Thoughts of “pets” are generally connected with a person’s home, however, Tim Lanning has been known to share his family’s pets with those coming into his Spring Valley business. On January 2, 2004, Tim became the manager of T.J.’s Liquor right next to Sunshine Foods off Highways 63/16 on the north side of Spring Valley.
Many area residents will remember the gentle English bulldog named Stab whose presence was a treat for anyone, young or old, stopping in to make a purchase or even just to visit this canine. “It’s nice to have a pet in here,” says Tim. “It’s a great way to start up a conversation with someone.”
Pets in businesses are not unique to T.J.’s Liquor store. In Spring Valley alone, the Jones’ Ace Hardware Store as well as the Hardware Hank — Valley Farm and Home Hardware stores have animals greeting customers. Plus, many remember little “Chester” who would dance on the counters at Rebecca’s Diamond Gallery as Becky Goodsell and her staff helped customers. Tim comments, “It’s just a great way for people to relate. Kids love to see him in here and if someone doesn’t like dogs…he doesn’t bother them.”
After Stab took his last breath, Tim and his family actually had a Yorkshire terrier whose name is George. What actually happened that a “new” old pup would come to live with the Lanning family? “I just happened to see his picture pop up on the Paws and Claws Humane Society website,” says Tim, “I thought he was a cool looking dog. I was talking to my wife about him and our kids overheard us. The rest is history!”
There are so many rescue animals available if people are wishing to open their homes to them. “Adopting a dog is great,” reflects Tim, “I swear that sometimes when he looks at me, he is saying thank you.”
Who wouldn’t say “Thank you!” to one who brings him into his home, takes him to work almost every day, and even sets up a little bed for him in the store? Gus, the T.J. Liquor store dog is said to be a real sweetheart.
And customers, especially those who missed Stab, are delighted with Tim’s addition in his business. The biggest question people ask is, “What happened to his eye?”
Although with many rescue animals, the “how” they came to a state of needing rescuing is often a mystery, the Lanning family heard that “when he was finally picked up, his eye was so badly infected that it had to be removed. He was also covered in fleas and had a bad skin irritation.”
The process of getting an animal ready for adoption can be a lengthy one. Paws and Claws has an impressive mission statement. The Paws & Claws Mission is to:
• Promote and provide humane protection and shelter for abandoned or lost companion animals.
• Seek adoptive homes for companion animals under our protective care.
• Provide public education regarding the societal problem of animal overpopulation.
• Promote the principles of responsible companion animal care.
• Advocate the spaying and neutering of all companion animals.”
To find out more about this organization, visit their website at www.pawsandclaws.org.
“Stab will always be the original face of T.J.’s Liquor,” says Tim, “but it was time for a new mascot and I encourage folks to come in and say hi to him!”
Studies are showing the powerful healing touch animals have in the lives of people. Hospitals, care centers, and other businesses are realizing the benefits of bringing an animal into their places of business. “Sometimes, if you’re having a bad day, it’s nice to stop somewhere and get a little therapy from a furry friend,” concludes Tim. “Come in and say ‘hi’ to him…we don’t care if you buy anything or not! We get people who stop in just to see him and we love that!”
T.J.’s Liquor is located at 507 N. Park Drive, Spring Valley, Minn., and can also be reached at (507) 346-1979.
Lauren Sprout says
That is my bestie dog!!!!