“We take the time to understand each dog and provide care based on what that particular dog needs to feel safe, comfortable, and happy while away from home,” says owner Shelley Skas, a licensed clinical professional counselor, noting that that must be considered while providing structure and consistency. “Club K9 is more than a place for dogs to stay — it is a place where their individual needs and personalities are recognized and respected.”
At Club K9, dogs are let out every two hours, water is refreshed regularly, rooms and bedding are checked throughout the day and feeding and medication instructions are followed carefully.
Skas was familiar with the business before purchasing it three years ago because her dog trained there.
“Through that experience, I saw how special the property was and the incredible potential it had to positively affect both animals and people,” she says. “Dogs cannot tell us in words what they are feeling, so our staff pays close attention to their behavior and adjusts their care accordingly.”
“We’re not a big corporation that charges a lot of money and has a corporate feel,” says owner Mike Gereltsogt, who has a 4-year-old Shih Tzu. “We treat everybody like family, that makes us a friendly place that cares about our customers and their pets.”
Noting the salon has two master groomers, Gereltsogt says he got into the business because he loved grooming dogs but notes they also accept cats as clients as well.
“We not only have a great staff. We also have great customers. I really appreciate everyone who comes here," he says.
In conjunction with its mission of helping dogs and their families through professional training, education and ongoing support for 20 years, the retail outlet at K9 Tailshakers is a little different than a traditional pet shop. Owner Jan Flanagan says most of the products it carries are related to dog training and are typically recommended or paired with one of the company’s training programs.
“For us, the product is really just one piece of the training and education we provide,” she explains. “Rather than simply purchasing something off a shelf or online, our clients have the opportunity to learn why we're recommending a particular product and, most importantly, how to use it properly and safely.”
That notion of getting the knowledge and experience behind every product is one of the key reasons Flanagan believes customers seek out K9 Tailshakers.And it’s one of the reasons they’ve continued to support the business in the last two decades.
“I think people still appreciate good, old-fashioned customer service,” she says. “There are so many things today that can be purchased with one click, but dog training isn't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes people simply need someone willing to listen, answer their questions, and help them figure out what is best for their dog.”
Being a veterinarian, Dr. Mandy Hoyt revels in three facts.
“I get to work my brain, I get to be with people and best of all, I get to be with animals,” said the medical director of Animal Care Clinic of Homer Glen.
For 18 years, Hoyt has been a veterinarian, a career she discovered after learning microbiology was not the best fit for her.
Missing the feeling of working with other people, plus her love of animals, led her to veterinary medicine.
Having a good bedside manner is one thing that may set Hoyt apart.
“I’m not just here to treat my patient,” she said. “I’m here for my client as well.”
After starting out as a small mobile operation more than 10 years ago, Ready To Go has grown into one of the most trusted veterinary facilities in the Southland in its brick-and-mortar Mokena location for four years.
By specializing in rehabilitation, this allows Dr. Lisa Woodside and her staff to see patients on a more consistent basis and thus develop a deeper relationship with the pets and their owners.
“Dr. (Lisa) Woodside and vet tech Karina are both extremely knowledgeable and have unmatched expertise,” says customer relationship manager Maddie White. “They're constantly advancing their education to best care for patients in the world of rehabilitation and holistic veterinary practices.”
And that commitment to care extends to the rest of the Ready To Go crew as well, making pet owners feel comfortable and confident in the care their furry friends are getting.
“Dr. Woodside sets an incredible example of leading with compassion and dedication, which the entire team wholeheartedly embraces,” White says. “We want our clients to see how deeply we care for them and their pets, and how much we put into being a part of each and every patient's care team.”
