Steel bars line the front doors of the Verdugo Pet Shop at 5022 York Blvd. and the clucking of chickens can no longer be heard inside.
The beloved pet shop--known in the neighborhood for selling chickens and other avian house pets--is indefinitely closed while its owner, Hervey Chapman, undergoes treatment for leukemia, said family friend Alex Reyes.
"He's sick right now; he's in the hospital, that's why the shop's closed," Reyes said.
An emergency sale was held on Saturday, Jan. 8, in order to give all the pets inside the shop a home while Chapman undergoes treatment and recovery, Reyes said.
"The only animals in there now are a few cats," he said. "They're there to make sure rats don't come in and eat up all the chicken feed."
Reyes, who has been helping to look after the shop, said Chapman has every intention of reopening after he recovers from chemotherapy.
"People have been really worried and asking if the shop went out of business," Reyes said. "It's just closed temporarily. I'm pretty sure the treatment he's undergoing is nothing fast. He just wanted to sell off all the pets so the city wouldn't be on top of him saying he wasn't taking care of them."
All the money raised through the sale of the pets will go toward Chapman's medical expenses. In the meantime, there's talk of another fundraiser to help Chapman cover his medical bills, but nothing set in stone, Reyes said.
Reyes said he visited Chapman in the hospital last week and that his friend looks like he is on the road to recovery.
"He's not all better, but he's showing improvement," Reyes said.
Thanks for your comment. Your opinion about Mr. Chapman's establishment is certainly welcome, as this is a public forum. However, considering his current condition, I would echo the sentiments of Mr. O'Roscoe and call for a little more compassion. After all, many people enjoy the laid-back, "not Pet-Smart" atmosphere of Verdugo :)
On first visit in later years, while I was attending Occidental College in the 80s, it was clear to see that VPS catered to backyard farmers and was in essence a livestock shop. There weren't goats, nor were there exotic mammals like llamas, but there sure were a lot of birds. No puppies or kittens either, you might have noticed. Those commenting on the "fowl" conditions should keep in mind that it is a specialized shop dealing with domestic farm birds, and that the clientele is mostly people wanting fresh eggs within a few steps of their kitchens. The dust, cobwebs, and feathers are not out of the ordinary for such a livestock and feed store. If Gma thinks they can run a pet shop or a livestock shop better than Mr. Chapman, let him or her try! Go ahead! Put your money and effort where your mouth is! If Harvey was not running his shop properly, prove it by competing and running a better shop. Either that, or "STFU, Donny, you're out of your depth"*. Best wishes to Mr. Chapman on a speedy recovery! *The Big Lebowski
Verdugo Pet Shop has existed for around 40 years without your expert chicken advice. It might not be around much longer due to Hervey's illness, but its longevity speaks for itself. What have you done that has lasted 40 years? Your threats to call the Health Department or Animal Control are offensive, especially since you're talking about a sick man. You're a troublemaking busybody and you need to take an honest and hard look at yourself. You've gone beyond simply giving your opinion about the shop and have moved into problem territory. You know who I feel the most sorry for? Your daughter. Poor thing.
Thanks for the comments, both of you. I'm going to make a humble call for a bit more civility, please :) I think we can all agree that we'd lke Hervey to get well as soon as possible.
Rich or not, you have a miserable soul if any any at all. Grow up and have some compassion. Directly or indirectly compassion might be a useful tool in your toolbox in a time of need. J
My prayers are with you for a full recovery. M.
http://highlandpark-ca.patch.com/articles/hervey-chapman-owner-of-verdugo-pet-shop-dies-at-73
Thank you, Nina