SPECIAL EDITORIAL SECTION: PETS

The summertime is a great time to spend hours with your beloved pets. Whether it's taking them for a fun hike in the park or a trip to get cool in the lake, your pets love to chill with you during the fun summer months. That's why it's the perfect time for us to dedicate some space to our furry friends. From pandemic pets with great stories to 614 staff and their favorite, funny, family members, we've got you covered. So, take a moment and check out our Pet Suites Cutest K-9 winner, as well as these great stories, and let us wish you well during the Dog Days of Summer! →

↑ Sarah Elfers holding Sophie

By Jack McLaughlin Photos courtesy of Sarah Elfers

For several weeks last September, Sarah Elfers dutifully cooked a meal of chicken and rice every night.

And she never tasted any of it.

That’s because the food wasn’t actually for her, but her new rescue dog, a six year-old Pekingese named Sophie she took into her home last August.

“When I first got her, the vet said [she] should gain about a pound, which is a lot for a 10-pound dog,” Elfers said. “It turns out that she’s the pickiest eater, and would only eat chicken and rice.”

For Elfers, a recent Ohio State University grad and marketing assistant for the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, Sophie came into her life at exactly the right time, serving as a best buddy during the lonely months of the pandemic.

Sophie is not only a pandemic pet, she’s also Elfers very first dog. (Her parents did bring home a German Shepherd several years ago, but only after she had moved to attend college.)

Elfers never planned on adopting a pet during the peak of COVID-19, but when you stumble upon the right pet, you don’t pass them up, she said.

“I wasn’t actively looking at the time, but she came into the shelter and was too perfect,” Elfers said. “She was so sweet and quiet, but her tail was always wagging. Plus, she just loves people.”

The pandemic had Elfers cooped up inside more than usual, meaning she had to handle all of her new dog’s quirks from the jump—a picky eater and Sophie will only walk on Elfer’s lefthand side. Still, the timing ended up working better than she ever could have planned. →

↓ Sophie strikes a pose

“I’d been spending a lot more time at home because of COVID when I adopted her, and right afterwards my boyfriend, who’s in the military, had to leave. So she actually showed up at kind of the perfect time,” Elfers said.

Sophie was a constant source of entertainment.

“I was staying home more—no social gatherings—so it was great to have her there to curl up on the couch with, or even to take her on a walk, which was one of the only things we could do safely for a while,” Elfers said.

But more than simply staying occupied, Elfers said, having her new best friend around provided that emotional boost we all probably needed back then.

“After a long day when you come home to such a happy, smiling face, it’s so nice, having someone happy to see you, happy that you’re there.”

Even if it means cooking for one more every night. ♦

PetSuites Gahanna & PetSuites Worthington helps your dogs live their best lives

By Sarah Sole

What’s the most popular offering at PetSuites Gahanna? If you guessed their daycare, you’re right.

“Everyone loves having a worn out, cuddly pup at the end of the day,” said General Manager Erica Howe.

While business might be booming for doggie daycare, it’s just one in a collection of well-rounded services that PetSuites Gahanna offers Columbus-area dog owners.

“All of our services are customizable to give your pet the best experience possible,” Howe said.

Available services include daycare, boarding, training, and grooming. And if you have a puppy, PetSuites offers a special “puppy preschool” daycare option for puppies that are three to six months old. It’s tailor-made for young ‘uns, helping them learn to socialize with other pups and become more accustomed to being away from their parents. Puppies learn how to share toys and a bit about potty training.

“Your pup gets to play all day and get a ton of attention while you go about your day, knowing they’re in great hands,” Howe said.

While PetSuites’ daycare options help pups become sociable, their grooming services are also available for doggies to look and feel their best. All grooming is performed by highly trained professionals, and services are available by appointment. Pressed for time? You can add a grooming session onto a day of daycare or even a boarding stay.

Even the best-looking pooch needs to be well behaved though, and that’s where PetSuites’ training program comes in.

“Our training program is our newest offering,” Howe said. “Our trainer works directly with you to ensure that you and your pup are getting the most out of their training sessions.”

Positive reinforcement is the name of the game here, and pups can learn basic training, socialization skills, and other personalized curriculums.

Regardless of which services they’re offering to their clients and fur babies, PetSuites’ staff approaches everything with a mindful focus.

“We believe in a whole pet and whole person model,” Howe said. “This means we want the body, mind, and spirit of each staff member and guest to be engaged each day.”

At PetSuites, the staff is grateful for their pet parents and fur babies, treating each dog like their own.

“Our pet parents always say that they love seeing how excited their pup gets when they walk into the building and run right to the kennel door, ready to start their stay, and it’s just as amazing to see how happy and fulfilled they are when they get picked up,” Howe said. ♦

↑ Photo via gahanna.petsuitesofamerica.com

↓ Lucy, winner of the Cutest K-9 Contest

↓ Jesse & Drew Bell holding Lucy

Lucy wins 4th annual Cutest K-9 Contest presented by PetSuites

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Ally Schnaidt

Lucy might weigh in at over 40 pounds, but that doesn’t stop her from asking to be picked up.

Drew Bell said his pup, who he adopted with wife Jesse in September, will put both of her paws on them when she wants to be held.

“She’s really cuddly,” Bell said.

Although Lucy has already won over her mom and dad, she’s recently found her way into the hearts of 614 Magazine readers as well, earning the title of Cutest K-9 in the 4th annual contest presented by PetSuites.

Lucy is far more than just a pretty face, however. In fact, the Bells adopted her to provide a companion for their other dog, Tilly, a mini Sheltie close to two years of age. (Lucy also has a kitty sibling named Neville.)

“We felt bad leaving Tilly alone during the day,” Bell said.

Since the Bells adopted Tilly from a breeder, they wanted their second dog to come from a rescue. Drew and Jesse adopted Lucy from Peppermint Pig Animal Rescue after seeing her photos on social media. And while Lucy has since grown into her body, at the time, she still possessed that puppy awkwardness.

“She had these huge ears,” Bell said.

Now that she’s grown, Lucy loves being close to her humans. During evenings, she can be found laying on Jesse or Drew. Though she suffers a bit from separation anxiety, Bell said having sister Tilly around helps immensely. Tilly, Sheltie-style, will often herd her little sister.

Despite her size, Lucy has the personality of a larger dog, and likes to lay around in the sun and hang out in the yard. She also unfortunately loves to dig: The Bells’ yard is filled with holes.

Lucy also learned how to jump the backyard fence. The reason for this disobedience? A dog in the adjacent yard. “She loves other dogs and people,” Bell said. ♦

At 614, we love our pets—like we LOVE them. It's just an average day at the office to see Kaia the German Shepherd sleeping in front of a door or Aycie, the Bernedoodle, cozying up to someone for a snack or a cuddle. Shared pictures of crazy kitties are the norm and we never a miss a beat telling someone about a "funny thing" our pets just did. So, Columbus, this is the perfect time to share our love of our pets with YOU! Check out some of our favorite pics of our favorite pets.

Hector & Albert (Albie) 3 Month Old Brothers

We got them from Petsmart in Plain City through their adoption program. My boyfriend and I moved into a new place and decided we needed a kitty to keep us company. At first, we were just going to get one, but then we decided we would adopt a set of siblings so they could keep each other company when we go to work – BEST DECISION EVER. They get along and play together so well, & they also LOVE to cuddle and follow us around constantly. They have the best little personalities. Kaia Anne West is 11 months old and she is the very first dog I’ve ever owned. I’ve always wanted a pure bred German Shepherd because they are such loyal dogs, attentive, and super smart. Kaia is all those things and more. She’s the best dog ever and I just love her. Except for how picky she is—cheese cubes, yogurt, and fruit every morning for breakfast! Spoiled. Also: She likes to put my cats’ heads in her mouth. And my cats like it. They will head bump her for more. I do not understand. Magic, 5 years old, was adopted from PetPromise.

I needed a kitty of my own. I had met Magic through volunteering with PetPromise and fell in love with her silly personality. Magic is the only cat I've ever met that likes to be picked up. She likes to sit on your left shoulder and will purr loudly. She always cracks me up because her mood can turn on a dime. One minute, she'll be purring, the next, she gets overstimulated and hisses at me.

Sammy (31/2) & Aycie (11/2) Sammy is a mini hippo (1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 Shar Pei) and Aycie is a Bernedoodle.

I had lost my Shar Pei, Ginger, and wanted my other Shar Pei, Louie to have a pal, so I rescued Sammy from Holmes County. He was adorable in his pics & I fell in love with him. Aycie was the runt of his litter. I had no intention of getting another dog, but Aycie stole my heart. Aycie came from MilFurr Kingdom Bernedoodles in Westerville.

There are so many things that I love about both of my dogs. They have their own personalities, looks, cuddles, noises, etc. But what I love the most is that they are always with me.

Eddie Press, 11/2 years old. From Westerville, Ohio

Wright (our 5 year old) inspired us to bring him home. Turns out, he’s Kate's (our 3 year old’s) "favorite puppy".

Tyrion Lannister, 11/2 years old.

I got him from Cleveland! He is a Browns fan. I got Tyrion because I was in need of a furry companion and he was in need of a home.

My favorite thing about Tyrion is that even though he is grumpy, sassy, and sometimes a downright menace to society, he will still cuddle with me every once in a while.

Murphy, 1year old, from a breeder in Bexley.

Being home from the pandemic helped but it was time for me to get a dog of my own! I love how funny and smart he is. Too smart for his own good!

This is Talli, my 5 year old tuxie. She quickly transitions from cuteness to cat blob. She was adopted from Columbus Humane. We had done a friend a favor by taking in a cat that needed a home, but it turned out to be a bloodthirsty demon. That cat literally had to be sent to live on my aunt's farm, but don't worry, she's very happy there now not having to interact with humans. We had already paid the apartment pet deposit and had all of the cat stuff, so we decided to adopt a kitten. Talli wasn't the one we went to the shelter to look at, but she was the only kitten that immediately came forward meowing and wanting attention. So we took her home. :)

What I love about her: Talli likes to make people believe she's a big tough cat, but really she's a softy who loves to cuddle endlessly. She's also a weirdo who likes to lick plastic bags, play fetch, sit up like a human, and exclusively—I mean exclusively—eat cheap kibble.

Heinrich, Giant Schnauzer, 11/2 years old.

Mandy's Giant Schnauzers in North Royalton, Ohio. Dogs bring soooo much JOY! He LOVES to snuggle!

This is Ramsey, age 12. We got him from a breeder.

My brother and dad had been begging my mom to let us get a dog for years, and finally she caved and we went out to find our perfect pup. My favorite thing about Ramsey is his lack of spatial awareness. He always wants to be up close and personal, especially when I'm cooking. He will lay right on my feet in hopes that I will drop something.

↑ Artwork featured in the shop

The alternative barber shop that’s anything but clean cut.

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by Ally Schnaidt

↑ Keihin Rhoden, Owner Showing off a Psychobilly classic, the mullet

↑ Mirror decorated with their stickers

Keihin Rhoden wields the chainsaw high above his head, and it whirs like a blackhawk helicopter in the midday sun.

It’s a January Saturday in the heart of SoHud, meaning there's some foot traffic passing by on Summit Avenue, but they’re either too confused or frightened to ask what’s going on.

And while this might sound like a zombie movie film set or one of those weird televised lumberjack competitions, it was actually the grand opening of Pyschobilly Barbershop, a new alternative barber at 2491 Summit St. that’s offering the most fun you’ll ever have at a haircut.

“We were doing our ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I couldn’t find a pair of giant scissors. I mean, where do people even get those things,” said shop owner Rhoden with a laugh. “It just fits who we are, too. We’re rock ‘n roll; we’re trying to get people to have a good time.”

The term psychobilly refers to a genre of music that blends punk rock with rockabilly, which is fitting for a musicfocused barbershop (Rhoden even used to work at nearby Used Kids Records) that hopes to one day welcome live bands into the store. →

↑ Many of the tools frequently used in shop

↑ A haircut being done with care and precision

But psychobilly is also a style of haircut (also known as the psychobilly quiff or wedge) featuring a prominent shock of hair in the middle of the head, either slicked back or worn stock-straight like a mohawk, with the sides of the head almost entirely shaved. And even though Rhoden and company offer just about any haircut you can imagine, their name is also a nod to the time he spent in Rotterdam studying at Schorem, a famous “Eurotrash” barber known for their psychobilly cuts.

Oh, and they love mullets. Like, a lot.

“We’re big on them. We actually just did a March Mullet Madness, and everyone who wanted a mullet got one for free.” he said.

And the fun, infectious energy of Rhoden and his team isn’t just apparent in their whacky (and maybe a little dangerous) promo events or the speciality cuts they dole out. It’s everywhere you look inside Psychobilly Barber.

Their SoHud storefront feels a bit like a cross between a throwback punk rock venue and a hip antique store, with vintage music posters, old instruments, and even a life-sized Elvis Presley cutout adorning their brightly-painted walls. Don’t expect them to stop decorating anytime soon either.

“We’re only, I’d say, 40% finished,” Rhoden said. →

↑ Psychobilly branded stickers

The shop also features a row of retro barber shop chairs. One, acquired from Clifton Barbers in Cincinnati that was likely used in the early 1960’s, still has a built-in ashtray. Several others supposedly came from a Cleveland barber who would regularly cut the hair of several Cleveland Indians players. And lining the store’s rear wall is a row of wooden church pews, salvaged from a church fellowship in Hillsborough that didn’t have room for them anymore.

“Trust me,” Rhoden said, “they’re solid wood.”

Looking beyond pomade and music memorabilia, Psychobilly Barbershop also has ambitions to do more than just provide great haircuts and collect money hand over fist.

“I’ve had some bad experiences with other barber shops where they just wanted to get me in and out. When someone walked into their store, they didn’t see a person, they just saw dollar signs. Who knows if they had an awful day at work, or what’s going on with their family,” Rhoden said. “I want to be different. I see Psychobilly as a place where people can just feel welcomed, where everyone can come and hang out and be themselves.”

Plus, he added, you don’t even need hair to be included.

“I even tell my friends who are bald: Just come and hang out. We want you here, we want everybody to stop by.”♦

To learn more, visit psychobillybarbershop.com