“Tap, tap, tap.”
Or is it, “RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!! … RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!!”?
“Tap, tap, tap …”?
Or … “RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!! … RAT-A-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!!”?
Jessica Barclay, an eternal optimist who co-owns two businesses in Wheeling, insists she hears only the taps while reality begs to differ during this phase of the streetscape project. Triton Construction won the $30 million bid and its crews currently are smack-dab in front of Barclay’s ThrIVe Wheeling.
So, tap, tap, tap it is in downtown, and whenever else she and her partner Vanessa encounter issues with their Play N Stay Pet Camp locations in St. Clairsville, Elm Grove, and in South Wheeling. Barclay’s positive attitude – if ya really think about it – should be expected, though, right? Because of the nature of the two businesses, perhaps?
Seriously, the staff at ThrIVe, the website describes, uses the latest technology that “helps you look better, feel better, and perform better” with a number of regenerating therapies, and Play N Stay? Caring for canines? Hugging puppies?
Well, that sure is a lot of healing and a lot of loving to do for a living.
And it explains everything.
How have you come to know dogs so well?
First, I loved them, then I studied them and those who think differently about them. Then I let them teach me.
If you pay attention, dogs will show you what’s important to them and why. It’s like a two-person mutual conversation. The old days of commanding dogs to only be and do what we need them to be have changed.
Dogs have biological, genetic, and emotional needs, as well as a desire to understand their world. Once we understand how to engage them harmoniously, it’s better for all of us.
Do you believe dogs can tell when someone is a “dog person”? If so, how?
No, I don’t. They seem to care you are there, but some dogs are so excited to see someone, anyone, and maybe haven’t been taught to match energy/read the room, so they can be overbearing, no matter the feelings of the person. Others have been conditioned or are naturally timid, and they want nothing to do with anyone – even dog people.
Some people inadvertently show threatening body language (smile = baring teeth; towering over = rude in dog world; direct eye contact = predatory stare; screeching verbally = confusing), even though they profess to be “dog people”.
All of these can be helped with training and education, so they are warm and reciprocal with those who put off “dog person” vibes.
What was your favorite all-time Halloween costume when you were a kid?
Probably something simple like a witch, but it wasn’t a big holiday for me as a kid.
We didn’t make holidays a big thing when I was a kid because we owned businesses from when I was very young and that always came first. But we always decorated for every holiday and always had “special” time together.
On some days, we got together with extended family and that was always extra special. That’s why “Together” will always be my favorite holiday.
What are first-time Thrive customers most surprised about following their visit?
They always say the same thing – “It’s so awesome in here” and “I can’t believe we have this in Wheeling!”
We hear, “This is NEAT! This is FORWARD thinking! This FANTASTIC! These options! This TECHNOLOGY! This LEVEL OF TRAINING! This LEVEL OF SERVICE! This is SO FANTASTIC! This is UNBELIEVABLE!”
And we love every word.
When is the last time you got muddy, and what were doing?
That’s funny … while investigating a flooded basement. Stepped off the bottom step and “whoosh!” Down I went! Mud from hair to toes and I hurt my butt and I hurt my feelings. But, I hobbled to the shower and then decided I was fine. All the mud and bad feelings ran straight down the drain.
Now, that basement? That took days.
