Help Justine and Classy Canine remain in business

Hi, My name is Nicole, my family and I have been a customer of Classy Canine Dog Psychology, and have known the owner and dog behaviorist, Justine Mendez, for over four years. We have been profoundly changed by what we have seen, learned and experienced during this time. In addition to learning how to become an effective pack leader, we have developed an understanding of how to support the unique needs of each of our dogs, in addition to being able to communicate with them effectively so that we can all live in balance and harmony. I have also served as a volunteer in multiple capacities which has allowed me a quiet, safe and supportive place and community to connect to during some of the lowest points of my life. It is because of this I felt compelled to share Justine's story and provide examples of ways you can help her remain in business during this difficult transition period, marked by ambiguity and unexpected surprises.

When one door closes….

Justine Mendez began her journey as a dog behaviorist nearly a decade ago, driving around to peoples’ homes, picking up dogs for the day in her vehicle and driving to different parks where she would create training obstacles, promote dog-to-dog socialization, and facilitate exercise to provide physical, social and mental stimulation based on the unique needs of each dog. At the end of the day, she would return them to their homes, balanced and in alignment with the world around them. She provided education and helped owners develop the skills necessary to maintain this balance at home.

Simply a woman on a mission to change the dog-human relationship, one family at a time; it was not long before word of mouth spread. Justine found herself in need of a permanent facility, one that would provide more space, in addition to offering easily accessible resources to address the growing needs of the community around her.

In March of 2021, she found and rented what she thought would be her permanent location in Cambridge. It was in this place that she was able to offer consistent classes and training, in addition to creating a safe and uplifting environment for anyone who needed it; a community of dog owners comprised of all ages, identities and abilities. Classy Canine seemed to grow overnight. Justine and her staff/volunteers would go on to support more than 200 dogs and their families in the almost three years she has been in operation at the Cambridge facility.

Over time, Classy Canine Dog Psychology became a safe haven for dogs whose owners had simply recognized their limited capacity to meet the needs of their furry companion, surrendering them for a chance at a better life. Repeatedly I've watched as Justine has extended a helping hand (and home) to those most in need, without judgment, or mention of anything in return. She has dedicated countless hours to training, rehabilitating and providing care to these dogs, until placed in their forever home. In addition to dedicating her time and energy for this purpose, she continues to pay out of pocket for their needs, including food, medical care, and living expenses.

In all my years of knowing and working with Justine, I have never once heard her complain. She expresses gratitude for having the freedom to pursue what she loves and is most passionate about - helping people and their dogs.

In a period of fewer than 30 days, Justine has gone from being the one to support dogs and humans during some of their most difficult moments; to needing a life preserver herself. The City of Cambridge has asked Justine and Classy Canine Dog Psychology to discontinue operations, maintaining proper zoning must be enforced. Justine is complying in all ways possible; however, continued barriers arise. Justine has accepted that by the time a solution can be established allowing her business operations to continue within city limits, there will not be a business left to save.

Initially provided with seven days to vacate, energy has been directed towards complying with directives, maintaining quality care for the dogs awaiting their forever home, searching for appropriate foster homes, touring potential facility locations, coordinating volunteer support, and crunching numbers. With your support, the city has agreed to allow a little extra time to find foster homes for the dogs within her care (with an end date of June 22nd). However, the rules in the cease-and-desist letter and communication from the city have remained clear, Justine Mendez and Classy Canine Dog Psychology, may not continue business operations in the city of Cambridge unless/until a permit is approved (IF it is approved at all).

In searching for alternative locations, she continues to face multiple barriers.

1. Location – close enough to the original property

2. Land/facility availability – must meet proper zoning requirements, have adequate space, ventilation, connection to water/heat/electricity

3. Owners must approve the use of their building space for a dog training/boarding business

4. Funding - Typical requirement to secure a rental includes the first and last month’s rent, in addition to paying a hefty deposit

5. Limited time and energy. One person can only do so much. In addition to all the other tasks required of Justine at this time, she continues to prepare for the upcoming city council hearing/meeting to plead for an interim use permit, in addition to attempting to find a new location for her business.

Without money coming in, resources are limited, and being used to provide ongoing food and basic medical/living costs for the dogs within her care (outlined below). This means that she is unable to save for a down payment to move to a new location.

There are a lot of unknowns/uncertainties at this time, so I will do my best to outline what is known so far in terms of requesting support. I will provide updates as more information is obtained, in addition to including receipts, written estimates and other pertinent information.

WHAT WE KNOW

Justine has applied for an interim use permit with the city of Cambridge (to remain at the current location in Cambridge). Her request for a permit will be presented to the zoning committe on June 6th, and a public hearing will follow on June 19th at which point the city council representatives will decide whether to approve or deny this permit until a zoning ordinance can be written (if they decide to write one). If the permit is not approved, which the city zoning committee continues to state they will put forth a motion to deny this permit, Justine would have to wait until an ordinance can be written allowing for dogs to be boarded overnight in the city of Cambridge and/or allows her business to resume operations. This could take months or years should it happen at all.

Therefore, it has become clear and necessary to find a location outside of the city limits (of Cambridge), and it will need to be a city with ordinances and zoning already in place to support a business such as Classy Canine. Justine has toured potential locations in the northwest/northeast suburbs. Rent appears to be at least double the cost of what she is currently paying.

No donation amount is too small.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to GoFund me account.

ONGOING COSTS

Victor Dog Food High Pro Plus, 40 pound bag (160 cups). PRICE $61.99

Hi-Pro Plus | Super Premium | Victor Pet Food

Purchased through Amazon, Chewy, Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply Store

Approximately 4 bags are used per week (each dog eats approximately 3 cups per day)

Wet Dog Food- NutriSource. PRICE: $3.49/can

Other brands used as needed.

3-4 cans used per day. About one pack per week.

Medical costs per dog/monthly average (medication, veterinarian visits, vaccines, etc.) = Average of $50 to $150 per month for each dog.

Flea and Tick monthly application monthly: Simparica TRIO for dogs. 44 to 88 pounds PRICE: $180.99 (6 months) = $30.65/tablet online

Annual exams and vaccine fees: $65 exam fee + Rabies Vaccine $40 plus (3 years rotation) = around $1500 to $2000 annually

Unexpected Veterinary Costs: ? unknown

First and Last Month’s rent plus rental deposit - anywhere from $2,000/month to $3,600/month (will update this amount to reflect the actual cost of rent, deposit, etc. once a location has been secured)

July 1st is the earliest Classy Canine Dog Psychology will reopen. This is entirely dependent on either the city council's approval of the permit to remain in Cambridge, or a new location has been obtained.

Here are some other ways you can help Justine Mendez, and the dogs awaiting their forever homes:

In our times of need, Justine Mendez has always been there to lend an ear, a helping hand, and guidance. Thank you for showing your support in return, she has told me repeatedly that she could not and would not be doing this work if it weren’t for all of you.