OCR Text |
Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, August 30-September 1, 2017 B-7 The Park Record Man infuses business with pet passion ISAAC HALE The Daily Herald SPANISH FORKS, Utah (AP) As the saying goes, either you’re a dog person or a cat person. Well, Gage Bowls loves all animals, but if he had to pick between the two animals, he’d probably prefer canines. His affinity for man’s best friend is apparent in his homegrown business, “Gage Dogs Company.” “Not many people in Utah pay for a regular dog-walker,” said Jodi Bowls, Gage’s mother. “Gage’s stuff is more of whoever needs it: if somebody’s gone for an extended period of time.” Despite a lack of demand for dog walkers in Utah County, Gage wants put his passion for pets to good use by walking and caring for dogs in the Spanish Fork-Springville area. The self-proclaimed “dog whisperer” lives life under special circumstances. For Gage, his life was changed at birth. “For the first four hours of life, he was lacking oxygen before someone noticed,” said Jodi. The oxygen deprivation left the newly-born Gage with a few deficiencies. Chief among them was cerebral palsy, which included some degradation of both physical and mental abilities. Now a mother of four kids, Jodi was fully aware that the miracle of life can come with complications. “God gave Gage just the way he was supposed to be,” she explained. Turning to her son, she said “What are you Gage, to this family? `A gift,”’ replied Gage with a laugh and a smile. Now a 20-year old living with his mother in Spanish Fork, Gage attends the Bridges Nebo Transition Center. According to Gage’s mother, the center offers a 4-year post-high school program for individuals with special needs, and aims to successfully integrate them into society and help them gain employment. “Bridges is really amazing,” said Jodi. “They have what they call practice jobs where he’s going in to different community businesses and they rate him on the type of job that he does. Gage is an extreme rule follower. He’s very vigilant on making sure everything is lined up. Trust me: he keeps us all in line here,” said his mother with a laugh. Halfway through the program, Gage feels he’s learning a lot through Bridges. Though he loves attending the school, he yearns to be just like “regular” grown-ups. When Gage attended Springville High School, he had a special needs class, but was also in mainstream classes with the rest of the student body. “I just want to go places without aides,” said Gage. “But more like, go to classes.” His mother added, “like other adults?” “Yeah,” replied Gage. “Gage said to me, `I want to feel like a grown-up,”’ explained Jodi. “`I don’t want an allowance and I want to pay my own bills.’ He talks about moving out, and about personal independence and what that looks like. That’s when we all started talking about, `Well, what can you do?”’ She further explained. “He said, `I’m good with animals.’ “I said, `what can you do with animals?’ and he said, `I can walk dogs.”’ So, Gage took the initiative. “Then, I turned around and looked back, and all of a sudden he had designed all this stuff, and I went, `OK, here we go!”’ explained his mother. All of Gage’s business materials: his business cards, his brochures, his various social media accounts and even his own website were all created by Gage himself. Now for the past two years, Gage has been managing his own dog-walking business. “I just want to help people to walk their dogs,” said Gage. Gage’s client base is currently small, mainly comprised of family and friends, but he treats each dog as if it’s his own. “I put my hand on their nose so they can sniff,” said Gage. “Then he gets down on their level, every time,” said his mother. “I mean, because this is a loved one, right?” she explained further. “At least my animals are, they’re my babies. Gage is extremely responsible, and if anything ever did occur he knows how to ask for help.” One of Gage’s biggest obstacles is simply getting people to know his business exists, and getting people comfortable with him. “It’s kind of hard to knock on doors,” said Gage. “Sometimes they get weird, and some people are not that nice about it.” His mother added, “What they don’t realize is that he handles two very large dogs all the time.” Gage has cared for his two Labrador Retrievers, Bentley and Buster, for the past ten years. But Gage gets the word out about his business in other ways. For one, he’s a social-media hound. “I’m crazy about Facebook, Instagram and YouTube because I try to get many people following me because businesses need a lot of views,” said Gage. Through his website, one can see the different options Gage offers through his dog-walking business. Monday through Friday, his hours are listed as “flexible” and Saturday, he’s available for walks from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.and is closed on Sundays. He offers different pricing for walks beginning at 15 minutes and up to an hour in 15-minute increments. He walks dogs of all shapes and sizes. For all of Gage’s new customers, the first walk is free. Gage’s mother only gets involved when Gage needs transportation to a walk too far away for him to get there by himself. “For me, I just support him,” she said. “Gage does really well, and we have a nice network of people we know.” Gage and his mother feel that the business allows Gage to build life skills that will eventually allow him to foster a feeling of independence, and make a few extra bucks while doing it. Though, Gage has a specific plan for which to use his recent business earnings. “My friend had a birthday, but it’s passed, and I wanted to buy him and me Comic Con tickets,” said Gage. Gage and his friend are fans of “Suicide Squad” a movie released last year that profiles the DC Comics anti-hero team, the “Suicide Squad.” “His family just couldn’t make it happen, so Gage wants to make it happen,” said his mother. The family of Gage’s friend didn’t have the financial means to buy a ticket or costume for their child for the comic convention in Salt Lake City next month, so Gage hopes to pay both of their ways with earnings from his business. Gage explained that he would like to dress up like the Joker, though he wasn’t sure who his friend would be yet. ComeChill Chill at the Come the Coolest plaCe inat park City! Coolest plaCe inat park City! Experience chilling benefits Cryo Lodge in our Whole Body Cryotherapy Chamber! Experience chilling benefits at Cryo Lodge in our Whole Body Cryotherapy Chamber! last Days For sUmmer speCials off Single20% Chills are only $15 1st monthFridays membership all packages throughand 9/1/17 (valid thru 9/4) 435-565-1034 * cryolodge.net * Like us on social media! @cryolodge lizy michelle DEER CREEK TITLE & INSURANCE SOME OF THE PETS AT NUZZLES & CO. LOOKING FOR LOVE These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. janelle Michelle Huggins Confidence to close! 435.659.4407 dmichellehuggins@hotmail.com It’s the Place the Locals Choose Joshua Sophie Yosemite Montana Joshua is a 1-year-old Chihuahua. He is a little shy and timid but loves to be held and carried around. He is a little fearful of other dogs and cats but could probably warm up to other dogs his size over time. He walks nicely on a leash, too! Sophie is an energetic 7-year- old Labrador mix who loves to be outside! She would love to find an active family to spend lots of quality time with. She’s not a fan of cats but gets along with some other dogs. This happy dog loves to play, play, play! Yosemite is an adorable 2-yearold Chihuahua mix. He is a little shy but very sweet! He does well with other small dogs and cats, too. Yosemite walks nicely on a leash and takes treats very gently. He would be the perfect lap dog and snuggle buddy! Montana is a teeny-tiny Chihuahua, and he’s about 4 years old. He is very playful and full of energy, but he also loves to be held! Montana likes cats and dogs, and he walks nicely on leash. He will be the perfect companion for any loving family! Spidey Gwen Stephani Puma Galore Spidey is a handsome Flame Point Siamese, and he’s about 4 years old. He recently had surgery on his eyelids, so he may look a little sleepy, but don’t be fooled! This kitty is playful and friendly and is looking for a loving forever family to snuggle with and love. Gwen Stephani is a beautiful black and white Domestic Shorthair. She’s about 8 months old. Gwen is affectionate and cuddly, and she loves to be near people! She does well with other cats, too. She’s still young and has lots of youthful energy! Puma is a big, friendly guy! He’s a grey tabby Domestic Shorthair, and he’s about 4 years old. He is outgoing and loves to explore his surroundings. Puma does well with other cats and loves to be near people. He’s a hit with everyone he meets! Galore is a stunning dilute tortie Persian/Domestic Longhair mix. She’s about five years old, and is very outgoing! She can be quite vocal and will let you know when she’d like attention. She is friendly and gentle, and she’s looking for the perfect forever home! Thursday Locals Specials Swiss Veal Bratwurst $14.50 Chef ’s Pasta Special $14.50 Adolph’s Steak Salad $18.50 Chicken Ceasar Salad $12.50 Raclette $9.50 ooh la la 3.5” x 5”, b&w ad “Scalp Massage” Adolph’s House Salad $4.50 Apple Strudel-Vanilla Sc. $7.50 Glass of Wine $6.00 Nightly Seasonal Specials! These organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words. Applegate Home Care & Hospice Applegate Home Care & Hospice is welcoming volunteers to join its team of caring professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. The hospice volunteer offers service, compassion and a listening ear to clients and their families. If you would like to volunteer or want to learn more about volunteering with Applegate, please contact the hospice volunteer coordinator at 800-871-0102 or visit applegatehomecare.com. Beehive Homes of Park City Beehive Homes of Park City, a quality assisted-living facility that focuses on nurturing residents and fostering independence, is looking for caring and reliable volunteers to provide meaningful activities in an individual or group setting. These activities could include music, art, pet therapy, reading, current events, games and gardening. Please contact Colleen at 435-649-0977. Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah is seeking volunteers to become mentors to youth in Park City. Mentors meet two to four times per month with their “littles” to do fun activities and develop a lasting relationship. This little bit of time can make a big difference in the life of a child. For information, please contact Emily Medlock at 435-649-9366 or emily.medlock@bbbsu.org. Canines with a Cause Canines with a Cause is looking for volunteers interested in learning dog training and assessment skills. Volunteers will foster and train prospective service and companion dogs to be placed with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. For information, please contact Cathy King at 435-640-9095. The Christian Center of Park City The Christian Center is looking for volunteers with a passion for helping the community. Open six days a week, the center needs volunteers (ages 16 and older) to help in the food pantry, boutique store and thrift store, and with seasonal events throughout the year. Fill out an online volunteer application at www.ccofpc.org or contact the center’s volunteer coordinator at 435-649-2260, ext. 15. Girl Scouts As a volunteer with a Girl Scout troop, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day feel like the best day. At every turn you’ll be their cheerleader, guide and mentor, helping them develop skills that will last long after meetings are over. For information, visit http://www. gsutah.org/en/volunteer-role-model.html or call Heather Smith at 801-716-5109. Guide Dogs for the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind needs puppy raisers. Volunteers provide a nurturing, well-rounded environment for puppies 8 weeks old to 15 months. The organization supports sitters with weekly meetings and training. Basic equipment and veterinary care is provided. Meetings are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Park City/Heber areas. Contact Stefanie at 435-657-0760, or visit Facebook/SummitGuideDogs or www.guidedogs.com. European & American Cuisine Full Service Bar with Bar Menu Opens at 4::30pm Dinner Served Starting at 5:30pm ADOLPH’S - a 40 year Park City Tradition! 435.649.7177 • 1500 Kearns Blvd. Love. Truth. Hair. WANTED: VOLUNTEERS Open Daily – Patio Seating You had me at scalp massage. It’s the little things. At Ooh La La, your visit isn’t finished until you look fantastic--and feel that way, too. So we sweat the details from style, to shape, to shade. And we don’t just wash your hair. We treat your scalp to its own little moment of Zen. All for you. (435) 655-2680 1811 Sidewinder Dr. Park City, UT 84060 www.oohlalahairparkcity.com |