News & Feature Articles
Montesano Customer receives “Superb Service”
Jul 12th
Dear Ginny,
Recently, I purchased a lawn mower from the Montesano Dennis Company Store. I received superb service, and had every intention of sending a note of recognition to your headquarters. Thus I was really surprised when, before I could get the note written, I received a thank you from YOU for having patronized your store.
With regard to this purchase, I do want to recognize Eric and Bob for service above and beyond the call of duty. I make it a practice to shop locally, and find that Dennis Company usually has just what I need and at a competitive price. When it comes to a larger purchase, I do a fair amount of research. For the mower, I began with Consumer Reports. Though I knew you carried mowers, why didn’t it occur to me that you’d have one of the CR’s best buys? I’ll confess I’d looked at Home Depot numerous times and had made my selection. Then, on the way into your store to buy something else, I saw that you had the same mower for the same price. Hooray!
The question was how to get the mower home, as I don’t have a truck. Eric said he would bring it by after work. I had long since left the store when Eric found that the box wouldn’t fit in his SUV. Eric arranged with Bob to use his truck, and together the men hauled the item to my house, which is just a couple of blocks from your store. They lifted the box out of the truck, removed the mower, rotated the handle around into position, poured in the oil and gas, and fired ‘er up just to be sure everything was in working order. I must say, I was a happy camper!
This past year has been challenging for me, and it was such a lift to have this assistance. The mower works great, and your employees made my day ~ and made your company look great. I realize that it’s usually just when somebody screws up that the higher ups hear about it, so I’d appreciate your forwarding my message to the next higher level.
On another front, I generally plant my own hanging baskets, but life had left me little time this year, so I bought 5 of your on-sale-for-$13 baskets the Saturday before Mother’s Day. I hung three at my house, and took 2 to put on a shepherd’s crook outside her window in the special care facility where she now lives. The baskets have thrived in both places and are beautiful. Best of all, Mom actually notices hers, and never fails to comment on it. She just turned 95 years old. Thanks for making her happy!
This is much too long, but my appreciation goes on for quite some time.
Sincerly, a Montesano Customer (name withheld by request)
How to Protect Dogs From The ‘Dog Days’ of Summer
Jul 12th
Few things can be as refreshing as a quick dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Summer humidity can get to almost anyone, including the family dog. But while most members of the family can dive into the pool or take a cold shower to cool off, man’s best friend isn’t so lucky.
Keeping dogs cool in the summer should be a priority, as Fido certainly can’t ask for the air conditioner to be turned up. Recognizing the need to cool down dogs during the summertime, the American Animal Hospital Association offers the following tips to protect pooches throughout the summer months.
* Keep dogs out of the car. Temperatures inside a car can quickly reach 120 F, even on relatively mild summer days. So while your dog may be a great companion when running errands in the spring, winter or fall, leave him home in the summer.
* Keep dogs well groomed. Long hair should be trimmed and keep hair mats clipped to help dogs survive the summer heat. However, don’t shave down dogs to the skin because they may burn in the sun.
* Build a dog house. While many homeowners now invite the family dog into the house, there are still some who prefer man’s best friend live outdoors. Dog owners who keep their dogs outside should build adequate shelter that helps dogs survive midday heat and sun. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and placed in a location that provides sufficient shade throughout the entire day, not just in the early morning or evening.
* Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. While Fido might not be able to tell you he’s hot, his behavior might be doing just that. Indicators of heat exhaustion include excessive panting, a blank or anxious expression, disobedience, rapid heartbeat, and vomiting. In addition, dry skin and high fever could be indicative of a dog that’s struggling with the heat. Dog owners should lower the dog’s body temperature by spraying cool water on the dog or immersing the animal in cool water whenever he exhibits any of these symptoms.
* Avoid excessive exercise. Dogs need exercise, but overexertion on hot days can lead to heat stress. On especially hot days, avoid excessive exercise and limit walks or time outside to early morning or evening hours.
* Take extra precaution when the dog is in the car. While it’s ideal to keep a dog out of the car in summertime, if you must bring him along be sure to be extra cautious. Open windows and vents as wide as possible without providing an escape route; or put the dog in a well-ventilated cage inside the car and open the windows fully.
Dennis Duck’s Shooting Gallery
Jul 8th
Check out our new game and let us know what you think! There are two great coupons waiting for you…go for it!
Don’t Get Burned by Grilling Myths
Jul 6th
Don’t Get Burned by Grilling Myths
Don't Get Burned by Grilling Myths
Are you ready to get cooking? Grilling is a staple of summertime entertainment, and some people even grill 12 months a year. As long as grilling has been around, myths have circulated about this popular means to preparing a meal. Let’s set the record straight.
Myth: You have to clean the grill right after cooking.
Fact: It really doesn’t matter when you clean the grill, just that it gets cleaned. Many people rely on grilled food as a quick method of cooking. If company is over, it’s perfectly alright to leave the grill uncleaned. Just do it the next time you light the fire. Simply turn on the heat, let it warm up for about 10 minutes to allow the flames to burn off any food particles and loosen up the rest. Then go over the grates with a wire brush. Remaining oils from foods help season the metal grating and flavor the next round of food.
Myth: Eating grilled food causes cancer.
Fact: This myth is based on a study in which rats were fed heavily charred food that was cooked on a grill. Charred food can contain benz-pyrenes, which are carcinogenic. However, the rats were only served the charred food and in high amounts — something that would be unlikely for people to consume. Eating grilled food as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause cancer. If you are concerned about benz-pyrenes, grill lean meats that are less likely to cause flare-ups and charring on the foods. Some marinades can also reduce the amount of charring that occurs.
Myth: Grilling and barbecuing are the same thing.
Fact: Actually, they’re not. Grilling cooks food over high heat for a short duration of time. Barbecuing uses low, indirect heat to cook foods, generally all day or even overnight. Grilling is used for foods that would dry out if cooked for a long time. Less expensive, tougher cuts of meat can be barbecued, such as brisket.
Myth: Grills require special cleaning to prevent bacteria.
Fact: Concern about foodborne illnesses is very real. Bacteria can lead to stomach discomfort and other symptoms. However, it is not necessary to sterilize your grill. The high heat used to cook the food essentially does that work for you. Allowing your grill to preheat and cleaning it regularly will be all the precaution you need to prevent bacteria.
Myth: You need to coat foods in oil to prevent sticking.
Fact: Generally cleaning your grill and allowing the grating to season will be enough to prevent sticking of foods. Also, allow meats to cook thoroughly on one side before attempting to flip to avoid sticking. If sticking is still a problem, a light coating of cooking oil or nonstick spray applied to the grill grates can help.
