My name is Nancy Guinn and I am the owner of Dog Krazy in Downtown Fredericksburg, VA.  I opened Dog Krazy in August of 2006 with no idea of what it meant to own a business.  All I knew was that I loved my dogs, your dogs, every dog I passed on the street and even the dogs I hadn’t met yet.  I truly am Dog Krazy.  In the 9 years since I opened, I have learned so much about business, pets, nutrition, and I have fallen in love with thousands of dogs and their humans.  Dog Krazy is the "go to" for people who truly love their pets and want only the best for them.  I am now a certified pet nutritionist and several of my employees that share my passion for pets are completing the same course.  Your pet’s health is our first priority.  My other passion is animal rescue.  There are so many homeless dogs and cats that are waiting for their forever home.  While we are advocates for animal rescue, our current location is not set up to be able to host adoption events.  While we are able to raise funds to help animals in needs, we want to do more.

Nova and I on a bench near our store.  She's proof you can adopt pure bred dogs through rescue.

Our goal is to open a second location in a space where we are able to host events for the many rescues surrounding the Fredericksburg area.  Every day people come in and ask if we sell puppies.  The term pet store is not one we are happy about.  We want to be known as an ADOPT SHOP.  Our goal is to have a store where events are held every weekend to introduce everyone to the dogs in foster homes and shelters that are waiting for their forever families.  Daily, we want to have dogs in foster care spend the day with us so that people can come in and meet these wonderful dogs that don’t get the same exposure that puppies in pet shops receive. 

For years we have been saving to make this dream a reality.  Earlier this year we had finally saved enough money and we started exploring our options. That’s when I found that tiny little bump.  Seven years ago we rescued a 2 year old Bullmastiff that was brought to the vet to be euthanized.  She needed surgery and her former owners chose to put her to sleep instead of getting her the surgery she needed. Nova is our comic relief, our warm hug, our pumpkin head, and our heart.  That tiny pink bump turned out to be cancer and we knew that saving her life was more important than a second store.  After three months of surgeries, the ups and downs of what if and could be, masses on x-rays and now chemotherapy, she is free of any signs of cancer and we are ready to make this dream a reality. 

We spent thousands upon thousands saving Nova’s life.  Numerous friends suggested starting a fundraiser to help pay for all of her medical expenses.  We didn’t feel right asking for help because we had the money.  It was supposed to be used for a new store, but Nova trumped that.  Our dogs will always come first.  Instead of taking their help, we sent them links to others with donation sites for their dogs in need of surgery.  They needed help, we didn’t. 

But now, after much urging by those we have helped, we are asking for your help.  We want to make “The Adopt Shop” a reality.  We need a store that promotes adoption.  We need a place where people can come in and meet dogs in foster care on a daily basis.  Even though I am asking you to donate to my dream, you will not go empty handed.  We have thought long and hard about what “Perks” we could offer in exchange of you supporting our dream to help adopt dogs in need.  Even if you aren’t able to donate, sharing this campaign with family and friends would be just as helpful.  Thank you for your contribution in helping my dream come true and that of all the animals looking for their forever homes.

For those of you that have never been to Dog Krazy, here are some examples of what we do from our customers that we love…

In February of 2015 I noticed a Facebook post from the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter about a 13 yo dog named Lucy who had just been surrendered by her family.  They claimed she wasn't good with kids.  Having a 13 yo named Georgie, I couldn't imagine dumping him at the shelter.  I was worried about how scared the poor little girl would be.  So I posted on the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter's Facebook page that I was coming in to foster Lucy the next day.  As soon as Nancy, Owner of Dog Krazy, found out about this she instantly stepped in and donated food for Lucy.  This little old lady was only going to eat the best, care of Nancy!  Old Dominion Humane Society also stepped in and brought Lucy into their Foster program so I didn't have to worry about the shelter asking me to return Lucy.  Lucy was a sweet little girl.  Due to her age she was hard of hearing, her vision wasn't great and she was arthritic in her legs.  If she was cranky around kids it was because she wasn't being treated with the respect a woman of her age deserved.  She quickly stole the hearts of my husband and myself.  Lucy would follow me anywhere.  We would have adopted her if it wasn't for the fact that she and my alpha didn't get along.  Unfortunately they had a couple of run ins.  Until the perfect home came along, Lucy would have a home with us.  In April, I took Lucy for a senior check-up at my vet.  Other than a slight heart murmur, her blood work and vitals were good.  For a 13 yo Lucy was doing great!  3 short weeks later she did not eat her dinner.  It was a really hot day so I just chalked it up to the heat.  Next day wasn't any better.  She wasn't eating much and what she did drink or eat she was now throwing up.  We made the decision to take her to the vet and scheduled an appointment for the next day.  At the vet she had a temp of over 103, she was dehydrated, and her blood work came back all out of whack.  We reluctantly left her at the vet hoping that antibiotics and fluids would make her feel better.  Unfortunately, Lucy went downhill quickly once at the vet.  We decided to take her to an emergency vet so she could get 24 hour care.  Poor girl continued to deteriorate.  No one knew what was going on.  All the test were not giving us any answers.  Little Lucy's vet bills were adding up fast.  Every time we visited our poor girl she looked worse.

Two months ago our 11 year old Yorkie got sick and that's when I decided to reach out to Nancy. Without knowing who I was, Nancy took the time to message me back and answered all my questions. Two weeks after we found out that he had CHF. Since then, Nancy has been helping us along the way.  We couldn't have done it without her help. We have learned so much about this condition and how to help our little baby thanks to her and we will be always grateful for that.  Vivi M.

Dog Krazy is amazing.  Years ago I walked into the original location not looking for anything and fell in love with the store and the owner.  Never had I met a woman so passionate about what she does and so passionate about her dogs.  Over the years I continued going to Dog Krazy. I always bought my dogs necklaces (collars) there, and bought their toys and they would get special treats from Mrs. Nancy each time we went.  Over the years Nancy befriended my Dachshund Booker.  Booker was a total jerk...to everyone but me and everyone but Mrs. Nancy.  Booker adored that woman.  Nancy knew Booker for the 6 years I had him before he passed away from cancer almost a year ago.  Booker even made a special trip to Dog Krazy to say goodbye to Mrs. Nancy.  And Nancy, as she would with anyone’s dog, spent over an hour on the floor with him, petting him and loving on him and giving him every bit of food he would take.  I ended up adopting another dog after Booker passed away and Nancy picked his food, his necklace came from Dog Krazy, his toys came from Dog Krazy and the staff members and Nancy remember his name even when they don't know mine.  Last year I had been laid off and couldn't afford much and it was to be my new dog Finn's first Christmas.  Dog Krazy sent a bag full of toys and treats and gifts for Finn.  Inside that bag was a card, the card was from Booker.  Booker said that he asked Mrs. Nancy to take care of his new brother at Christmas and make it easier on me.  A business owner doesn't need to do what Nancy does.  Nancy doesn't have to be involved in the community or with local rescues or with helping pup parents through their grief.  Most business owners are not friends with all of their clients.  Nancy is.  She knows all of them, loves most of them, but adores all of their dogs. And she will be the first one to offer up help for your dog.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  A business owner, friend, a shoulder to cry on, a Santa Claus, a professional and an amazing woman own that shop because Nancy is all of those things.  My life, and my dog’s lives wouldn't be the same without her. – Kelley M.

We adopted Baxter three years ago when he was about three years old. He came to us shaking his head all the time. We took him to the vet and they looked for mites and yeast and an ear infection. They found some yeast and gave us some medicine and said not to worry about it. Baxter kept having the problem although it got a little better when we put him on grain-free food. His ears were still chronically red and sensitive. Around this time we moved to Stafford, VA with the Navy. We stumbled upon Dog Krazy when we were walking around. Lucky for us Nancy was there and she talked to us about Baxter's condition. Nancy recommended we go potato-free, which we hadn't done yet and at least four vets hadn't recommended. It has changed his life. Baxter's ears have cleared up and he never shakes his head anymore. I've stopped having to use his ear cleaning medicine completely. We are beyond grateful and happy. My dogs' health means the world to me (they are my children). I would do anything to make them happy and feel great. I know that Nancy and Dog Krazy feel the same way and they have made a loyal and grateful customer out of me forever!!  Kristin S.

Ever since meeting Nancy about 5 years ago there has NEVER been a time where she hasn't helped our family. Every time we go into her store she makes my family and our dog feel like we are family. Nancy allows me to call/text her personal cell phone with any questions I have about my dog. Nancy and her store is the only pet store we ever shop at and ever will. She's honest, loyal, friendly, and just simply the best!! We love her and so does our dog Cody. We can simply say, "Cody wanna go see Nancy?" And his ears perk up and he runs to the door! Thank you for all you do for us, and the community!! – Elizabeth C

Nancy what can I say about this Woman, last year I was down and out and I thought I would never be where I was, I did not have job, I exhausted all I had, and I was facing being evicted, but worse for me was the fact that i could not feed my best friend Bandit, I walked in and asked her if there was somewhere I could go to get dog food for free for Bandit, she asked me if it was for me.  I replied with a yes. There was no hesitation, she said let me see what I could do.  It was not my proudest moment, but I had to take care of Bandit, and I knew she would understand, she came out with a bag full of food and treats that got me over the hump.  I found an angel is all I could think of.  I prayed that someone could help me and she did and on top of that she gave me a ton of information that would help me get past this time of hardship.  God makes angels and she truly is one, I would never purchase food from anyone but her, because loyalty is everything to me, she won my heart with kindness she cares about everyone and everything. Her pets are family just as mine is to me.  I am indebted for life for her saving me from the depression and place I was in.  Thank you, I believe in your cause and I will help when I get back on my feet. Secondly, this woman sent to our K9 soldiers here in UAE a care package that saved our four legged friends, the cooling vests, toys, and treats were so well received and our solider were so honored and grateful that you thought to send such a wonderful package, much applause to you and the things you do for all humans and K-9's.  – Nancy C.

Why do I support Nancy?  My mom asked me why I don’t go to other pet supply stores and my answer was simple.  Last Christmas, when I was checking out at Dog Krazy, one of the employees handed me a treat bag with a dog cookie and a human cookie.  Nancy immediately grabbed the dog cookie and said, “no, Phoebe is allergic to rice.”  Nancy knows what my dog is allergic to.  Even my vet doesn’t remember what my dog is allergic to.  – Karen P.

We have found a spot that will suit our needs but it needs a lot of work!  We have a good portion of the costs to get this going but we need your help to make it unbelievable!  We are estimating the costs to be approximately $75000 to get this dream off the ground.  The space has walls but we are going to have to knock a few of them out and rebuild as the location was formerly a restaurant.  Here’s a small list of our needs…

• Knock down walls

• New flooring

• Build new walls

• Build suites for foster dogs to spend time in

• Build walk in tub for older dogs and the dogs that have a lot more to love

• Paint

• New electrical

• Shelving

• Plumbing

• Removing kitchen equipment from former restaurant including the hood which will require fixing the roof of the building.

• Sound proofing so our neighbors aren’t bothered

• New check out desk

• Grooming tables

• Bathtubs

• Fixtures

• Signage

• Artwork which will only include canvases of dogs that are in need of homes.  This is what will decorate the entire store.

• Licensing, permits, and all the other odds and ends.

In addition to running Dog Krazy, we also run a charity called The Fredericksburg Pet PanTree.  It is named after our German Shepherd, Triana AKA Tree.  Tree passed away in 2014 and we wanted to do something in her honor.  We recently became a 501C3 and we are here to help those that have fallen on hard times. The Fredericksburg SPCA blessed us by choosing us as her family and for 13 years she gave us so much love, protection and loyalty. Honoring her by helping those that have fallen on hard times is our goal. 

Opening a business is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, my heart is ready for round 2 and my doctor said my heart is fine!  Trust me, I had it checked!  Please help us make this dream a reality.  The dogs in foster care will thank you!  Who knows, we may introduce you to your next furry family member!