spend our dollars on our Puppies, Personnel, & Property.  Please pick up some brochures when you are here the next time and tell your friends & neighbors.
Remember ~ if you refer someone to us that brings their dog in for daycare or boarding we will give you a $10 referral credit to be used toward any of our services. 

 
 

 Mark & Holly McConnell & the Paradise Team
Paradise Luxury Pet Estate, 220 Chandler Rd., Palm Bay, FL  32907
Phone:  321-728-2200  *  Fax:  321-728-4751
nocages@paradisefordogs.com   *   www.paradisefordogs.com

 

 
 

220 Chandler Road NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907   |   Tel: (321) 728-2200 or (321) 728-4701   |   Fax:  (321) 728-4751

 
 

220 Chandler Road NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907   |   Tel: (321) 728-2200 or (321) 728-4701   |   Fax:  (321) 728-4751