Help The Barketplace End on a High Note

Woof. I've been dreading this, but it's time to let the cat out of the bag. We're closing. We fought a hard fight, but the world just isn't kind to small businesses sometimes. As costs continue to rise, prices for both retailers and consumers, and the continued growth of e-commerce and their fast free shipping, we just can't keep up. If you aren't a big guy in this world, you just don't catch a break. The Barketplace was my dream for as long as I could remember. Before I could legally work, I worked at a horse farm with an array of animals and found my passion. At 16, I started my pet retail journey and found so much love in solutions based products, helping pet parents understand their pets, and being an advocate for animals. This year marks my 20th year in this field, and my love for it has never wavered. I love what I do, and I have loved every single moment this community has granted me. I've spent a lot of time this week reflecting on the amazing memories I've made, the community that has rallied around me, and the friends I've made along the way and while my heart is heavy and I am mourning the loss of my baby, I'm also so incredibly thankful to every single one of you. This coming Tuesday marks 3 years that we've been here. In those 3 years, we've been able to help find homes for dozens of animals, held fun events and markets, met hundreds of amazing dogs and cats, and even more amazing humans. I've gotten to know so many of you, your families, and your 4-legged friends. I'm so incredibly thankful. Thank you to every single one of you. I don't think I'll ever be able to express my appreciation for the incredibly full life I've lived over the last 3 years.

So what's next? December is going as planned. Santa is still coming. Our vendors markets are still on. We're still ordering products and filling our shelves as we can. We're still accepting special orders, too! We'll even give you a discount for special orders. We're still hoping to see your support over the next couple of months. We truly need it.

This gofundme is set up for those of you who always ask how you can help. We are not expecting much, if anything, at all. It's just here if you like what we do and want to see us rock out the next couple of months, and if you want to see me as a human escape from this with a little less debt. Don't feel obligated. Shopping in store, interacting with our social media, and telling your friends about us while we're still going is a massive help for us.

Thank you all again. This community showed me so much love, kindness, and care over the last 3 years. Don't be a stranger. Thank you for letting us be your dogs favorite store for the last 3 years. Oh, and don't forget to tell your dog I said hi.