"Nike" and Melonie Penn

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Named for the Greek goddess of victory, “Nike,” our Featured Pet this issue, is one of the sweetest-tempered pets at Replacements, Ltd. She is owned by Melonie Penn, a Lead in our Replacements, Ltd. Showroom. Melonie has been employed by Replacements, Ltd. since 2007.

Nike is a Brittany spaniel-Australian blue heeler mix, affectionately called a “Blue Brit” by Melonie. In her role as Showroom Lead, Melonie manages Showroom resources so that visitors have the best possible time when they arrive, and on occasion, she answers some pretty tough questions related to tableware and collectibles. “Nike really enjoys it when I bring her into work,” Melonie says. “She enjoys greeting customers, and of course, getting treats from my generous coworkers!” When Nike doesn’t accompany Melonie to work, she enjoys “chewing on bones, chasing tennis balls, and pouncing on ‘Raskle,’ her kitty pal,” says Melonie.

When Nike and her brothers and sisters were born on a Christmas tree farm in western North Carolina, a friend of Melonie and her partner, Vanessa, sent an e-mail, telling them about the litter. “We were very excited,” Melonie says. She and Vanessa jumped into their car, after talking their other pet, “Mercury,” (he’s named for a Roman god – the Greeks called him “Hermes”) into coming along. The three drove up to the mountains in Ashe County from Greensboro to meet the puppies.

“All the puppies were super cute,” Melonie says, “all spotted and furry. But it was like Nike fell in love with Mercury right away! She was so little, but she followed him around wherever he went, even though he almost totally ignored her! I guess it was love at first sight!” Melonie and Vanessa packed the new puppy in the car with Mercury, and headed for home. As they drove, they discussed many names, finally settling on the Greek name, “Nike,” goddess of victory. “She had conquered our hearts,” Melonie says. “It just seemed like the right name for her. And she’s become quite the goddess in her own right.”

About the Replacements, Ltd. pet-friendly policy, Melonie says, “I love the Replacements, Ltd. pet policy! I always enjoy seeing how people begin to smile when they see Nike coming. She gets lots of love and treats from the great people who work or visit here. They make Replacements, Ltd. a wonderful place for Nike, and for me. We love every day we’re here!”