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Oh You Lucky
Dog! Grooming If Panama City Beach is a bit far, there’s no need to fret. Visit Groomingdales in Sandestin and leave with a pooch that’s perfectly coifed. Eleven years ago, owner Dorri Taber recognized the need for an upscale pet salon, and voila! Groomingdales offers everything from hand scissor cuts to facial treatments. They even boast a massaging, whirlpool bath. “Our goal is to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere for your pet,” Taber says. She and her staff are certified in skin and coat care and use two exclusive product lines—shampoo from the South of France and therapy treatments from Italy. “Customers notice a significant difference with these gentle, botanical products,” she adds. For more information, call 837-5110. Accessorizing Around the corner from Barks and Bubbles in Panama City Beach there’s Pawsitively Purrfect, “a shop devoted to dogs, cats, and people who love them.” Karin Tulli owns this shop as well, but colleague Shelby Stroud manages it. The store carries everything from brightly colored bowls to adorable apparel. “We are proud to offer a wide variety of clothes and accessories for pets, without the jaw-dropping price tags,” says Stroud. Customers can also shop for holistic pet care products, including treats and supplements. “We are exclusive carriers of the HALO, Purely for Pets brand,” she adds.
For humans, New York City’s Fifth Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. For fashionistas among the canine population, look no further than Pets Fifth Avenue in Sandestin. Dawn Guidry’s business has catered to pampered pets and their enthusiastic owners for the past seven years. The shop has it all—from everyday items to elegant ensembles. Browse tiny tanks, tees, sweaters, and jeans. Complete the look with accessories—hats, sunglasses, and collars. Those who are on the go will fancy the plush car seats and the designer carriers. For more information, call 837-5551, or visit their secure, comprehensive web site, www.petsfifthave.com. If your shopping itch still needs scratching, head over to Bark Avenue in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. This high-end doggy boutique actually sprung from an online business venture, Sophie’s Barkery, which sold made-from-scratch cookies. The doggy treats are still available at Bark Avenue, along with an assortment of top-quality, designer brand merchandise. “Our most popular items are the Juicy Couture Dog line, b.b. simon collars, and anything collegiate, especially around this time of year,” explains owner Cindy Blackenburg. She and her husband John, in cooperation with the Village of Baytowne Wharf, host an annual Mardi Gras parade for dogs. “We usually have between 150 and 200 dogs with their owners, golf carts, floats, etc.,” says Blackenburg. For more information, call 267-9400, or visit www.barkavenue.com. Feeding Aside from luxurious garments and swanky accessories, Pets Fifth Avenue also carries an array of edibles. “We have food that’s raw, dry, canned, dehydrated, you name it,” says Guidry. Homemade treats plump to perfection in an oven behind the counter. The goodies are displayed in a large bakery case where four-legged customers literally drool over them. Wholesome entrees brimming with meat, rice, and vegetables are available for delivery and can be tailored for specific ailments. “These entrees are great for dogs that suffer from allergies or a sensitive stomach, and we always welcome special orders,” adds Guidry. “We’ll also promote our turkey-inspired meals for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It was a fan favorite last year.” Dog lovers, get ready to throw a party! Celebrate your pup’s birthday in style with a yummy, all-natural cake from The Doggy Bag in Destin. This full-service, gourmet dog bakery also sells biscuits and cookies that are free of corn and by-products. Even humans are enticed by these confectionary delights. For more information, call 837-9833, or visit www.thedoggybag.com. Pet Sitting Leaving the house for work, or for vacation, often leaves dog owners with a guilty conscience. Critter Sitters offers peace of mind by caring for your pet in the comfort of your very own home. Pet sitting and dog walking are just two of the services available for clients in Destin and Sandestin. Owner Anne Herriott explains, “It’s wonderful for those going on an extended trip, and it’s convenient for professionals that work long hours.” Herriott also purchases pet supplies for those who are disabled, or for those with hectic schedules. She’ll even taxi pets to and from the veterinarian, or she’ll call on Dr. Phil Blumer, who specializes in at-home veterinary care. Herriott is bonded and insured through Pet Sitters International. She also has experience in massage therapy, another service option available for clients’ pets. “Massage is beneficial for elderly dogs and cats,” she adds. When she’s overly busy, Herriott enlists the help of her husband. “We’ll receive numerous reservations for the holidays. In fact, those with definite travel plans should call us now before we book up entirely.” For more information, call 543-7300, or visit www.crittersittersofdestin.com. Canines on the
Emerald Coast will certainly wag their tails with great gusto once
they've been groomed, accessorized, fed and looked after by these
unique and noteworthy establishments. A resounding bark of approval
is likely, too. |
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Canines
on the Emerald Coast have it made. When it comes to pampering man’s
best friend, look no further than these fine businesses. They are
top dogs in their respective categories.
Pawsitively
Purrfect is also the only store of its kind to boast a studio dedicated
to pet photography. Reasonably priced photo packages and next-day
service motivate many owners to purchase glamour shots of their
beloved, prize-winning pets. “Pictures are especially popular
around the holiday season,” explains Stroud. For more information,
call (850) 235-0881.Copyright © The Beachcomber, Inc. 2003 - 2008. All rights reserved.