Rescuing Ruby
Our golden retriever, Ruby, is the sweetest, smartest, cutest, most well-behaved puppy in the world. If you ask me, she is nearly perfect. However, her adorability status momentarily decreased by a rather large margin when she converted our basement couch into a chew toy. The incident allegedly occurred on my husband’s watch, while he was busy (uh, distracted) with a project. It even took him a while to notice, because when he checked on Ruby, she appeared calm, innocent and sweet. Unfortunately, the very large hole with frayed edges on the left couch cushion was pretty difficult to miss, no matter what we did to hide it. Not good. Not good at all.
However, there was a bit of hope in sight. It just so happens that we bought that couch from a local home store known for their excellent customer service. So, my better half swung into action, brought the chew toy (couch cover) to the store and begged/asked for assistance. The ladies there know me. And they also know my hubby does not generally frequent their home store unless it is a matter of necessity.
It turns out, there are not a lot of replacement options for a 9-year-old couch cover. So, the lovely store owner took it home, performed a miracle using heat, stitching and, very likely, some prayer. Our couch was saved!
A few days later, the owner explained to me that it was no trouble and she “needed a weekend project” anyway. But I am pretty sure the desperate expression on my husband’s face was fairly convincing. I am beyond grateful this home store owner bought us more couch time to get us through the worst of the puppy chewing phase. Plus, I am happy to report that Ruby’s likability ranking has returned to her pre-incident level.
This is the kind of personal connection that happens when you choose to shop locally. These home-grown business owners and operators know their stuff. They will go to great lengths to ensure our happiness and satisfaction, because they care about us. They are our neighbors, friends and our family.
Holiday Events
When it comes to supporting local businesses this holiday season, The Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DSM Local buying and event guides for each community make it easy. For example, no matter where you live or work, you can choose which festivities and celebrations across the region you would like to be part of. One of my personal favorites is the Holiday Promenade in Historic East Village, happening every Friday night from now through Dec. 19. Here are a few more options:
Pella, Dec. 4 – 6: Kerstmarkt; Waukee, Dec. 5: WinterFest; Des Moines, Dec. 4 – 7: Christkindlmarket Des Moines; Adel, Dec. 5 – 6: Hometown Holiday Celebration; Altoona, Dec. 7: Holiday Bazaar; Grimes, Dec. 7: Grimes Holiday Celebration; Bondurant, Dec. 7: Bondurant Indoor Market & Vendor Fair; Marshalltown, Dec. 7: Jingle & Mingle Pop-Up Shops; Madison County, Dec. 12 – 13: Winter Solstice Market; Carlisle, Dec. 13: Light Up Carlisle; West Des Moines, Thursday nights through Dec. 18: Jingle in the Junction.
If you are not finding exactly what you need in the buying guides, you can also search from the network of more than 7,200 Members on the online Regional Chamber Member directory.
In Greater Des Moines, there are more than 21,000 businesses and nearly all of them are either currently a small business, or started out that way. According to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, 80% of small businesses say they have a clearly defined mission that includes giving back to their local community.
Small businesses offer unique and one-of-a-kind specialties and they are a joy to support. In the spirit of the season, I am pleased to be the first to offer my own personal commitment. I will be a volunteer shopper and I promise to set a wonderful example.
May you enjoy all the blessings of this holiday season with the people (and fur babies) you love most. If your celebrations include a little AE Egg Nog, Ruby thanks you!