Laura's friends and family like to say it all started with a dog - her beloved Sheltie named Empi. If you ask Laura, the owner of Pause Dog Boutique, however, she'll tell you that she can never remember a time in her life when she hasn't been surrounded by dogs. Always an important part of her family and the loved ones around her, their quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) presence has kept her grounded and fulfilled. She wants to give back. Empi (pronounced Em-pay) certainly did provide some impetus for the creation of Pause Dog Boutique. Laura has loved shopping for her, as well as her latest pup Ella (a half adorable/half monster of a Russell Terrier), for years. But, Laura's background has propelled her toward owning her own business since the beginning. Laura graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology and in 1999 with a Master's of Science degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. With skills in administration, human services and leadership, she went on to work full-time at several elite colleges and to serve as a freelance writer for higher education. She currently writes from home for a publishing company that specializes in providing quality educational materials for the higher education and K-12 sectors. After doing extensive research and visiting numerous dog shops nationwide and online, Laura became certain that an upscale dog boutique could serve the Rhinebeck community and tourists well. The concept for Pause is simple: provide unique, quality products for discerning dog lovers and the pets who love them, all within a welcoming and dog-friendly atmosphere focused on creating a pleasant consumer experience. Laura loves dogs! She hopes that your experience at Pause demonstrates her passion for dogs - and helps you feed yours in whatever ways she can..

Empi is a Shetland Sheepdog (commonly called a Sheltie). Laura obtained her from a breeder in Cleveland, Ohio, while she was living and working at John Carroll University in University Heights, OH. Empi is now 5-years-old. She loves barking (although we are working on that!), doing agility with Dr. Karen (especially at her outdoor facility in Red Hook), lounging on the couch and avoiding Ella whenever possible. Empi is a bit shy by nature, but she knows lots of great tricks, and will do anything for a treat!

Ella is a Russell Terrier. Nope, not a Jack. Her parents were both Hunt Terriers, but since she was born with 51% or more white (yup, she pretty much looks like a cow with her white and black spots), she's actually shhhh....a misfit. Laura and her husband John like to call her their "misfit monster." The Hunt Terriers are the ancestors of the Russell Terriers. Ella is an atypical colored Hunt Terrier and/or the purest Russell Terrier descending directly from the Hunt Terrier lines. (We know it's confusing!) Laura and John got Ella from Aislinge Bray Terriers in Delhi, NY (www.huntterrier.com). She'll be a year old in October - on Laura and John's anniversary to be exact! Ella's got loads of...shall we say..."spunk." She's full of fun and is a clown by nature! Ella loves to terrorize Empi; flip, twist and spin for toys and treats; and curl up for a good sleep. But most of all, she loves to shadow Laura. She follows Laura everywhere she goes.

We hope to meet you or see you again soon!

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