For me, one of the best things about writing Happy Dog Phoenix has been getting to know Valley small business owners and work with Local First Arizona.

You walk into a store with a book you have written, not knowing what kind of reaction you are going to get to with your sales pitch. And for the most part, the store owners I’ve met have been just great: smart, supportive people who are sincerely interested in giving another businessperson a chance.  Sometimes their budgets aren’t large but they are willing to talk with you, give you some advice and sometimes a break.

For anyone out there who has a dream of creating something, chances are you are going to be selling it to a mom-and-pop operation rather than a corporation. So it’s in your best interests to go local.

From July 1 through July 7, Local First Arizona is making it cheaper for you to support the home team: They have arranged for you to get a 20-percent discount at 197 Arizona-owned businesses. So if you have been thinking about checking out that new boutique, bookstore or bakery, this is your chance. And if you have been thinking about buying the perfect guide for living with a dog in Phoenix, act now!