When I was a kid, nothing excited me more than the promise of going to the pet store. My expectations were to see all kinds of animals. Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, parakeets and a host of other small animals. Colorful fish (Remember taking them home in a Chinese food container?), reptiles and an array of handy supplies for all of the animals you see. These are my memories of walking into a pet store. Unfortunately for others, memories such as mine may be a thing of the past.
Because of the big box pet stores, the independent pet store is becoming a dinosaur.
The mom and pop stores of the past are disappearing and being replaced by the big box stores and pet boutiques. I believe we all have our place. However, we just are not the same.
As an example, we source our animals from as many local folks as possible. Hamsters raised by the kid in the neighborhood will always be a better pet than the warehouse-raised version at a big box store. Our knowledge of the products we sell just can’t be compared. It’s what a small business like Dog Patch takes pride in.
It’s sad when the things you love change or fade away.
Dog Patch has weathered many changes in the world since our doors first opened in 1972. Trends come and go. Businesses either change or fade away. We have embraced the idea of rescue animals and are doing well.
We hope we can continue to read the tea leaves correctly and stick around another 42 years.
