For The Love of Pets!

Hi Friends!

Do you look forward to your dog tackling you with love every time you walk in the door? How about the calming purr of your cat as it rests on your chest?  Pet owners know that their pets are special.  Sometimes it's the little things that shape relationships in life, and the relationship with a pet is no different.  As any pet owner knows, pets don't have the same type of hang-ups or grudges that humans have. They're perfectly willing to walk with you through life, comfort you in your troubles and cheer you on when life is grand.

The perfect human would have the attitude of a dog -- loving, loyal, happy, protective, faithful and honest. I wish I could be more like all the dogs I know.  At least the dogs I know, their attitude is admirable.  From a dog's perspective, every day is the best day of their life.

Having pets throughout my entire life I know the happiness I have felt through my companionship with my animals?  Yet, still it begs the question, why do pets make us so happy?  Why is it that even though we know all the work and responsibility involved, even though we know we will have to bear the eventual heartbreak of watching our pets grow old, even though we know we will someday lose them altogether-why, then, do we still regard the prospect of sharing our homes with birds, cats or dogs (or horses, or goats, or what have you) with such unalloyed joy?

From my view, I see that humans are pack animals, and it is the way God created us to be social, to form families and to build communities.  It's been essential to our survival as a species-to make others happy.  Some of us experience this need to a greater extent than others, but the desire to please others is as hard-wired into us as using tools or walking on two legs.

And, despite all the seeming effort involved, the truth is that it's so easy to make an animal happy-so much easier than it seems to be to make other people happy. When my birds have their favorite food, their favorite toys, and their favorite lap to cuddle in, they're so deeply happy they practically radiate it.  Their happiness isn't complicated the way human happiness is, with worries about future troubles or what they might have to offer in exchange for the happiness they've been given. There is not a concern that showing happiness too openly might make the happiness go away, the way, for example, you might not want to appear too enthusiastic in the earliest stages of a romantic relationship.

Let's take a hypothetical example.  Let's say a young man has an interest in a very special lady.  On one hand, he wants her to know of his feelings.  After all, it has been a few years.  The romantic ideal of shouting from every rooftop that this particular person is so beautiful and wonderful seems right.  Yet, on the other hand, it may not be a good idea.  His concern is that it may jeopardize the friendship or otherwise, it simply is not the right time.  Why does it have to be so complicated?  Is not life best lived with simplicity?

Do animals go through all of these "mental gymnastics?"  I think not.  If an animal likes you chances are you clearly know.  If there is a purer, less complicated joy than that of making an animal happy, I have yet to experience it. And there's something deeply fulfilling about knowing that, even in a complicated and often unkind world, you've managed to create a pocket of perfect security and bliss for at least one small creature.

As I write this, Dudley is playing with his many toys and spiraling down the ladders on his enormous parrot play gym.  At this exact moment, Sing-Sing is cozy underneath a blanket spread over and curled up in my lap, cooing away.  Dudley and Sing-Sing are unaware that I've been agonizing over planning the day and weeks ahead to ensure that all pet care jobs are handled with great care or worrying about how to grow a business, pay bills, life's obligations and responsibilities and oh, so much more.  

All they know right now is the tasty, delicious pasta with a little smidgen of pizza along with some alfalfa sprouts I just gave them for just a few of their favorite treats (Pasta and Pizza, which seriously must be made with the parrot equivalent of cat nip, my birds go so nuts for them!  Incidentally, they go crazy for nuts too), and Sing-Sing's favorite perching spot on the parrot play gym just got freed up now that Dudley just left to have some more pizza and pasta.  Dudley hails from Central and South America, so he is Latin and Sing-Sing is from Australia and New Zealand....so, I am still trying to teach Dudley to say "Hola, Buenos dias" and Sing-Sing to say "G'day Mate."  I might as well just give up as I think they both have more Italian in them judging by how much they love pizza and pasta....so, I'll just teach them to say "mangiare."

Some days, it's good to be a bird.....

May your day be filled with creature comforts and love shared with your pets!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com

Today Is World Wildlife Day!

Dear Friends!

Today is World Wildlife Day.  I am a very passionate man.  I am passionate about animals and dedicating my entire life to creating awareness ensuring that each animal is afforded the best life possible.  For my entire life, I have had a deep appreciation and empathy for the underdog.  Being a voice for the voiceless is my lifelong commitment.  In tribute to World Wildlife Day, here are videos to briefly outline what setting aside this day means:

Message from the CITES Secretary-General for World Wildlife Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsRRpfP-hKc

Kuki Gallmann, CMS Ambassador, on World Wildlife Day 2014

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jSJm_VBqx8

In honor of World Wildlife Day, I would like to discuss how we as humans can make a difference in the lives of animals.  Every single day, I am faced with a serious responsibility, a privilege and a moral dilemma.  As many of you know, I have two beautiful birds as my animal companions.  Dudley is a Yellow-Nape Amazon Parrot I adopted and rescued over 21 years ago and today is around 33 years old.  Sing-Sing is an Umbrella Cockatoo I welcomed into my home when I lived in Southern California in 2006.  At the time, Sing-Sing was only 10-months and now 8 years old.

To make a distinction, I use the word “companion” when I refer to a “pet” parrot because that is what they are and that is how they must be viewed.  Parrots are inherently flock animals and since we have removed them from their native habitat, it is very important that we do our best to replicate what they have lost by living in our homes.  I have become a part of Dudley and Sing-Sing's flock and it is my job to learn how that impacts Dudley and Sing-Sing.  As their flock leader, I also need to remember that parrots are still wild animals. They have been tamed, but they are genetically still wild and function from that point of view.

I have a heightened awareness over the responsibility for wild animals since I have two wild but tamed animals living in my own home.  So, what how should we as humans treat, manage and be responsible for wildlife and wildlife conservation?

What should we protect when managing and conserving wildlife?  There's no single answer. Competing values, and different prioritizations of values create ethical dilemmas and disagreements.

Wild animals have always been a critical resource for human beings. Historically, food, fur, and leather were key to human survival — more recently, wildlife has assumed high economic and cultural significance. Wild animals provide entertainment in circuses, zoos, and wildlife parks, they form a central attraction in international tourism, and they are key members of ecosystems on which humans rely for vital services. Equally, wild animals can be seen as threatening to human beings; for instance, they can be sources of new human diseases (zoonotics), and they can damage or consume human crops. What matters here, whether as resource or threat, is how useful — or otherwise — wildlife is to human beings. Environmental ethicists often call this instrumental value.

In modern debates about wildlife, however, other values have become increasingly important. One focus is on animal welfare — the wellbeing of individual wild animals (e.g., in terms of animals' flourishing, or suffering). There are also concerns about protecting species or populations of wild animals, about protecting the ecosystems of which wild animals form a part, and about protecting wild nature itself. The wellbeing of individual animals matters less where species, ecosystems, or wild nature is emphasized — indeed, painful predation may be understood as promoting ecosystem health, or as applying the right kind of selective pressure on a species as a whole.

In response to pressures on wild animals and their habitats, a nature and wildlife protection movement has grown over the last two centuries.  Often this protection has taken the form of active wildlife management, where some species are controlled as part of a policy to promote the success of other species.  This raises key questions about the responsibilities we have to wild animals. What should we try to protect? How should we balance different, potentially conflicting, values such as nature protection and individual animal welfare?

The management and use of wild animals generates ethical disagreements and dilemmas in which human needs, preferences, and interests, concern for individual animal welfare, and the value of biodiversity, ecosystems, and wild nature are part of the discussion. The way in which these different values are prioritized will determine policy.

In 2008, I established a group at a church called Noah's Ark Animal Lovers Group.  In a perfect world, which this is not, every single human could be a "Noah" -- yet, I realize that this is an imperfect, complicated world in which we live.

Blessings to you and your families for your love and care for animals.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com

Understanding Your Pet

Hi Friends!

I am considered to be a very expressive person.  I've been told by all who know me that when I'm feeling something, I don't hide it or have a lot of trouble doing expressing my thoughts or feelings, either in words or body language.  I define open expressiveness as willing to look the person in the eyes, or tell the person over the phone, "I miss you" or "I really like you" or "I'm thinking of you."  Overall, I consider myself an extrovert; I like people, I like conversing, I like community.  I suppose that is the reason why I love parrots, dogs and well, love all animals so much.

I am very relationship-oriented.  Since I consider relationships a top priority, I am committed to developing great relationships with my clients and their pets.  The main ingredients I believe are important in a sucessful relationship are: Communication, Trust, Understanding, and Honesty.  Understanding people and they way they operate is the only way to conduct a genuine relationship.  It is beneficial and healthy to get ‘inside the mind’ of the person you are in relationship with or in some type of interaction.  I believe this to also be the case with animals.

As is the case with developing a bond and strengthening a relationship with my birds Dudley and Sing-Sing.  Communication, Trust, Understanding and Honesty has to take place between me, Dudley and Sing-Sing, just as it must occur with any other.  However, an understanding has to be developed and learned.

After all, birds are not born with an understanding of how to fit into a human family.  Many things that are natural behaviors in parrots in the wild, and even essential to their survival, are not considered appropriate behavior in our eyes. Often misbehavior is the result of misunderstandings between the owner and the bird, or of unrealistic expectations the owner has about how the bird should behave. Dogs are very expressive animals. They communicate when they’re feeling happy, sad, nervous, fearful and angry, and they use their faces and bodies to convey much of this information. Dog body language is an elaborate and sophisticated system of nonverbal communication that, fortunately, we can learn to recognize and interpret. Once you learn how to “read” a dog’s postures and signals, you’ll better understand his feelings and motivations and be better able to predict what he’s likely to do. These skills will enable you to interact with dogs with greater enjoyment and safety.

It helps to first learn about the various components that make up dog body language. Dogs use facial expressions, ear set, tail carriage and overall demeanor to signal their intentions and feelings to others. Breaking their body language down into components is helpful at first for building your observation and interpretation skills. Your goal, however, is to be able to observe the entire dog and the situation or context he’s in, in order to accurately determine what he’s trying to say. It’s not possible to understand your dog’s feelings and intentions by looking at just one aspect of his body language.  

One of the most common mistakes an owner can make with their dog is to misread what the dog is saying into something completely different. We humans do it all of the time. The dog's body language says one thing, and we interpret it into something completely different, basing our assumption on what we ourselves are feeling. In reality dogs see and read the world much differently than we humans. If we humans better understood our dogs, we could prevent many dog bites and other behavioral issues.

For example, let’s take a simple act of a hug. To humans, a hug means love and affection. When a human receives a welcomed hug from a loved one it makes us feel good inside.

But just what does a hug mean to a dog? Humans are always hugging their dogs and when we do, we are giving the dog affection and sharing our love. However, what most humans do not realize is to a dog, a hug is not affection at all. To a dog, a hug symbolizes a social status ranking as dominance and an invasion of space—lower members of the pack give space to the higher members to show respect. The position of the body is also meaningful to a dog. The one on top represents a higher status ranking. Therefore, when you bend down and wrap your arms around a dog you are not only on top, but you are in their space.

Keeping this logic in mind, it makes total sense to not run up and hug a strange dog. Many children are bitten every day by hugging dogs, and if you look at it from the dog’s perspective, who would blame them? A stranger runs over, asserting dominance on a dog they have just met and the dog's reaction is to communicate to this being that they do not wish to be dominated. Unlike horses and deer who are "flight animals," a dog is a "fight animal" and will communicate his displeasure with a growl and/or a snap or bite.

That being said, it is not bad to hug a dog that is familiar with you if the dog is calm and in a submissive state of mind, so long as you are hugging them at a time when you are relaxed and happy. As a matter of fact, the emotional sensation humans receive from hugging can be felt by the dog, and that energy radiating from the humans can be very calming to the dog. Not because the hug has the same meaning to the dog, but because he is enjoying the calm he feels coming from you.

Space

I often hear people say that when they correct their dog for a bad behavior, the dog sulks, leaves the room or turns his head because the dog is "upset." The humans interpret this behavior as the dog's feelings being hurt. They feel bad and believe they need to "make up" with the dog.

What is the dog really saying? If you correct your dog and he turns his head or leaves the room, he is giving in to you and accepting you as his leader. Giving space and turning away from direct eye contact are submissive behaviors. When humans try and "make up" with a dog after the dog has given in to you, it sends mixed signals to the dog.

Dogs communicate in many ways with each other, using verbal cues, body language and facial expressions.  They also try to communicate with humans using these methods. Humans, of course, communicate with dogs with commands and phrases. Dogs can learn hundreds of human sounds but they can't string them together.  Thus, the need for short commands such as "Sit!" and "Come!" Many of our communication tools are lost on dogs, such as sarcasm (to indicate frustration) or closed body language (to indicate you're uncomfortable) or a look of surprise.  So, to enhance our communication with our canines, we must learn to get back to the basics and speak "dog."

I realize everyone is extremely busy and lead fast-paced lives.  However, I encourage you to take time out of your hectic schedule to learn more about your dog or pet and what he is trying to communicate.  Understanding and effective communications are key in any relationship.

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com

Happy Valentine's Day From Paul, Dudley & Sing-Sing

Hi Friends!

A Very Special Day Is Fast Approaching -- Love Is In The Air -- And Are You Prepared?

The love of your life is... an animal!  What do you give Fido, Felix, or Polly for Valentine's Day?  Here are some playful and yummy ideas for Valentine's Day pet gifts.

Who doesn't hang out with best friends, won't gossip about you, never leaves the toilet seat up, and adores you even if you've put on 10 pounds and you haven't shaved in a week?  That's right - your pet!  Dog, cat or bird, their world revolves around you... and food, of course.

So, when you're shopping for Valentine's Day gifts, don't forget to pick one up for the one sweetie who will love you to the ends of the earth, or at least, to the end of the leash.

Why have 'em if you can't spoil 'em!  I'm referring to pets, not kids.  So many of us do spoil them.  How many times have we tossed a special pet treat or surprise into the grocery cart while shopping? In fact, in my opinion, there are some who treat their pets better than they treat their spouses.  Could there be some truth in that?  If our spouses or significant others bark at us, we bark back.  If our dog barks at us... what do we do?  We give him a treat.  Yes, you are right, doing so is rewarding potentially behavior we are hoping to curb and eliminate.  A treat doesn't exactly send the right message and is the right course of action.  Admit it though, there are some occasions when you have given a treat inappropriately.

I am taking the liberty to offer some gift suggestions for your pets on Valentine's Day.  If you're stymied on what to pick up for Fluffy or Big Boy, consider some of these. They're not all practical, but they're fun... just like Valentine's Day.

DOGS

• Treats Unleashed Freshly Baked In-Store Gourmet Dog Cookies.  I have to tell you, these cookies are yummy-looking enough to tempt even a human bite!  These eye-catching cookies are soft-baked with organic grains and flours from recipes especially designed around the health and well being of pets.

• Stuffed animals: No. They're not edible, but your pup will sure have fun playing with these adorable fuzzy stuffed monkeys, lions elephants and mice.

• Hol-ee Roller by JW Pet:  This is a durable honey combed ball chew toy that your dog can't destroy. It comes in small, medium and large dog sizes and in a variety of bright colors. Jimbo may even let you play with it too.

• Talking Rose Dog Toy:  Made of plush, velvety material, this dog toy rose says, "I love you, I love you" when squeezed. It comes in large and small dog sizes. A little squeeze by your pup will get the message across.

•  Petco Cudller Bed:  We all like a soft, cuddly bed for a nice afternoon snooze. Your dog does too. Cozy, new beds are always great for Valentine's Day pet gifts.

CATS

• Crazy Circle by Pet Mate:  Drive your cat crazy chasing this ball around in circles. Various companies manufacture similar toys. Cats love 'em and they entertain us too.

• Chill Pill by Loopies:  These 3 1/2 inch long plush pill-shaped cat toys are filled with catnip and fit nicely in a pair of paws. These are pills your cat will love taking!

• Bellyrubs:  It's no secret that cats love fish, so the scent of these fat, dry flakes made from 100% Bonita tuna should really drive Tiger wild. This treat is rich in Omega 3's, making it healthy too.

• Kong Kickeroo:  Your kitty will enjoy wrestling with this rectangular stuffed toy. Not only does it have a tail and appeals to its instinctive desire to stalk and capture prey, but it also has the enticing aroma of catnip.

• Peacock Feathers:  If you're looking for a gift that's inexpensive and catches your cat's attention, then a peacock feather is the answer. After all, we know cats are so easy to entertain.

HOMEMADE Valentine's Day pet gifts on a budget!

Don't leave your pet out of the Valentine's Day celebrations just because times are tight, be creative!

DOGS: Knot together your old, holey socks. Right off your feet is the smell they like best.

CATS: ANY empty box. It's as simple as that... any empty box!

A lot of people, with this economy the way it is, will eat macaroni and cheese before they cut back anything for their pets." For many of us, that means Valentine's Day pet gifts, as well.

And, among other things, my birds Dudley and Sing-Sing love to sing and dance.  I have exposed them to a wide variety of styles of music.  But, when I asked Dudley and Sing-Sing what is it that they wanted to share with you.  Dudley and Sing-Sing responded:

We wish everyone and their animal companions much Love and Happiness....and For Your Listening Pleasure:

St. Louis' own Jazz Saxophonist Extraordinaire David Sanborn performing Al Green's "Love and Happiness"

David Sanborn Love And Happiness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC5s88Tvmxc

A Special Valentine's To A Beautiful Boxer I Love and Adore -- Audrey!  Love and Miss You!

Happy Valentine's With Love & Happiness!

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

E-Mail:  PaulFFlotron@yahoo.com

Pet Ministry & Pet Therapy

Hi Friends!

Animal companions have become an important part of our culture and more and more places are starting to welcome and accommodate pets. It's becoming common to see hotels with dog beds, stores with water dishes out front and even car companies designing vehicles with pets in mind.

Religious groups are no exception.  Churches have long held blessing of the animal events and some are inviting pets to attend service.  But some congregations are starting pet ministries in order to reach and connect with animal lovers on a new level.

In 1997, when my grandmother moved into a nursing home, I wanted to make sure she was aware of the depth of my love.  So, I committed myself to visiting her frequently and to bring my parrot Dudley along.  My grandma always found Dudley so fascinated and just loved Dudley.  I got a kick out of how my grandma would even bake for Dudley.  Delicious goodies like Rice Krispy Treats, cookies, and apple pies.  Undeniably, my grandma and I enjoyed a wonderful close relationship but Dudley must have really been the "apple of her eye," since she baked especially for Dudley.  Though I enjoyed a close relationship with my grandmother, to receive even a little bite of the treats she baked for Dudley, I had to be especially good.

So, I became involved in pet therapy, visiting residents in nursing homes 15 years ago.  As I mentioned, breaking into pet ministry for me resulted from a personal motivation.  Not unlike anything, there was a journey and periods of growth, transitions from one stage to another.  A few years later, I became a member of a large, non-denominational evangelical church and was asked to lead its pet therapy team.  In addition to directing the pet therapy team, I developed a passion to support animal rescue organizations and to build a support network to make a difference in the lives of animals and throughout the animal community.  I launched an animal lovers group called Noah's Ark, a pet ministry that organizes pet-food drives, fundraisers for a local rescue group, pet therapy visits, a pet loss support group and a Bible study that discusses animal-related passages.  Lately, I have integrated the many areas of my pet ministry into my pet care business, Creature Comforts Great & Small.

I commend the faith community.  More and more churches include animals for adoption in their weekly bulletins, host adoption events and run vaccine clinics.

As a testament to this growing trend, the Humane Society of the United States hired a liaison to religious communities in 2007.  Now there are animal ministries in every state. Next month, the Humane Society will be launching a directory of affiliated ministries on their website.

In fact, you can read about me and my pet ministry in a New York Times article "Churches Take Steps To Show Their Love For Animals," in the following link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/15/us/pet-ministries-are-growing-in-churches.html?_r=0

Through parts of the faith community partnering with the animal community, animals in need are receiving the help they are so desperately in need.  It is still in the embryonic stage as many churches still do not have a pet ministry.  But more animal events are being held which may include blessing of the animals and a holiday “giving tree” that collects supplies for the local shelter).  In turn, churches and the faith community as a whole are inspiring a lot of people in their congregation to get plugged in to a pet ministry and share stories of beloved pets and connect with each other in a different way.

Animal lovers are an amazing community of people, so pet ministries seem like a great way to get like-minded people together for a good cause.

Does your church, synagogue or faith institution have a pet ministry?  If so, I would love to hear more.  If not and you are interested in learning about how to begin a pet ministry, please contact me.

Thank You and God Bless You!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

Pet Ministry & Pet Therapy

Hi Friends!

Animal companions have become an important part of our culture and more and more places are starting to welcome and accommodate pets. It's becoming common to see hotels with dog beds, stores with water dishes out front and even car companies designing vehicles with pets in mind.

Religious groups are no exception.  Churches have long held blessing of the animal events and some are inviting pets to attend service.  But some congregations are starting pet ministries in order to reach and connect with animal lovers on a new level.

In 1997, when my grandmother moved into a nursing home, I wanted to make sure she was aware of the depth of my love.  So, I committed myself to visiting her frequently and to bring my parrot Dudley along.  My grandma always found Dudley so fascinated and just loved Dudley.  I got a kick out of how my grandma would even bake for Dudley.  Delicious goodies like Rice Krispy Treats, cookies, and apple pies.  Undeniably, my grandma and I enjoyed a wonderful close relationship but Dudley must have really been the "apple of her eye," since she baked especially for Dudley.  Though I enjoyed a close relationship with my grandmother, to receive even a little bite of the treats she baked for Dudley, I had to be especially good.

So, I became involved in pet therapy, visiting residents in nursing homes 15 years ago.  As I mentioned, breaking into pet ministry for me resulted from a personal motivation.  Not unlike anything, there was a journey and periods of growth, transitions from one stage to another.  A few years later, I became a member of a large, non-denominational evangelical church and was asked to lead its pet therapy team.  In addition to directing the pet therapy team, I developed a passion to support animal rescue organizations and to build a support network to make a difference in the lives of animals and throughout the animal community.  I launched an animal lovers group called Noah's Ark, a pet ministry that organizes pet-food drives, fundraisers for a local rescue group, pet therapy visits, a pet loss support group and a Bible study that discusses animal-related passages.  Lately, I have integrated the many areas of my pet ministry into my pet care business, Creature Comforts Great & Small.

I commend the faith community.  More and more churches include animals for adoption in their weekly bulletins, host adoption events and run vaccine clinics.

As a testament to this growing trend, the Humane Society of the United States hired a liaison to religious communities in 2007.  Now there are animal ministries in every state. Next month, the Humane Society will be launching a directory of affiliated ministries on their website.

In fact, you can read about me and my pet ministry in a New York Times article "Churches Take Steps To Show Their Love For Animals," in the following link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/15/us/pet-ministries-are-growing-in-churches.html?_r=0

Through parts of the faith community partnering with the animal community, animals in need are receiving the help they are so desperately in need.  It is still in the embryonic stage as many churches still do not have a pet ministry.  But more animal events are being held which may include blessing of the animals and a holiday “giving tree” that collects supplies for the local shelter).  In turn, churches and the faith community as a whole are inspiring a lot of people in their congregation to get plugged in to a pet ministry and share stories of beloved pets and connect with each other in a different way.

Animal lovers are an amazing community of people, so pet ministries seem like a great way to get like-minded people together for a good cause.

Does your church, synagogue or faith institution have a pet ministry?  If so, I would love to hear more.  If not and you are interested in learning about how to begin a pet ministry, please contact me.

Thank You and God Bless You!

Warmly,

Paul

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

http://www.creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall.com/

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107

I Appreciate You!

To My Valued Clients - You Are My Friends and You Are My Family --

I am writing to you because I am at a loss for words.  Irony?  Obviously, not a loss in the written but the spoken.  Many of you who know me I'm sure are quite shocked.  Paul is struggling to express himself and not able to communicate?  Cough Cough, smirks, laughter.....

The key words here are "feeling a loss."  At the moment, I'm shedding some tears as one of my wonderful clients is moving out of state.  This client is a family made up of the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I frequently share with them the long and winding road I have been in my career path.  And, yet, I happily acknowledge that starting my pet care business 5 years ago has been the best decision I've ever made.  This family is a great example why.

You see, they are my family.  I love them like my own family.  I love their adorable dog, Audrey as she were my very own.  Another "adopted family" of mine will be moving out of state soon.  Their dog Delilah and cat Farley mean the world to me -- I love them dearly.  Family, that's a strong word.  For me, it means to feel secure, to have someone who you can count on, who shares your problems.  But, it also means to have respect for each other and responsibility.

And, I not only believe in the importance in the Family, but I believe in the importance of a relationship.  My strong beliefs, values and philosophies are all centered on relationships.  I am committed to cultivating the best relationship with you and your pets.  But, without love as the foundation and cornerstone, the relationship can not be built.

What is love?

There are many different definitions.

Some say it's a feeling.  Others say its an emotion.  While still others contend it's a verb.

Whatever it is… it's powerful.

A plethora of songs, books, poems and sayings have been written about this potent word.

There have even been wars fought and people murdered in the name of love.

Love comes in many forms and variations…

From the simplest uses like Hannibal's one-liner, "I love it when a plan comes together" to the more complex form, like the love a parent has for a child.

Having been married once, but a number of years ago yet without any children, besides my family the greatest love in my life has been without a doubt my birds — Dudley & Sing-Sing.

Dudley and Sing-Sing are extremely intelligent, loving and loyal.  They mean the world to me.  I couldn't have asked for a better lifelong companions.

Though Sing-Sing has only been with me since 2006, Dudley has shared many life experiences with me over the past 21 years.  Dudley has been with me during some

of the most pivotal times in my life.

… my first true heartbreak
… marriage, divorce and attempt at reconciliation of my marriage for almost 4 years
… buying my first house
… relocating to Southern California, returning back home to St. Louis, and various moves

... job/career changes

.... pet therapy/pet ministry at churches, nursing homes....

.... and finally, finally seeing me pursue the biggest love of my life...working with animals -- establishing a pet care business

It's nuts to think that you can develop such a bond and kinship with an animal that can't even speak your language.

But why is that?

After thinking about it I think it's simply because I "take care of them" and there is mutual trust, respect and unconditional love...and they depend on me — we depend upon one another.  I am their care giver.

You take care of someone long enough and it's impossible not to feel some sort of bond.  Doesn't matter if it's an 80 year old stranger or a 3 month old infant, the longer you "care" for them the more you develop a bond… and the more you care for their well-being.

Well, I hope you know how much I care about you and your animal companions.  That is why you hear people like Jay Abraham and other "gurus" talk about the key to growing a thriving business is to "fall in love" with you customer.  It's true.

And it translates into: "take care of your customers because they depend on you."

Essentially the relationship with your customers is no different than the one with your family pet (I know that sounds a bit absurd, but bear with me). 

If you provide for them (care for them) and look out for their best interests (they're depending on it), they will reward you with their loyalty — their un-wavering loyalty.

Think about a brand or company that you seriously admire.

Do you have loyalty to them?…

A good example of this is Costco.

How many times have you heard someone say, "purchase if from Costco, because if you want to return it, you can."?

Costco enjoys this kind of loyalty and word of mouth recommendations because they are taking care of their customer's needs first and looking out for the customer's well-being.

And in return — we give them our loyalty.

Yet, for me, this pet care business is not just a business and I do not prescribe to any gurus who espouse the "care giver" mentality in order to build a business.  It is inherit within my nature and is pure.  I genuinely care for you and your pets -- and it is from the very core of my heart.

I will always care about my extended family -- You!  I am saddened for this loss.  Members of my "adopted family" are moving away.  In spite of any distance, I will always keep them close in my heart in a special place.

With love and appreciation to you My Family,

Paul (and Dudley & Sing-Sing too)

Paul F. Flotron

Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC

"Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve"

www.CreatureComfortsGreatnSmall.com

314-200-8561

Cell:  314-775-7107