New
Biz story for Suburban Lifestyles, March 5, 2007
Bark Place Avenue
Dog Boutique and Spa
By Vivian DeGain
Kim Williams, owner
of Bark Place Avenue Dog Boutique and Spa, just
opened her pet salon Jan. 3, because she knew
the market was just waiting to happen.
“The response has
been overwhelming,” Williams said. “People are
so eager to bring their dogs and cats in for
grooming and gourmet that I’ve decided to open a
pet Bed-and Breakfast where we will have a
gourmet chef, and pets will have rooms of their
own.” Williams is already doing the market study
and business plan, and there is no doubt she
will succeed.
A visit to Bark
Place Avenue Dog Boutique and Spa is like a trip
to Disney-land for pets. It is designer
clothing, custom jewelry, organic treats and
foods, jeweled pet dishes and all-natural pet
grooming products. It all has one common theme:
fun and elegance, with an emphasis on fun.
The pet wellness
center not only offers grooming on-site in two
private rooms, Bark Place Avenue Dog Boutique
and Spa will also chauffer the pets to the
salon. They groom by appointment but also have a
few openings for walk-ins.
“We do all the
grooming and hand-drying in about an hour, so
the pets and owners can be on their way. We
never have to keep pets in cages to wait their
turn or overnight. And we use all-natural and
organic products because just like for people,
overly processed foods, synthetic perfumes and
harsh chemicals can cause reactions, injuries,
allergies and yeast infections for our pets,”
Williams said.
The proof is in the
“petting” of Sasha, a friendly rescued-dog who
wears a brilliant coat of fur and fun-jewelry to
match.
This salon for dogs
and cats has resident and visitor pets who
demonstrate the health, vitality and beauty of
the company’s policy.
Visiting pets,
whether they come in for grooming or for one of
the store’s multitude of retail treasure, always
get a doggie treat, organic of course. Often,
there are also cookies for the owners. And
grooming always includes a photo of the pet for
the owner to take home as well as to be placed
on Bark Place’s “Wall of Fame.”
“People bring in
their pets for a visit, just to talk and shop,”
Williams said. “We talk about their pets, their
families and their troubles.”
Bark Place also
offers another personal service: a visiting vet.
North Oakland Visiting Veterinarian Mark Herne,
D.V.M. comes to the store once-a-week to offer
shots and other care in the friendly environment
of the store instead of the clinic.
“Mark is wonderful
and this gives people an alternative to taking
their pets to the vet’s office. pets often get
sick with worry when we put them in the car to
go see the doctor, just like people. Here is a
chance for small problems to be handled with
care.”
There are a million
good reasons to visit the store.
Here is a small
smattering of what’s for sale at Bark Place
Avenue Dog Boutique and Spa: Fleur de Lis
organic treats with no sugar, doggy birthday
cakes, dog and cat “Couture” by an original
designed in Australia as well as designer
clothing and leashes by Jellybean and Cha Cha
Couture. There are designer beds fit for a
princess or a king by Haute Diggity Dog. There
is modern art, from framed photographs to
ceramic dishes to printed stationary and
greeting cards.
It is fresh,
appealing and done with style.
For more
information, call Bark Place Avenue Dog Boutique
and Spa, 814 N. Main in Rochester, at (248)
651-PETS (7387) or visit www.barkplaceavenue.com
