STARTING THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT
In the retail business, taking inventory is an integral part of the life cycle. Most of us in small business assign this task to the first few days of January so that the stock on hand is accounted for in line with the new calendar year. At Geronimo's, we have just finished three intensive days of counting, cleaning and reorganizing stock and churning out massive printouts and reports.

While I am extremely happy this onerous task is now finished, I feel a definite sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that we have personally and thoroughly examined everything in the shop. Getting organized and tidied up just feels good. It feels so good that my plan is to continue my organizing frenzy into my personal life, which encompasses managing my pets as well as all their stuff. Because if you have pets, they have needs and they require and acquire a lot of stuff.

My organizing starts with collecting calendars in the last quarter of the year so I have different types on hand for the appropriate task. I like large ones with big blocks to keep by my desk, small sticky ones that go inside a kitchen cupboard, by the computer or in the car and my personal appointment book that I carry with me everywhere.

This has to sound hopelessly old fashioned to you techies, because I know there are several high-speed organizational options for keeping track of your time and events, and certainly whatever works for you is fine. The point is to take the time now to block out the standing appointments, regular meetings, special occasions and events that are consistent from year to year so you can visualize your remaining available time.

Now, you can incorporate your pet's information into your personal timetable. Plan when to schedule your pets annual or semi-annual vet visits. Town dog licenses are available after February 1, but in order to get one, proof of a current rabies inoculation is needed, which you have to get from the vet. Note on your calendar when to give heartworm medications and when it's time to apply topical flea and tick products.

If you have a pet that requires professional grooming, set up a schedule of standing appointments so that you won't be left out when the summer rush inundates our island groomers. If you are managing your pets grooming needs at home, still put the bath or nail trim on the calendar so you will stick to the schedule.

When you are sifting through your records in preparation for the upcoming tax season, take a look at how you file your essential pet information. One excellent way to keep everything together is to set up a folder for each one of your companion animals containing vaccination records, adoption or purchase papers, registration information and pertinent medical receipts. At the shop we have a comprehensive little booklet for recording important pet information in one document, which, by the way, is an ideal gift for a new pet parent. Also in your folder, include a current pet photo so you know where to find one quickly and keep a list of current medications or instructions for the pet sitter.

Now for managing the stuff. Properly storing bulky pet food in small spaces with limited storage can be challenging. Arigid storage container with a tight seal might be a much more efficient and practical way to store dog, cat food or bird seed than in its original bag. Some units stack for maximum use of available space.

Pet paraphernalia seems to multiply exponentially. While you're in the mood to get organized, sort through old collars, coats or sweaters, leashes and toys. Set aside those that are chewed, have missing parts or are broken. Toss out those that are not redeemable, mend those that are and give them a thorough washing. If you don't already have a toy box or basket, start one.

If you have a closet or cabinet near the door you use most often to go outside, designate a separate shelf or drawer to hold wearing apparel. We hang our collection of collars, looped through another collar, over the pole in the hall coat closet.

Leashes need to be accessible by the outside door as well. They can be fastened to a hook on the back of the door, or hung alongside the door on a decorative hanger. Put one extra leash in the car. If you walk your dog regularly, you might designate a spot near the door for a sturdy bag supplied with essential travel gear such as a water jug, poop bags and a favorite Frisbee or ball.

Pet medications and grooming supplies are handiest when kept close to the area where they will be dispensed. We keep pet meds, treats and grooming items in a separate cabinet in the kitchen. Sort through the bottles and throw out old prescriptions and ointments. If you no longer use something or it doesn't work, recycle it or throw it out.

Just jump in there and get going; you're making me feel better already.

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.