Dogtopia of Cary, NC Blog

Just like the real World Cup Final, our costume competition was also a close result with the last little bit of time making all the difference.  Congratulations to both Spain and to Bennett: Her sequined referee outfit won the day and she walks away with the grand prize which includes a 5-visit daycare pass!  Commiserations to Bear who was a great challenger. 

We cannot wait to see these two awesome competitors battle again at Halloween!

This year, Dogtopia will be hosting it’s 6th Annual Dog Wash event but it will be a first for us here at Cary.

 Our chosen charity, this year, is the Morrisville Police Department K-9 Support Unit.  They have a new puppy in training and the funds we raise will go towards the upkeep and specialist equipment needed for such a valuable community resource.

 The event will take place at our store from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 17th where, for a suggested donation of $10, per dog, our staff will shampoo, rinse and towel-dry your dirty dog and leave them sparkling clean!  We are hoping that it will so busy that while you wait in line, you can be entertained by a number of local vendors and doggy competitions.   We will also be using the event to launch lots of new and exciting things! -

• Meet the trainers – on 20th July we will be launching group obedience training classes, led by Darwin K9.  At the dog wash, they will be having ‘ask the trainer’ sessions where you may get to hear the answers to common problems or even things that make you go hmm!  If you would like to submit your questions in advance, please let us know and we will be happy to pass them on – if your question is selected you will receive a very special offer!  The event will be a great opportunity to meet Andy and Alexia and determine how they may be able to help you and your dog get the best out of each other!   As well as providing demonstrations of tricks and other fun doggie stuff, they will also be running our competitions – best and worst trick, best and worst obedience, best and worst haircut and look-a-like (either like you or a celebrity!).  Check back closer to the event for the exact competition times.
• Meet the Groomer – after the event, we will at last be offering grooming.  Many of you will have already met Jen, or at least seen her on the webcams, as she is one of our playroom attendants.  When she is not working, you may have also seen her at the dog park with her Boxer Bella.  This is an awesome opportunity for your dog to finally feel happy about going to get spruced up!  Our existing daycare and boarding dogs have already established a wonderful relationship with Jen so will be totally relaxed in her presence as well as already being comfortable in these surroundings.  Why not save time and gas by combining a half day of daycare with an afternoon at the spa?  Come and meet Jen to discuss your grooming preferences and take advantage of early booking as she is sure to get very busy, very quickly!
• Retail – It has long been on our list to revitalize our retail area, and phase 1 is to launch some exciting new treats and cookies.  We will be selling favorites such as Buddy Biscuits, Sojos and Real Meat treats.  Our friends Chippie Chew will also be here selling other great healthy and natural snacks for your furry best friend.  On the day, we will also have for sale, the same shampoo that we will personally be using for the event.  This is an awesome product by Cloud Star called Buddy Wash.  It is made from completely natural ingredients, is not tested on animals and smells great too!  It is also totally safe for those with sensitive skin including humans.  Take some home with you to try out for the whole family!
• Pet Adoptions – For some time, we have worked closely with a number of rescue groups to foster dogs waiting to find their forever home.  We are currently caring for two sweet boys, Tako and Austin, who were rescued by the ‘Boston Terrier Rescue Group NC’ (BTRNC).  At the event, this tremendous group will be here, as will ‘Two Paws Up’ with some wonderful dogs looking for loving families.  Did you know, Dogtopia gives back, to you awesome and generous adoptive families by providing a free day of daycare to all rescued dogs?
• Doggie Massage and Energy Healing by Susan King – The ultimate in pampering and total holistic care for your dog, after all, who wouldn’t like to get a relaxing massage after an action-packed and energetic session at Dogtopia?  Not only for fun, Susan’s amazing techniques may also be able to help your furry kids deal with emotional struggles like stress and separation anxiety, recovery from illness and injury and, just like a Chiropractor or Dentist, prevention to optimize overall health.  At the event, Susan will be providing ‘tasters’ but if you wish to take advantage of our specially negotiated rate, for Dogtopia clients, please call us and we can pass on your details or call Susan direct on 919-244-1264.

 Last year, the company raised over $15,000 for a variety of causes and this year EVERY Dogtopia location will be taking part so please come out and help us beat last year’s total!  Keep checking back as we will be updating this blog with even more details in the next few days!

***UPDATE***

Firstly, sorry for the confusion, the event will run from 10am until 5pm, as per our regular hours although, regular daycare will not be available. To clarify, for a suggested donation of $10, we will shampoo, towel-dry and spritz your dog.  Unfortunately, dryers and other spa services will not be available.  There are no size or breed restrictions and the suggested donation is just that!  If you feel it’s worth more – please feel free to donate more!

For the bathing, we will be using Cloud Star’s Green Tea & Bergamot Buddy Wash shampoo.  This is a non-alcohol, coconut-based shampoo which is safe for puppies, those with sensitive skin and is also safe to use in conjunction with flea and tick treatments.  Please see the link for more info http://www.cloudstar.com/8B85D0640D2843F5A8CD806F241058A0.asp?sc_id=F49D2806498F4EAE899166E1A69D3650&pcs_key=444C8CBDE9C0483AA8D7FFA24E96A866  On the day, we will be selling this shampoo, along with other new retail items including, Buddy Biscuits and all-natural free-range Brazilian bully sticks.  To make way for even more new things, we will also be slashing the price of ALL doggy clothing items by 75%!  To quench your thirst, we will have water, sodas and pastries available, for $1 each, in the lobby.

Here is the schedule of events and competitions.  Timings are approximate and subject to change but we will try to adhere to the start times as closely as possible.  Sign-up for competitions on the day:-

10am-11am Obedience Competition – prizes will be awarded for best and worst!
11am-12pm Ask-a-trainer session (hosted by Darwin K9)
12pm-1pm Clever Dog Trick Competition – prizes will be awarded for best and worst!
1pm-2pm Working Dog Demonstration
2pm-3pm Look-a-like Competition (like owner or celebrity!) – prize will be awarded
4pm-4.30pm In-exactly-five-words-explain-why-your-dog-should-win Competition – prize for the most original
4.30 Grand Raffle – Tickets ($1) on sale at reception

We are very excited about everything that is planned and hope that you will tell all of your friends – canine and human – to come and have a great day out to support a wonderful cause.

The votes have been counted and verified and we have our winners from the first round!

For the team captain contest, Bear received 62% of the vote and in the referees contest, Bennett received 76%.  Congratulations to you both, you are now through to the final.  Congratulations also to USA and England, both one step closer to lifting the World Cup Trophy.  Commiserations to Lulu and Lacie, you were worthy opponents and held your own against very strong competitiors. 

The voting will be reset to zero and this time you need to vote for your overall winner between Bear and Bennett.  

Make your choice count by entering the names of your favorite dogs, from each group, in the ‘leave a reply’ box at the end of the this blog.  Voting will close to coincide with the World Cup Final on Sunday July 11th.  Don’t forget, the eventual winner will receive a goodie basket which includes a 5-day pass worth $140!

VOTE TEAM BENNETT

VOTE TEAM BEAR

The live draw was held Friday night (6/11) to determine which teams would face each other in the first round of the voting competition.  The results were;

Lulu vs Bear (Battle of the team captains)

and

Bennett vs Lacie (Battle of the referees)

Each voter gets to chose their favorite dog from each group – one from group A and one from group B.  The voting will end on Friday 25th June and the winner with the most votes, from each category, will then go head-to-head for a final round of voting to determine the overall champion. 

The second round of voting will begin on Monday 28th June and the voting count will be reset to zero.  The overall winner has the chance to win an Dogtopia goodie basket, including a 5-day daycare pass – worth over $180!  They can only win if you take the time to vote!

Make your choice count by entering the names of your favorite dogs, from each group, in the ‘leave a reply’ box at the end of the this blog.

GROUP A – BATTLE OF THE TEAM CAPTAINS

Lulu may be small but she has a personality big enough to lead her team to victory.  Don’t let those Miniature Dachshund legs fool you, her lightning speed is her greatest asset!

 VERSUS

 As a Lab Mix, Bear’s confidence is his best leadership quality, in fact, he is so sure that both his team and the USA will win the World Cup, he started the celebrations early!

GROUP B – BATTLE OF THE REFEREES

 Lacie has quickly learned the rules of the game and her vibrant Lab Mix energy means that this young referee can easily keep up with the big dogs and keep the game flowing.

VERSUS

Bennett is a true Southern Belle and always brings her Corgi glamor to every game – what other referee would look so fabulous with sequins on their uniform?

 Voting is now open.  Good luck everyone!

Join us for our “Fiesta de Fidos” Cinco de Mayo Party this Wednesday, May 5th!!

Come meet Kirsty and Diane, the new owners of Dogtopia of Cary from 7pm-9pm and enjoy appetizers, drinks, music and games!

Bring a friend who has never been to Dogtopia and we’ll gladly give you $15 doggy dollars for services. If that friend decides to come to daycare you’ll receive another $15 doggy dollars! We will also waive the fee for anyone who signs up for an evaluation that evening and all retail items will be 30%. With all of that, why not bring a friend along??

To add to the fun, any dogs attending daycare that day in “festive” Cinco de Mayo attire will receive a full day of daycare for the half day price.

Go Team Dogtopia!

Join us in supporting homeless pets at the SPCA of Wake County: K-9 3-K walk!  There are several ways you can take part in this event: sponsor our Dogtopia of Cary & Raleigh team, sponsor an individual on the  team or walk with us! This is a great opportunity to help homeless pets while you and your pup have a great time!  Click here to join our team or for more information!

Violet Mutt Madness Champion!

Congratulations to our Mutt Madness winner Violet!

Both Cooper and Bennett put in a great fight and showed admirable team spirit, but Violet pulled through in the end for the final alley- oop to take the title of the 2010 Mutt Madness Champion! Please give all of our contenders a round of applause for taking part in this years Mutt Madness competition!

*** Voting is now CLOSED. We’ll tally it all up and announce a winner Monday!! ***

It’s come down to our final three. Vote for the dog you feel shows the best BARKsketball Spirit for their school!

Leave your vote by comment to this post. Voting will remain open until Sunday night and we’ll announce our Champion Monday morning!

Bennett howls for NC State

Cooper's an OSU Cowboy

Violet's a member of the Wolf Pack

Violet, Bennett and Cooper won out in Round 1. Come back tomorrow to vote for your favorite and help us select the Grand Champion!

*** We’re tallying the votes as we speak (bark) and will announce the second round shortly! ***

Round 1 of our annual Mutt Madness competition has begun! Vote for your favorites via the comments section below by writing in the Match-Up number and the dogs you choose. Each row represents a “Match-Up”:

Match-Up #1 is Princess vs Violet
Match-Up #2 is Morrissey vs Cooper
Match-Up #3 is Carolin and Smalls vs Bennett

Be sure to click on the picture to see the FULL SIZE image. It’s worth the click.

Remember, our proud pups are competing for a 5-Day Daycare pass and a basket chalk full of goodies.

Voting remains open until 7pm Wednesday and one vote per email address will be accepted. The winner of each Match-Up moves on to the second round, so be sure to pass it along to family, friend, co-workers and anyone else you need to in support of your favorite!

Good Luck to all our great pups !!!