CAVALIER & PIPPA WERE THE FIRST TWO ISLEHAVEN BORZOI OF ISLEHAVEN BOOKS & BORZOI (photo by Ted Grossman)
The hounds have always played a prominent role at the bookstore. Initially coming in to work as a way for first one, then two hounds, to spend "quality time" together with me, rather than be left alone at home, rapidly each borzoi began to garner their own "fan club" at the shop... and so the tradition has continued through the ensuing years -- even when there were plenty of hounds at home to keep each other company.
Each puppy, once all basic vaccinations are completed, spends at least part of every working day in the bookstore. This time provides a chance to observe various aspects of the puppy's behavior and reactions to the myriad of new experiences it is exposed to. The socialization opportunities are wonderful, and the adults and children of all ages who visit enjoy this time every bit as much. It is a "safe" situation for everyone, as the puppy (or older borzoi) are behind the counter and separated from the rest of the shop by a child gate -- the hounds can visit as much as they feel inclined, yet over eager children (and others) must respect borzoi privacy.
There is a "shop dog" rotation set up, and each dog seems to know when it is their turn to be "dog of the day". Customers young and old have their favorites, and try to visit on those particular days when possible. Even annual visitors check in on the growth or show accomplishments of the borzoi, while others email for periodic updates.
The borzoi of Islehaven Books & Borzoi have been featured in newspaper articles and mentioned in most of the major travel guides to the San
Juan Islands for years....
After all, who needs a bookstore cat when one has Bookstore Borzoi?!
THE SOME OF THE RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE ISLEHAVEN CREW VISITING WITH A FRIEND AT THE BOOKSTORE!
REPRESENTING THE BOOKSTORE IN THE LOCAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE - NITA, REEFER, AND FRIEND!
CAV AND I HAVE A "DANCE" AT THE BOOKSTORE!
CAV VISITS WITH A FRIEND INFRONT OF ISLEHAVEN BOOKS & BORZOI.
CAV HAD EVIDENTILY BEEN READING WINNIE THE POOH WHILE AT THE SHOP!
PUPPY TRADER LEARNING HOW TO BE "SHOP DOG"!
A YOUNG PUPPY CAV TENDING THE BOOKSTORE - WHAT A BEAUTIFUL HEAD!