Being a small business owner is a tough job! That’s why we feature a different small business in our Small Business Spotlight every month. Today we visit with Megan Coleman whose passion is caring for pets at The Red Woof Inn near McArthur.
Everyone knows that pets are like family. That’s why it’s so hard to leave them behind when we have to travel or be away from home for a while. For pet parents in Vinton County, there’s a family owned option for boarding dogs and cats for short term and long terms stays. The Red Woof Inn has been owned by Megan and Josh Coleman since last summer.
The lifelong animal lovers are Vinton County natives who had moved away for work. They jumped at the opportunity to come home when they learned that this business was available. “I’ve had a lifelong passion for animals, especially dogs,” Megan explained. “We had talked about starting a kennel in the Columbus area but when this came available, it was just too perfect to pass up.”
The climate controlled facility on Old Dixon Road provides each pet with a cot for their comfort and plenty of love. Everyone is walked and played with at least four times a day. “I absolutely love getting to know them and playing with them, helping them understand their owner will come back. I love getting to know their personalities and the little things that make them unique,” she said while describing some of the special situations that she’s faced so far. One of those included a former shelter dog that clearly was struggling when dropped off in this strange place. “I took extra time. He wouldn’t eat or drink and I wanted him to know that he was safe and that it’s ok. His owner would come back.”
She does have frequent flyers as well as some who come just when their owner is traveling. She is always on the lookout for new customers.
Pet parents must provide their animal’s food, treats and shot records. Families can be kept in a kennel together to make their stay more enjoyable. She sends daily pictures and reports to the owners to maintain communication and assure the owners that all is well with their pet family.
They do have a lot of repeat customers and she indicated that word-of-mouth has been their best form of advertising. “When someone sees that you care for their dog like you would your own family pet, they feel better trusting you and are more likely to recommend you to someone else.”
Megan said that she knows how important it is to trust the people who look after your pets. She and Josh are pet parents too. They have three dogs and two cats that she says are “spoiled rotten.”
“I just love animals and want them to be safe and well cared for and to know they’re loved. I have found my calling.”
What does she love best about this job? She said it’s hard to say. “I love to see how excited they are when their owner comes home…. but there’s no better feeling than winning the love of a shy dog, a timid dog. That’s the biggest accomplishment, the best feeling,” Megan said with a smile.
Want to know more about the Red Woof Inn or schedule your pet for a stay? Follow them on Facebook or call Megan at 740.649.8640.
Commercial Point 
She never intended to stay this long but instead planned to work while going to college and eventually move on. “This is where God wanted me. I got married, had two kids and never left. Life is good,” she smiled.
The tellers who work with Barb Clemons like to tell newcomers not to be offended when customers don’t want their help. That’s because Barb has a following of customers who would simply rather wait for Barb. She’s been working at our McArthur office for almost 33 years and her customers have come to know her and trust the work she does.
When Sheila Stickel started with Vinton County National Bank in 1999, the bank had just three locations in McArthur, Wilkesville and Chillicothe. Much bank work was still done manually and online banking hadn’t even been invented.
Good served hot or cold, this locally made dip can be used on or with almost anything. In fact, he names a long list of items his customers use it on as a condiment including hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, baked potatoes and sloppy joes to name a few. It’s also commonly used on pizza, as a dip for chips, chicken nuggets and vegetables. “People get pretty creative with it sometimes,” he said.
When requests to purchase the dip started to come in, he knew he had something special. So he began the year and half long journey to start his business and to learn the legalities of producing, selling and distributing food.
Raccoon Creek Outfitters does it all. They offer kayak and canoe rentals, a store and campground. They even offer their grounds for event rental.
With 34 acres situated along the peaceful shores of Raccoon Creek in eastern Vinton County, it’s an ideal place to camp. Primitive campsites are available along the creek banks while RV sites with electric hookup are available as well.
Dustin Hoy worked for and managed another canoe livery for several years, learning the ropes in hopes of someday pursuing his dream to own his own livery. “Dustin is the backbone. He’s knowledgeable in every aspect of the boats and, if he doesn’t know it, he’ll learn. It’s his passion, his dream, and I’m lucky enough to be living it with him,” she said with a smile.
VCNB Family 