Catching Up With Some Former Staff Members - Nov. 21, 2011

 Ya know, we've been fortunate.

 Very fortunate.

 As we motor into our sixth year, Animal Essentials has been lucky with employees.

 Right now, our staff handles the day to day workings of manning the store and Shelley and I work as helicopters. Shelley handles all the orders, I lift heavy things and Tom, Nancy, Shaunna, Jess and Chelsey are our regular staff members.

 In fact, there are some folks who think Nancy and Tom own the store.

 That's okay.

 We like the fact we hear about staff members and the positive vibes and feedback we receive.

 It got me thinking that over the years we've had a solid crew wearing the AE colours and I wanted to update you on two of our key employees from our early years.

 The wonder years, in fact.

 Dawn and Ashley were two of our originals and wellknown staff members.

 Dawn left us about a year ago to return to Ontario to be near her grandchildren. We keep in touch through texts which is hilarious considering Dawn and I aren't exactly savvy when it comes to technology.

 Still, it's always great to hear from her and we keep her up to date on the comings and goings at the store.

 We're hoping to see her early in the New Year. Heck, she might even get a shift if we need her.

 Ashley was recently married in Cape Breton, of all places.

 Sadly, Shelley and I were in Boston during the wedding and couldn't go although I'm sure it was one heck of a party.

 He's working fulltime and obeying Brenda Lynn, I'm sure.

 Both Dawn and Ash intermingled with most of our present staff, but all of them are part of our extended family.

 We watch them study, work, go through emotional periods with all of them.

 In retail, you never know what you're going to get.

 We consider ourselves quite lucky.

 Big shoutout to all who have worked for us. You helped us build the floor to where we are today.