Supporting small businesses and the creative entrepreneurs behind them is so important to helping local communities thrive.
Jonathan Massas, a member of my security team, and his wife, Jenna, recently launched a mobile pet grooming business inspired by their shared love of animals and desire to serve fellow pet guardians. Their “Bath Bus” is a fully equipped, self-contained electric grooming van that brings convenient, personalized bathing and grooming services right to customers’ neighborhoods. I’ve always believed in keeping my pets clean and well-groomed through regular bathing and brushing. This is especially important for my Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han, whose thick double coats require consistent care to prevent matting and tangles. Yesterday, Jonathan and Jenna visited my farm to give my dogs a little mobile spa treatment.
Enjoy these photos.
Jonathan and his wife, Jenna, are excited to turn their passion into profit with their new mobile grooming “Bath Bus.”
The mechanics of the grooming station are all electric. They also have their own water supply and waste water tank and vacuum system, so it is completely self-contained. And, because they use chemical-free products, the grey-water is used to water ornamental plants later.
The central cabin is equipped with the grooming tub, hydraulic table, and other necessary supplies.
Here, Jonathan prepares for his first customer.
Han is first. Because Jonathan already knows all my dogs, Han is comfortable being with him. When taking a pet to a new groomer, always give them time to acclimate so the first grooming visit is calm and safe.
Jonathan starts by brushing Han’s coat thoroughly to get out any dirt or matts.
Once Han feels the lukewarm water, Han is even more relaxed. He stays very still for the entire grooming session.
Jonathan uses all-natural, hypoallergenic, unscented pet shampoos and conditioners that are gentle enough for regular bathing. When bathing a dog, it’s essential to use products made especially for dogs because of the differences in pH balance.
Jonathan gently scrubs from head to toe, avoiding sensitive areas such as the ears and eyes.
After the shampoo, conditioner, and thorough rinse, Jonathan hand dries Han as much as possible in the tub. Dog-specific tubs are designed with built‑in restraints and proper matting to prevent dogs from slipping or jumping out. The raised walls also limit water splashes and make cleanup easier.
Chow Chows have dense double coats — a coarse, water‑resistant outer layer over a soft, wool‑like undercoat that traps moisture close to the skin, so it is crucial Han be dried completely.
A proper pet dryer has several specialized nozzles that help control airflow direction, intensity, and how it interacts with the coat. Here, Jonathan combs Han as he dries.
He also brushes Han thoroughly, so his coat looks neat and tidy.
And never forget the paws. Drying a dog’s paws completely after a bath is critical for preventing infections, protecting paw health, and maintaining the dog’s comfort.
Han seems very comfortable on the table and enjoys the one-on-one attention.
Han looks so handsome after his spa treatment.
My puppy, Half Moon, also gets a turn for a quick bath.
Bathing puppies is also important in training them to behave while being handled. Here, Half Moon is being towel dried after her bath.
And then blown dry. French Bulldogs have short but dense hair that can trap water close to the skin and leave it damp. Jonathan makes sure to dry target areas such as Half Moon’s neck, under the chest, armpits, and tail pocket. Half Moon enjoys her spa treatment.
Half Moon also gets a good brushing with a soft-bristled brush.
Lastly, a thorough paw dry. Three more to go today, but bath day is going well at the farm.
If you live in or near Rockland County, New York, and are looking for a pet bathing option that offers convenience, reduced animal stress, personalized care, and a clean, safe environment — try out the “Bath Bus.”
If you’re thinking about welcoming a cat into your home, I encourage you to visit your local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Last year, I welcomed four beautiful Persian cats to my farm, three of whom were adopted through Rock ’N Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in nearby Bedford Hills, New York. They all live in my Winter House: Magnolia, my silver shaded Persian; Dahlia, my dilute calico Persian; Lilium, my brown Persian longhair; and Chrysanthemum, my chocolate Persian. Rock ’N Rescue facilitates approximately 2,000 adoptions each year, with September through December being its busiest season. In fact, my niece Sophie Herbert Slater recently adopted two kittens for her family. But the organization’s work extends even further. Guided by its mission to “rescue cats to rescue people,” Rock ’N Rescue offers personalized, carefully matched adoptions, cat wellness initiatives, educational programs, help hotlines, and outreach efforts that include cat therapy for people of all ages. This weekend, the organization also held a large adoption event to help place dozens of kittens in loving homes.
Enjoy these photos, and if you’d like to learn more about Rock ’N Rescue, make a donation, or adopt a pet, visit https://rnrpets.org.
Many of the kittens at the weekend adoption event came from another state and were driven up to New York earlier that morning. These kittens are less than four months old, and at such a young age Rock N’ Rescue requires they be adopted out with at least one other kitten or cat, to prevent behavioral issues later.
The adoption event was held at the organization’s main location in Bedford Hills, New York.
Here is the founder of Rock N’ Rescue, Juli Cialone, and co-founder of the therapy program, Marla Valentine. Marla, who is a licensed social worker, spearheaded the cat therapy project and it’s doing wonderfully.
Volunteer Ella helps keep the kittens comfortable and calm during the event.
Children and their families who visited were able to spend time with prospective adoptees in enclosed and quiet rooms.
Kittens are full of energy and will need to climb, chew, and play. When adopting, be sure the home is prepared with a few cat supplies, such as cat trees, beds, and toys for mental stimulation.
Adult cats are also available. Juli personally matches all the kittens and cats with their new families. She makes it a priority to learn each cat’s personality and temperament before placement.
Audrey Abell is Rock N’ Rescue’s adoption coordinator and cat room manager. She began as a volunteer and foster in 2025, and over time has cared for more than 100 cats through fostering. Here she is with one of the kittens at the event.
Crystal Pagan is the animal care coordinator and resident veterinary technician. She oversees the health, treatment, and daily management of the animals in rescue.
Many kittens were placed in loving homes this weekend. Here is a happy adopter with her new friend.
Kathleen Birmingham is foster director in charge of working with hundreds of foster families, coordinating animal care while also ensuring proper placement for new arrivals. Here she is showing off two more adoptees.
Here is Juli with Kathleen, Rock N’ Rescue COO James Scova, and volunteer, Og Anunoby. It was a successful day for the entire staff and so many of the kittens who went home that day.
These kittens are well socialized and are being used as therapy cats until they are adopted.
Here’s another happy adopter. Sophie’s friend’s adopted two male kittens.
These cats are currently in loving foster homes waiting for adoption. If you’re thinking about getting a cat to share your home, go to https://rnrpets.org and get pre-approved.
Sophie shares my love for cats. As a licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist, she understands the healing effects of pet therapy in her work. She was so impressed with Rock N’ Rescue’s mission, she joined its executive board soon after adopting Veera and Poly.
Here is Sophie’s son, Felix, with “Poly,” short for Polyhedron, or a figure with many faces.
All of Poly’s faces are irresistible.
While they are not from the same litter, kittens quickly create bonds. Both Veera and Poly were brought up from the south last month, bottle-fed, and fostered before going home with Sophie. Her family says they are the sweetest and most affectionate kittens.
Rock N’ Rescue is also preparing their therapy outreach truck, which should be operational in the new year. Rock N’ Rescue hopes to take this truck to various area hospitals, college campuses, private companies etc. to offer therapy and stress relief, corporate team building.
As for my cats, this is Magnolia, my first cat from Rock N’ Rescue.
This is Lilium, who traveled all the way from Doha, the capital city of Qatar in the Middle East.
She’s independent, confident, very friendly, and loves the attention from everyone here at the farm.
Chrysanthemum also traveled all the way from Doha and came to me through Rock ‘N Rescue. All four of my cats – Dahlia too – are so happy at my farm. They have lots of room to roam in my home and lots of attention. Please follow @rocknrescue_ on Instagram to keep up with their events and activities.
The annual burlap project continues here at my New York farm, where my ornamental planters and other garden objects are being prepared for winter.
For years, I’ve wrapped my boxwood shrubs and hedges in burlap to help prevent their branches from splaying or breaking under the weight of snow and ice. I take similar care to protect my outdoor containers and garden ornaments from winter’s harsh elements. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause stone and cement to crack or crumble, particularly in antique pieces. This time of year, all my outdoor planters, birdbaths, stanchions, and other vulnerable objects are carefully covered in burlap, just like my living specimens.
Enjoy these photos.
I have many outdoor containers and garden ornaments that are covered and protected with burlap and kept in their respected locations for the duration of the cold season. This is one of two faux bois planters on the stone ledge outside my carport. A piece of plywood is on top ready to be measured and cut to fit.
The crew cuts spare plywood into custom lids to fit over various pieces. Pete measures the diameter of pot’s top and then marks it on the plywood before cutting.
Here he uses the center mark and some twine to draw a perfect circle.
And then carefully cuts the plywood to size.
It’s perfect. The wood top fits right over the pot’s hole resting on the edges of the container.
The planter is then carefully covered in plastic. I instructed Pete to make sure he wraps everything completely – that means underneath it as well. The black plastic is a regular garbage bag, which is easy to use on smaller vessels.
When possible, my crew reuses burlap from seasons past; however, it is also available in giant rolls of 40-inches or 60-inches wide. Pete cuts the burlap fabric to fit – one piece that can completely wrap around the urn. He doubles up the fabric to accommodate two.
The burlap is wrapped around the entire piece. Burlap is so useful for many gardening projects – it is inexpensive, biodegradable, and the color and texture of burlap is so pretty to use.
He makes small stitches and knots to keep the burlap in place. And then Pete sews the edge closed. The burlap should be sewn tightly, but with some space for air circulation. Because the burlap is exposed to the elements for several months, Pete does this task very carefully.
To complete all the burlap projects, the tools are simple – we use five-inch long craft needles specifically made for working with jute. These needles have large eyes and bent tips. Every member of my outdoor grounds crew has a needle.
We also use jute twine. It is all natural and the same color as the burlap.
After the side edge, Pete sews the top closed, tucking the excess burlap in and pulling taut as he goes.
The sewing gets better and better every year.
A pumpkin decorates the top when finished. My faux bois planters will now be well protected until spring.
Meanwhile, Fernando places plastic under and on top of these planters outside my Winter House kitchen.
Here, Pete tucks in and secures the plastic, so every part of the urns are covered.
Once plywood is cut and fit on top, Pete also connects both pieces with another cut of wood, so they do not move.
And then the sewing can begin. Pete wraps two together, tucking and pulling to keep it all tight and tidy.
Here they are all wrapped.
There are three of the same planters in all – here’s one on the other side of the stairs, also finished.
Pete and Fernando also wrapped the big stone birdbath in the courtyard behind my Winter House.
Pete also wrapped these two planters in the same area.
Here’s a stone trough outside the barn doors of my stable – it, too, is covered with burlap.
And so is this group of birdbaths and planters that sit outside my offices in the same stable complex – all wrapped for the season.
There is still so much “burlapping” to do around the farm. All the many boxwood shrubs and hedges will all be covered in the weeks ahead. Wait, follow, and see.
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