Inbox Our Brain Squad Share Worries, Boundless Optimism and Gratitude “We have truly valued our relationships…” Published 7 months ago on June 16, 2020 By PETS+ Staff PETS+ July 2020 Issue Share Tweet Going the Distance I think indies will thrive in the “new normal” that is coming because we were able to bob and weave when the big guys just sat on their hands. Be interesting to see how it all plays out, yes? — Diana Farrar, Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique, San Antonio, TX Professor Menchaca Totally digging Trace’s Store School. Way to go, Trace! — Pattie Zeller, Animal Connection, Charlottesville, VA Challenging Times I’m tired. This is the most physical, mental and emotional way to do business. I’m glad that we had an online store and a delivery car already in place before COVID-19 changed our world. — Penny Murano, Unleashed, New London, NH I’m very worried about my pet sitting business going forward. Will people be afraid to travel until there’s a vaccine? If so, I may be out of business by then. I’m very concerned. — Tina Dehart, A Pet Lover’s Sitting Service, Katy, TX Alternatives to Meat I believe the future of pet food is cultured meat, insect-based foods and vegan options. I’m currently reading the book The Clean Pet Food Revolution: How Better Pet Food Will Change The World. We as retailers need to embrace these choices and push for change. — Charlsye Lewis, Metro Animals, Fort Worth, TX Thank You Notes Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this awesome group of pet store owners. I enjoy reading what others are doing — so many creative, positive, enthusiastic people! I think that’s the key: Remain optimistic and keep the dream alive! — Lisa Boegl, Eldorado Country Pet & Wild Bird, Santa Fe, NM In the midst of the pandemic, we have truly valued our relationships with other indie pet stores, pet store networking groups and, of course, PETS+! They have been lifesavers in the midst of so many defining moments for brick-and-mortar stores. — Alison Schwartz, All Pets Considered, Greensboro, NC Just want to say thank you for publishing an incredible resource — the right balance of shared experience/opinions and industry experts/news, plus trends, new products, etc. — Janet Cesarini, Pupology, Georgetown, TX Thanks for staying in contact and keeping us organized and focused as best as we can! — Janelle Pitula, Wags to Whiskers, Plainfield, IL Thank you for being so proactive in helping members of our industry get through these difficult times! I appreciate you! — Shane Somerville, Paddywack, Mill Creek, WA Related Topics: click to Comment(Comment) PETS+ Staff Since launching in 2017, PETS+ has won 16 major international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact PETS+'s editors at editor@petsplusmag.com. Advertisement You may like PETS+ Readers Share What They Are Most Looking Forward to in 2021 On the America’s Coolest Pet Stores and More of Your Letters Here Are Your Thoughts on the COVID-19 Pandemic Promoted Headlines Let’s Hear it for the Comfort Zone Tall Tails Category Spotlight: Terry Naturally® Animal Health Category Spotlight: eTailPet Advertisement Latest Trending Videos Do You Or Don't You6 hours ago Pet Businesses Weigh In on Accepting Titer Test Results as Proof of Vaccination Columns1 day ago Top 5 Things to Share with Customers of Reptile Pets Headlines2 days ago Open Farm Receives $65M in Private Equity Investment Headlines1 week ago Ben & Jerry’s Joins Pet Industry with Ice Cream for Dogs Headlines2 days ago Open Farm Receives $65M in Private Equity Investment Photo Gallery1 week ago How Indie Pet Stores Are Celebrating — and Selling — Valentine’s Day Trace's Store School1 month ago Video: Trace’s Store School: How to Build Community — and Grow Revenue — with Other Businesses Trace's Store School2 months ago Video: Trace’s Store School: Get Ready for Black Friday and Small-Business Saturday Trace's Store School2 months ago Video: Trace’s Store School Teaches You How to Start a Produce Co-Op for Pets Advertisement SubscribeBULLETINS Get the most important newsand business ideas from PETS+. Advertisement Most Popular Headlines1 week ago Ben & Jerry’s Joins Pet Industry with Ice Cream for Dogs Headlines2 days ago Open Farm Receives $65M in Private Equity Investment Photo Gallery1 week ago How Indie Pet Stores Are Celebrating — and Selling — Valentine’s Day Press Releases1 week ago Lightspeed Launches Supplier Network for Independent Retailers Columns6 days ago Shelf Appeal: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Products for Your Pet Store Hot Sellers1 week ago Holiday Toys, Bird Perches and Spa Treatments Among the Hot Sellers for November Headlines3 days ago Mars Petcare Plans $145M Expansion in Arkansas Columns1 week ago How Storytelling Can Lead to Loyal Customers and Increased Sales