Stone Valley Pet Lodge
If it wasn’t for The Progress Fund, I wouldn’t have been able to build the Pet Lodge.
People
Upscale accommodations are the cat’s meow in the kennel business. So longtime animal hospital staffer, Jackie Petsu, bought 88 acres to build a pet lodge for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Her vision included climate controlled facilities with in-floor radiant heat, air-conditioning, and natural light throughout. Other features include private accommodations for special need pets, personalized feeding schedules, bathing facilities, individual and group activities, nature hikes and much more. “We live here with the animals and I wanted to create a place for pets that was the next best thing to being at home,” Jackie says. Unfortunately, the formulas that determine property values and bank loans penalize “kennels”. Jackie was able to borrow only $375,000 of the $600,000 needed.
Progress
The bank referred Jackie to The Progress Fund. The Progress Fund recognized that visitors to the State College area, if able to bring their pets along, would stay longer and spend more. The Progress Fund loaned $150,000. “If it wasn’t for The Progress Fund, I wouldn’t have been able to build the Pet Lodge,” Jackie says.
Impact
Stone Valley Pet Lodge opened – with every amenity Jackie sought – in March 2004, to rave reviews in languages including dog, cat, bird, and reptile. Business has exceeded expectations. Sorry, owners – you can’t check yourselves in. The Pet Lodge only pampers pets.
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