What would we do without our animal friends? They are family members that we choose and sources of joy in our lives. Why not do something special for them? We’ve compiled a list of some places to treat your four-legged friends as well as a few places to look into if you are thinking of expanding your family.
Barking Dog Bakery
10455 N. May Ave.
879-2280
This specialty treat shop is a cut above the rest. The bakery makes all dog treats from natural ingredients and takes custom orders for special dietary needs. There are a wide variety of ready-made treats available to choose from. Why not drop in and pick up something for your favorite kid on the way home? The bakery also offers peanut butter, carrot and pumpkin cakes made to order and available for pick-up the next day. Why not make Fido’s birthday extra special this year? Cakes are available in three sizes and with a custom message.
Dog Gone Poop
Waste Removal Service
399-7297
Ever wish you could enjoy the perks of dog ownership without the hassle? As much as you love that your duties usually include minimal cleanup and feeding, what if you didn’t have to deal with the dirty work? For a fee, Dog Gone Poop will come to your house and clean up so you can get on with the fun part of pet ownership without the messy business. Weekly or monthly service is available.
Alligator Alley
4636 NW 10th St.
949-2553
Maybe you’re not in the market for a friend of the furry variety. Perhaps you seek something a bit more … exotic. How about a new pet of the cold-blooded variety? What started as a hobby industry for owners Bryan and Tammie Swinney has now reached full-scale operation level. Alligator Alley is the largest supplier of reptiles to the state of Oklahoma. And there’s much more going on under the roof, including a thriving palm and plant business and an iguana rescue.
Oklahoma City Animal Shelter
2811 SE 29th St.
297-3100
Oklahoma City Animal Shelter helps the citizens of OKC whether they are two-legged or four. It performs important services such as helping lost pets reconnect with their owners, providing temporary shelter to lost or unwanted pets and helping unwanted or homeless pets find forever homes. If the time has come to open your home to a new family member, the animal shelter can help you connect. And if you are looking for a worthy cause to devote some time to, it welcomes volunteers.
Paws Around Town
Northpark Mall
12100 N. May Ave. Suite H
748-3647
This is the boutique for posh pets or those who wish to live a cut above. VIP clients are not limited to the dog and cat varieties, either. Its roster of regular shoppers includes a pot-bellied pig, several ferrets and even a pet skunk. Owner Susan Suggs carries Susan Lanci Designs, luxurious bath and spa products and jewelry for your pampered pooch. Stop in for a taste of what all the high-class pets are wearing, sleeping in and dining from this season.
A-1 Pet Emporium
2911 W. Britton Road
749-1738
A-1 is an alternative to big-box retailers in more ways than one. It is full of options that you won’t find at the big- name competitors, and while the prices might be a bit higher, you also have to remember that you get what you pay for. A-1’s knowledgeable staff is more than willing to help you find what works for your pet, from the best cat litter to natural, holistic foods for your four-legged family members. A second location just opened in Edmond at 432 S. Santa Fe Ave.
The Bella Foundation
866-318-7387
The Bella Foundation, dedicated to helping homeless pets find forever homes, is a worthy addition to our community. The foundation also plays a role in finding and connecting foster parents and homeless pets and in helping existing pet parents with medical bills. If you are not looking for a new animal to share your home, consider donating. For more information on events, fostering and all the foundation does, please visit their website.
Print: Pets are people, too
This article appears in Sep 3-9, 2014.