Considering my values with animals an whether to take a new job
 

Hey all,
so a new shop opened up down the road from my house. Pet Valu. Just supply store they do not sell animals. They are making a program with the shelters to help pair those in search of animals :thumbup::thumbup: for them.

Here's my thing. I want to work with and around dogs for my last summer before I start real work (graduate in Oct). So I am applying. I went in today and noticed some things I wasn't keen on, and want honest opinions.

I am a loyal customer to a shop that doesn't sell anything that isn't healthy. They sell the brands that we try and convince people to buy. But they are not hiring. I've applied twice. This place sells things like science diet and RC BUT also carry the good stuff. When I asked the owner about the philosophy they held on food, they pretty much said, our job is to educate those who want to listen. OK I think I could live with that. He also said as product sells they will consider adding larger sections for the better food.

Do you think I should consider working for a place that sells food I'm against. They otherwise seem perfect. They are nice people and are desperate for employees. At the same time it may be a great chance for me to help educate the public on healthy products and how to learn a lot about dog food in a little amount of time.

Sorry for the ramble. I'm just trying to sort this out, and you guys are probably the best people to ask. I'm not looking to make money. I'm looking for a job for the summer that I can bring Harley with me (on lead or in xpen) and have fun with other dogs.

I would look at is as a chance to do some education. While in an ideal world everyone would feed only the highest quality food, that doesn't always work in the real world. The best we can hope for is that they feed the best quality food their dog will eat!

Science and RC aren't the best, but they aren't the bottom of the barrel either. It sounds like the owner is willing to expand the selection of food as the demand increases. So, help it increase :)

Think of it this way. If all they sold was very healthy food, they would attract the kind of customer who is already educated about pet food. The fact they sell brands that are less healthy but well known...such as Science diet...means they are attracting a clientele that can be educated. If you want to work in a place, surrounded by good people (which you say they are), bring your dog with you (which you can), and have the opportunity to change minds...by providing knowledge to those who are ignorant but willing to listen...I say go for it!! Just think of the difference you might make to a new pet owner who doesn't know what to look for, or who to ask...Or the pet owner who's pet is suffering and doesn't know what else to try. You could not only work for the summer and spend time with your dog...you might make a life-changing difference to 1 or more dogs around you!

Marg

In my opinion having to sell garbage food isn't really lowering your values, like having to sell puppies would be. If it's a good job, take it!

Ditto! :)

Thanks guys... I'm pumped I'm going to probably take a run down tomorrow and bring him a resume. I would feel bad leaving my loyalty to the shop I go to now, but at the end of the day, they know me, and have my resume and chose not to hire me at christmas for whatever reason. I may still shop at the other place cause I get discounts, but I'm guess as any retail place does, I'm sure after working there for a while there are discounts in place.

I'm pumped about this. Maybe I can offer to start training sooner and then pick up full hours once I'm done this semester
there is only really one more month of crunching and I only have two exams... it's most likely really low pay, but if they will allow me to bring Harley, which I'm guess eventually they will (I hope) once they meet him, it'll be worth it.

I would take it! We have a Pet Valu near my house and they sell mostly good stuff and I've noticed the bad stuff is sort of placed in the back, where it's not as noticeable. And I like what they have to offer! I applied there once but never got a call back :(

It would be no different then working in a grocery store...lots of unhealthy food there...

well sounds like I'm going to def go for it. thanks for the opinions. too bad minimum wage wasn't higher, my pay is going to cut in half for the summer, but at least I'll enjoy my work.