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Family
Scottsdale Mom Invents a New Product to Help Make Grocery Shopping Safer
Dating back to as early as 2007, and produce CartSafe, the first-ever numerous research studies disposable shopping cart liner. and countless news sources have covered the story of filthy “When COVID-19 hit all I could shopping carts and their potential for think about was not being exposed transferring dangerous microbes and to germs and bacteria and I could not diseases to shoppers. In fact, some believe there wasn’t something that of those studies suggested that could protect us from dirty shopping a shopping cart carries carts,” Barness-Rubin says. more germs than “Thankfully, my husband is in a public toilet manufacturing so we were able seat. to work together to launch Until now, were able to secure shoppers have the patent and dealt with bring the these filthy product to carts by wiping market in them down with under three disinfecting wipes months. or attempting to Anyone outsmart germs in business by pulling the knows what a shopping cart by the feat that is.” tail or side rails—a fruitless endeavor given “CartSafe the research. But thanks to definitely gives me an ingenious and simple idea by a and my customers Scottsdale mom, all of that is about to peace of mind when change. we put food or even CartSafe was created by Andi especially since it’s convenient. Also, Barness-Rubin, a working mother you get ten liners per bag, which of three boys who was frustrated makes each one less than you’d spend with the thought of going to the on a cup of coffee,” she adds. grocery store and trying to keep germs off of herself and her food. CartSafe is recyclable, made Before the COVID-19 pandemic, from durable LDPE (low-density she would always wipe the handle polyethylene, a #4 plastic). LDPE of the shopping cart with a store- plastics are recognized by the FDA provided sanitizing wipe (when they as a safe barrier from microbes. The were even available), but once the CartSafe liner can be disposed of novel coronavirus began to spread, by simply placing it in the recycle she starting thinking about all of collection bins that most large the germs that were not only on the grocery stores display at the entrance handle, but also all over the inside to their stores. and outside of the cart. Frustrated by in record time. We pretty pillows in our shopping cart, having to wipe down her entire cart, Barness-Rubin was awarded a patent she came up with an idea that she by the U.S. government in July 2020 knew would simplify her ability to and is currently pursuing a Good keep herself and her family safe. With Housekeeping seal of approval for this idea in mind, Barness-Rubin her product. Learn more by visiting worked at lightning speed to create cartsafe.com. Ages 3-12
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Cover Story
Doggone Good!
Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village helps four-legged family members to live their very best lives
By Michelle Talsma Everson
Whether you’re returning to the office and you need a place for your furry family member to go to for help with separation anxiety, or you’re working from home and you need a little space from your active pup, Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village has you covered.
Family-owned and operated, the local iteration of the popular national brand is relatively new to the neighborhood, having just opened over the summer.
“We moved to Arizona a couple of years ago and we love dogs, so we wanted to open a dog daycare, boarding facility and spa,” explains Steve Weberman, who along with his wife Elaine, owns Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village. “Dogtopia was the perfect fit for what we wanted to do. Obviously, opening in the middle of the pandemic was hard, but we have a very loyal customer base and some wonderful dogs we see daily.”
Dogtopia of Paradise Valley boasts 5,200 square feet of indoor space with three large playrooms. Each of these playrooms has been specifically designed with your pup’s needs in mind included, according to Dogtopia.
Dogtopia shares that each playroom includes: • Potty platforms with hypoallergenic K-9 grass • Rubberized flooring that is easy on your dog’s paws and joints • Upgraded air conditioning that provides optimum temperature regulation, and filters and circulates fresh, clean air for an odorfree environment • Soundproofing to keep noise between rooms at a minimum • Agility equipment for exercise and lounging • Cots for soft spots to nap
“We also have an 800-square foot outdoor play area that allows our pups the perfect space to get some fresh air and enjoy our pool and bubble parties,” according to Dogtopia. “Our outdoor area comes fully equipped with misters, shade, and hypoallergenic K-9 grass to keep your pup feeling cool and comfortable.”
“We focus on daycare, but we do also have grooming available, so we have some grooming-only clients,” explains Rebekah Curry, assistant general manager. “Some of our professional grooming
services include de-shedding treatments, scissoring listen and don’t judge,” Zach says. “By participating and shaving, and we even have a blueberry facial.” in Foundation Fridays, we enable dogs to make a When it comes to their pup-tacular daycare, Curry says that it’s all about teaching the dogs social cues, having a blast at playtime, and building their confidence. “We have three different rooms for different temperaments and sizes,” Curry says. “We have canine coaches in each of the rooms who help with education, play a lot of games, and help dogs to learn social cues.” The dogs even have a set naptime, where pet parents can bring their pet’s beds and blankets from home to enjoy the ultimate comfort. Worried about them? There is webcam access for parents to check in and see how their furry family members are doing. positive change in the world.” ‘‘ When it comes to their pup-tacular daycare, it’s all about teaching the dogs social cues, having a blast at playtime, and Curry adds that Dogtopia does all it can to make building their confidence. doggie daycare as affordable and convenient for families as possible. They offer a variety of different payment options, including full and half days, a punch card system, and a monthly membership. For pet parents who are worried about COVID-19 When it comes to convenience, you can bring Fido’s safety, Steve shares that the health of their customers favorite food and treats, or they have two different “house blends” (grain-based and grain-free). If a four-legged client is staying overnight for boarding, they can even administer medications (just no injections).
So how do they know if your pup is a good fit for daycare or boarding? Steve shares that there is a meet and greet process for each new potential pup client. This includes testing their temperament around other dogs and humans with one of the canine coaches. All dogs who go to Dogtopia, after age seven months, need to be spayed or neutered, and those older than three months must have their Parvo/ Distemper, Bordatella and Rabies vaccinations. Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village doesn’t just provide an awesome place for dogs to go, but they also host a variety of events to make sure their fourlegged clients live their very best lives. Steve says that interested pet parents can visit their social media and website for different event info, but some examples so far have included celebrating Snoopy’s birthday, themed photo shoots, and manicure Monday, among others. Zach Weberman, general manager, says that one of their favorite events that give back to the community is Foundation Fridays. Each Friday, they have pool time and sell special treats; all proceeds from the treats go toward the national Dogtopia Foundation. “Dogtopia Foundation helps to sponsor service dogs for veterans and provide youth literacy programs where youth can read to dogs because they just (both two-legged and four) and their employees is of the utmost importance. He notes that masks are required of all people, and there’s a Dogtopia app where customers can coordinate curbside pick up and drop off.
“We always follow heightened cleaning protocols, and have a closed UV HVAC system,” Zach adds. “We clean three times a day and deep clean on the weekends.”
Everything from their HVAC system to their special floor in the playrooms (rubberized floors that are easy on their hips of course), to pet-safe cleaning products, Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village is all about your furry family member.
“It’s always about the dog first,” Zach says.
Dogtopia of Paradise Valley Village is located at 13001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite C01, in Phoenix. To learn more, visit dogtopia.com/phoenixparadisevalleyvillage or call 480-605-3044. You can also follow along on social on Facebook @ DogtopiaParadiseValleyVillage and Instagram @
dogtopiapvvillage.
