In this special Pawfee Talk episode, Carly and Sherry sit down over coffee with Nancy Guinn, the passionate powerhouse behind Dog Krazy, an 8-location indie pet retail chain known for its community roots and no-nonsense leadership. Nancy shares her powerful journey from running multiple pet stores to transitioning into franchise support, all while staying fiercely loyal to her values and people.

We dig deep into a recent, raw Facebook post of hers that stopped us in our tracks—it was about the unseen burdens of leadership, the hard calls business owners make behind closed doors, and the strength it takes to stay silent when others expect you to speak.

This episode is for every pet pro who’s ever felt misunderstood, taken for granted, or stuck between doing what’s right and what’s easy.

🎧 What You'll Hear

• Why Nancy stepped away from store ownership and what that transition taught her

• The emotional weight of leadership no one prepares you for

• When silence is the most professional (and painful) move

• Dealing with betrayal, burnout, and boundaries in the pet industry

• How to stay loyal to your values, even when it costs you

🐶 About Our Guest

Nancy Guinn is the founder of Dog Krazy, a beloved independent pet retail chain in Virginia. With nearly 20 years in the business, Nancy is a community-driven leader known for her fierce loyalty, high standards, and willingness to show up with honesty and heart—even when it's tough. She recently franchised all her stores and now works behind the scenes to help other pet retailers succeed.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Are your events starting to feel more like a chore than a celebration? You might be facing event fatigue—and you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into what event fatigue looks like in the pet retail world and how it impacts both customers and your team.

We explore:

• What event fatigue is and why it occurs
• Signs like declining customer engagement, staff burnout, and underperforming promotions
• How overloading your calendar with too many events can lead to marketing fatigue
• Practical insights into how to refresh your approach and bring the excitement back

Whether you run a grooming salon, pet store, or daycare, this episode is your guide to recognizing and overcoming event burnout—for good.

🐾 Tune in to find smarter, more sustainable ways to keep your events impactful and energizing!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Training doesn’t have to be boring — and it definitely shouldn’t be optional. In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Carly and Sherry dive into the art (and science) of team training for pet business owners.

From micro-learning to mentoring, they explore how to keep your staff educated, empowered, and engaged — all while improving customer service and fueling long-term success. Whether you’re training new hires or building next-level knowledge for your seasoned team, this episode is packed with practical ideas to strengthen your shop from the inside out.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why continuous learning is essential for business growth

• The magic of micro-learning and bite-sized lessons

• How to tailor training to different learning styles

• Ideas for hands-on, engaging employee education

• Carly’s personal insights on nutrition and staff empowerment

• How to use simple tools and tech to make training stick

• Why investing in your team pays off at the register

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

The Foundation of Pet Nutrition Training Course
https://app.retailbrilliance.com/courses/269

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls podcast, Carly and Sherry break down essential year-end financial strategies for pet business owners. From managing inventory and understanding tax deductions to planning promotions and protecting your margins, this episode is your survival guide for closing out the year strong and stepping into the new one with clarity.

Whether you're a seasoned store owner or just getting started, you'll walk away with practical advice to help you clean up your books, cash in on smart decisions, and (finally) clock out for a well-deserved break.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why smart pet retailers meet with their CPA before December 31

• The difference a good accountant and bookkeeper can make

• What tax deductions to track before it’s too late

• How inventory affects your taxes — and what to do about it

• Why now is the best time to plan 2026 promotions, events, and vacations

• Tips on updating pricing and communicating changes to customers

• How to leverage charitable donations and renew your licenses

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne — the Pet Business Disruptor himself — to dig into the side of the industry that doesn’t always get enough airtime: distribution. With nearly 20 years of experience, Clayton brings a no-fluff perspective on what it really takes for retailers, brands, and distributors to succeed together.

We get real about the challenges smaller brands face getting on shelves, why understanding consumer mindsets is the starting line for success, and how retailers can sharpen their negotiation tactics without losing relationships. We also dive into evolving market trends (spoiler: cats are stealing the spotlight) and the importance of authenticity in every corner of this business.

This conversation is loaded with practical advice — whether you’re a retailer looking to gain an edge, a brand trying to break into distribution, or just curious about how the pet industry ecosystem really works.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Understanding consumer mindsets is non-negotiable for distribution success.

• Retailers shouldn’t chase trends — they should lead them.

• Authenticity builds customer trust that lasts.

• Smaller brands face steep challenges with pricing and distribution access.

• Distributors must stress test pricing models for viability.

• Strong communication and relationship-building matter more than one-off deals.

• Brands need a clear marketing pipeline to get into — and stay in — distribution.

• Premium cat products are becoming a major growth category.

• Negotiation works best as a collaboration, not a battle.

• Healthy partnerships between retailers, brands, and distributors fuel mutual success.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

The holidays are here, and let’s be honest—it’s a lot. In this episode, Sherry and Carly get real about the holiday hustle: the juggling act of running a business, being present for family, and not losing your mind in the process.

We’re talking boundaries (yes, you can say no), burnout (it’s real), and why you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of you. Plus, how movement, good food, and strong community can be your secret weapons this season.

This one's like a warm hug and a pep talk, wrapped up in tinsel. Tune in, take a breath, and remember—you’re not alone.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we’re joined by Rodney Habib — two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most trusted voices in pet nutrition today. We dive into the benefits of minimally processed foods, the challenges of being an indie retailer, and why community support is so essential for success in the pet industry.

Rodney also shares how storytelling can be a powerful tool for education, why cultural practices shape pet health around the world, and what every pet pro should know about the evolving pet food landscape.

Learn all about Rodney here!!
Find him at planetpaws.ca

✨ Key Takeaways

• Support your local community and they’ll support you back.
• Variation in pet diets is key to a healthy microbiome.
• Minimally processed foods make a big impact on pet health.
• Storytelling is a powerful education tool.
• Indie retailers thrive when they lead with education and collaboration.

👉 Find the Pet Shop Girls Podcast wherever you love listening to podcasts, or hit the link in our bio to tune in now!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode, Carly and Sherry celebrate 99 episodes by unpacking retail psychology and how small pricing details make a big difference. They break down the power of the 99 effect, charm pricing, and bundling, plus how ambiance — lighting, scent, and music — can instantly influence how customers feel and buy.

Takeaways:

• Prices ending in 9 can boost sales by up to 20%.

• Bundling increases perceived value.

• Lighting, scent, and music shape buying behavior.

• “Free” offers outperform discounts.

• Scarcity and color psychology drive urgency.

Retail is both an art and a science — and mastering these small details can create big results.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Carly and Sherry sit down with retail expert Bob Negen to talk holiday season strategies that actually work. From training seasonal staff to creating signage and bundles that move product, this conversation is all about making the busiest time of year your most profitable.

Bob shares insights on leveraging nostalgia, building emotional connections with customers, and running innovative promotions that stand out. We also dig into how to keep staff morale high, use social media and email effectively, and create memorable shopping experiences that keep customers coming back.

Whether you’re looking for practical holiday hacks, future-focused trends like AI in retail, or just some extra inspiration to close the year strong, this episode has you covered.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Train and manage seasonal staff effectively.
• Use signage and bundling to drive bigger sales.
• Tap into nostalgia and emotion in holiday marketing.
• Keep staff morale high during peak season.
• Leverage social and email marketing to engage customers.
• Explore future trends like AI and relationship-driven retail.
• Create memorable shopping experiences to maximize ROI.

Find Bob at:
https://whizbangtraining.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobnegenretailexpert

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly sit down with Dan Jablons, founder of Retail Smart Guys, to uncover practical ways pet retailers can take control of their cash flow and inventory.

Dan shares how a solid purchasing plan, smart forecasting, and better customer engagement can transform your bottom line. He breaks down the common mistakes retailers make—and how to avoid them—while also offering quick, actionable steps to free up cash right away.

From the power of “open-to-buy” planning to creating meaningful in-store experiences, Dan helps independent pet retailers understand how to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Whether you’re struggling with overstock, looking for better buying strategies, or simply want to improve your store’s profitability, this episode is packed with insights you can put into practice immediately.

www.retailsmartguys.com
Email: [email protected]

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.