The Observation Deck

Does anyone know where and when this is going in?

INA building. First floor, on the corner.

According to a Lakewood Alive e-newsletter, they want to open by November 10.

Heather Ramsey wrote:According to a Lakewood Alive e-newsletter, they want to open by November 10.

Did it mention what percentage of funds raised at the Spooky Pooch Parade this year are
actually going to non-profits that help animals? Did it mention what percentage went to
help the animals last year?


.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

Heather Ramsey wrote:According to a Lakewood Alive e-newsletter, they want to open by November 10.

Did it mention what percentage of funds raised at the Spooky Pooch Parade this year are
actually going to non-profits that help animals? Did it mention what percentage went to
help the animals last year?


.

Well I know for a fact that none of the money is going to help ADH!!! Oh yeah and I know that I now have to pay for a table (and bring it) this year. Didnt have to do that last year. I guess LA forgot what NONPROFIT actually meant. I wonder if they are going to take a percentage of the profits that Panera make too? You know to help develop what ever it is they are "developing". (oh did I say that out loud? OOPS!!!!!!!!!!)

The City of Lakewood hosting ANY dog event is laughable. This is the most unfriendly city to animals in Cuyahoga County and they are going to have a parade with dogs. Right. Good move. I see absolutely no sign that the powers that be want this unfriendly attitude to change. This parade concept was started with good intentions. A lot has changed since then and none of it good.

Back to Panera. I LOVE that this is coming. Really like Panera.

Ed,
The change is why I resigned as one of the co-chairs of this event.

From what I understand from the LA newsletter is that they are giving some of the profits to the Lakewood Animal Shelter..but they have not said what % of the profits.

As per their 2009 Mid-Year Report on Tuesday, June 30th 2009, LA refered to event as as fund raising event for LA.

I think it is only fair that all the Spooky Pooch Parade participants realize where the profits will go. I think all dog lovers, educators, rescuers and supports should be fully informed about the mission of this event.

What is the new mission of this event?

Ed Dickson wrote:The City of Lakewood hosting ANY dog event is laughable. This is the most unfriendly city to animals in Cuyahoga County and they are going to have a parade with dogs. Right. Good move. I see absolutely no sign that the powers that be want this unfriendly attitude to change. This parade concept was started with good intentions. A lot has changed since then and none of it good.

Back to Panera. I LOVE that this is coming. Really like Panera.

I cannot agree with Ed enough about the parade. Right on.

As far as Panera, I have mixed emotions about it. Good for Lakewood, but I am worried for Einsteins and especially, Souper Market. I think those two place are better and I will continue to support them. The Panera is really going to cut into their business.

That may be true about Einstein's and Souper Market, but Einstein's is only open until late afternoon and Souper Market until, what, 7? So, I'll be glad to have something like that that is open later.

Valerie Molinski wrote:

Ed Dickson wrote:The City of Lakewood hosting ANY dog event is laughable. This is the most unfriendly city to animals in Cuyahoga County and they are going to have a parade with dogs. Right. Good move. I see absolutely no sign that the powers that be want this unfriendly attitude to change. This parade concept was started with good intentions. A lot has changed since then and none of it good.

Back to Panera. I LOVE that this is coming. Really like Panera.

I cannot agree with Ed enough about the parade. Right on.

As far as Panera, I have mixed emotions about it. Good for Lakewood, but I am worried for Einsteins and especially, Souper Market. I think those two place are better and I will continue to support them. The Panera is really going to cut into their business.

This is the problem in a nutshell.

Then when 5 Guys opens, I can think of 4 business, that will be crushed, and closed. Almost all owned and operated by a Lakewood resident. Many have been around 4 years or more. It is a very tough problem to solve, respect local business while attracting new.

This is where you would hope local common sense would prevail. Go out an find what
we do not have, not what we already have in abundance! In our recent Burger review, we
found 5 great burgers in Lakewood. Since then we have added the Beer Engine, and
56 West. We have a glut of really good coffee shops as well.

While I would like to think of it as odd as Ford workers shopping at WalMart. It always
ends up reminding me of the Donner Party. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donner_party

.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:Then when 5 Guys opens, I can think of 4 business, that will be crushed, and closed. Almost all owned and operated by a Lakewood resident. Many have been around 4 years or more. It is a very tough problem to solve, respect local business while attracting new.

Which are you thinking about? I can't personally think of anyplace I'm going to abandon in its favor. Same goes for Panera, really, but I guess that's just me? I already go to other Paneras so it'll just shift my spending from those branches to this one.

I ate at a 5 guys once in river. They handed me a bag of grease. Needless to say I am less than impressed...

Elected leaders no animal friendly? I can't imagine (note sarcasm). Like they weren't friendly to skateboarders. I am sensing a pattern. Maybe Lakewood should send someone back to City Council who can be a game changer (Hint, hint).

Ryan,
So what do you think about the lack of information about the distribution of profits from Lakewood Alive's Spooky Pooch Parade? Do you think participants should know what the distribution of the profits will be before they participate in the event? What is your opinion?

What the heck does the Spooky Pooch parade have to do with Panera?

Guess I should've just said "I heard it'd open" then and not mentioned a source. Geez!