CHLOE THE NEXT GENERATION SHOP DOG

I wanted to take this opportunity to add a bit more joyful post and officially introduce Chloe the next generation shop dog.
The last post, about Inky’s passing, was a heartbreaking one to do but now we have some good news.

I want to introduce the next generation D.O.G. here at APLP.  This is Chloe! This was the day we got her, Friday, November 7, 2025, before she was groomed.

And this is Chloe now:

Chloe has some big paws to step into here at the shop, but we know she will do the job with perfection.  She is friendly and happy but not yappy.  She will greet you quietly and perhaps even let you pet her or pick her up for some snuggles if you so choose.  She has transformed from a not quite ugly duckling (not ugly at all just messy and unkempt) to a bright-eyed little princess!

And here is a little history about our shop dogs.
Bubba, the pug dog, was the original shop dog here at APLP.  He helped get the business started in October 2001 and he helped open the shop in July 2006.  He was a rather passive, laid-back greeter until he got older and just didn’t feel well and then he became a bit aggressive.  We had to leave him home alone for a while as he had become a bit of a grumpy old man.  Bubba loved pizza and he would sit outside the shop and never try to run away.  He would just sit there calmly and enjoy the day.  He passed over the rainbow bridge of his own accord on December 28, 2011.  And yes, we did have pizza for dinner that night, so he was full and happy when he crossed the bridge.

Inky became the shop dog extraordinaire on Friday the 13th of July 2012.  Inky always barked his greeting as well as his good-bye.  He was a bit of a yapper, and he was definitely my protector.  We could never have left him home alone like Bubba as he could not be away from me for any length of time.  He never cared for children or young people at all or hardly anyone else but me.  He adopted me as his person right away and we really had a connection.  There were a few customers that he did take a shine to and one that I called his “second momma”.  There were only about 3 customers that had ever actually picked him up and held him as he just didn’t go to many people.  I can’t say that everyone liked him, but they tolerated him and respected his space.  He was a bit aloof with people but so darn cute that folks couldn’t resist trying to be friends with him.  Inky was mama’s boy for sure, and we were heartbroken and lost when we had to let him cross the rainbow bridge on August 1, 2025.  But as the saying goes “if you love something, set it free” and he is now free from pain and suffering and enjoying the afterlife with Bubba and our other dogs from the past.

And now Chloe has her paws to the ground here at APLP greeting you in her quiet way.  She may jump on your legs for a little attention.  She is friendly and out-going and she can leave a little piddle puddle if she gets too excited.  I do believe Inky spoke to her and helped her find us.  She will definitely help us heal our broken hearts and bring some joy and laughter back to the shop.  I know most everyone loves a shop dog in a small local shop and now once again this will be the local mom-n-pup pen shop.  Many of you have already met her and I figured it was time to make the official announcement here on the site.

Chloe is not a replacement for Inky as Inky could never be replaced.  He will always have a special place in my heart and in my shop.  Chloe is the next generation to carry on the tradition of greeting folks here at the shop.