Date: August 1st 2009

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http://maydog.org/2009/08/maynard-dog-owners-group-recognizes-dog-friendly-businesses/

Maynard Dog Owners Group Recognizes Dog-Friendly Businesses

August 1, 2009

MAYNARD—The Maynard Dog Owners Group (MayDOG) today announced the winners of their first annual Dog-Friendly Business Award. There was a three-way tie between Aubuchon Hardware, at 33 Main Street, Erikson’s Ice Cream, at 12 Great Road, and the Maynard Barber Shop, at 75 Main Street, all in Maynard. Six other nominees were also recognized, including LOOK Optical, Ray & Sons Cycle & Ski, and Middlesex Savings Bank in Maynard, and Sweet Bites Café, Sawyer Automotive, and Ace Hardware in Acton.

“We want to promote our local businesses, and we believe that one of the easiest things they can do to gain attention and goodwill is by being friendly to our furry family members,” said Lisa Lines, president of the group. She then described the reasons for each business being nominated. All of the nominees were recognized for their dog-friendly business practices, such as providing a water bowl, giving out dog treats, and allowing customers’ dogs inside. In the case of Erikson’s, their free doggie ice cream draws dog owners from around the area. Bob at the Maynard Barber Shop is known for giving out dog biscuits and having a water bowl for dogs. And Aubuchon Hardware sees up to 40 dog visitors a week, whose owners bring them in for belly rubs and cookies.

“Ask any dog owner: they love to take their dogs with them when they are out and about,” said Alex Landsman, the MayDOG member who announced the winners. “Here in Maynard, many people come downtown on foot with their dogs. On these hot summer days, dog owners really appreciate a business that allows dogs inside or puts a water bowl out in front and provides a place for the dog to be safely secured while the owner is inside.”

MayDOG members who spoke at the event offered several reasons for businesses to be friendly to Fido. “In this economy, anything a business can do to set itself apart from the competition is a good thing, and while dogs themselves don’t shop much, their owners do,” said Landsman. “Dog owners are very loyal to businesses that cater to their needs and the needs of their dogs.”

“If a business is known for being dog friendly, dog owners would rather go there than a competing business simply because they’re able to bring their dogs along,” added Lines.

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