2 Broadcaster Press by Sonia Hernandez March 17, 2015 www.broadcasteronline.com OF VERMILLION Have Dogs, Will Walk is such a small dog, but once I learned how it really wasn’t a problem,” Emmick says. Emmick’s Dad used to raise dogs, so Emmick has spent quite some time around dogs. The life of a dog walker can be chaotic at times, but “My Dad raised different kinds of dogs for hunting Jason Emmick of Vermillion is more than willing to and what not, so I have some experience with them,” take up the rewarding job. says Emmick. Emmick has been walking dogs in Vermillion for two Though a humble job it might be, there is undoubtedly years, and walks roughly 11 dogs on a regular basis. a need for the services Emmick provides to the He is also junior at the University of South Dakota community of Vermillion. It is a job that mainly majoring in Sustainability, and works part-time at animal owners can appreciate. R-Pizza located on Main Street. “If we didn’t have him around, we wouldn’t be able to “All of the animals are a lot of fun and I really like do certain things on a regular basis,” Kassin remarks. spending time with them,” Emmick says. “You move to a community and think about making Erin Beyers started walking dogs in Vermillion three sure you have a physician or a dentist, but you don’t years ago, but after assuming other responsibilities has really think about needing someone like Jason.” referred many of her clients to Emmick. Chelsea Wesner, Vermillion resident and dog owner “He has such a way with the dogs,” Beyers says. “Even has employed Emmick’s services for a year and a half. the ones who usually don’t like men are comfortable “He’s been wonderful, and the dogs just love him,” says around him.” Wesner. Katie Kassin, Vermillion resident and owner of three Wesner owns three dogs, two of which are quite large. dogs, has taken advantage of Emmick’s services for Emmick walks these dogs about two times a week for two years. usually one hour alongside his own dog. “He is absolutely amazing,” says Kassin. “He came over “He walks them during rain, snow and sunshine,” says in the middle of winter when I had a baby shower and Wesner. “We have a baby which makes it difficult to took the dogs to his place for a couple of hours. We are take them out, especially during the winter months, super appreciative of him.” so it’s good that Jason helps us out even when it is cold Among Kassin’s three dogs is Piper, aDachshund who outside.” experienced injuries resulting in her inability to expel Emmick walks dogs all year long, but also tends to urine. other animals his clients may have in addition to their “Our dog Piper suffered a spinal injury and could not canines. be operated on,” says Kassin. “Her walking is a little “It keeps me busy, and it’s fun to take care of different shaky since then but she does fine – other than her animals. Every animal has their own personality,” bladder issues.” Emmick says. Piper’s bladder must be expressed three to four times a Having busy schedules, children and careers, animal day. When caring for Kassin’s dogs, Emmick has been owners sometimes find themselves in difficult more than willing to take up the task. situations when it comes to finding someone to care Piper is also usually not fond of males, but has taken a for their pets. That is when they call Emmick, whose liking to Emmick. “He does a really good job with Piper and dealing Jason Emmick walks his dog Jake (far left) with Chelsea Wesner’s dogs Gus (middle) and Ella (right). experience and natural ability to connect with animals makes him invaluable to his clients. with her issues,” says Kassin. SONIA HERNANDEZ / FOR THE PLAIN TALK “I was mostly worried about hurting her because she For the Plain Talk Get Ready, Clotique is Here It’s time to enter the big time as Chloe Nilsen opens up Clotique here in Vermillion. The Vermillion High School senior began her business online and now she is ready to sell to those who walk through the doors at 820 Cottage Avenue. ALAN DALE / FOR THE PLAIN TALK By Katie Clausen For the Plain Talk Monday can’t come soon enough for Chloe Nielsen of Chlotique, teenage purveyor of the clothing boutique set to provide a new shopping avenue for locals. “I’m excited to see who will be coming in,” Chloe said. “It’s going to be really interesting to see how the first few weeks go.” Chloe has been balancing school, her social life, and opening the store front in hopes that her fashion sense can help others find quality products close to home, and at a fair price. What originally began as an online store from the inspiration of Nielsen’s taste in fashion has now morphed into a full on storefront, with big intentions. “I kind of spend all of my time here,” Nielsen said. “I like making people happy, so when I see people come in here I want them to leave satisfied and have something in their hand that makes them feel happy and makes them feel good about themselves.” After giving the old liquor store space a bit of a makeover, the atmosphere is welcoming. There are racks of clothing appealing to a wide range of personal styles and types, just begging to be sifted through. “I’ve always been interested in fashion and trends,” Nielsen said. “Once I have started this it has changed my perspective a little bit. Now I realize it’s about people feeling good about themselves.” Bright colors and patterns adorn the garments hanging on racks in the store front. There are many different textures, styles and sizes available. “I think it’s a good resource for women in Vermillion,” Nielsen said. “It’s just easier for people to shop in town and I think it’s going to be good for the community.” Opening the boutique has been exciting for Nielsen, but challenging for the Vermillion High School senior as well. “It’s kind of eye opening, all of the responsibilities,” Nielsen said. “It’s not easy.” Chloe has been able to accomplish opening the store with the help of her mother, Tamie. “Over here we will have accessories,” Tamie Nielsen said. “And next to that a big mirror so you can see how you look.” Dressing rooms with character make the boutique feel welcoming and enhance the shopping experience, putting it on a fun, fresher level. Chloe wants to make sure that all budgets and personal tastes are represented in the clothing she creates her inventory from. “We have clothes ranging all the way from 20 dollars to something like these shoes that are 220 dollars,” Nielsen said. “We try to fit a n CLOTIQUE, Page 6