Pampered Pets

When it comes to our wedding we are good at pampering ourselves but what about our pets?   As we decideed to expand the magazine to include some ideas for your home and families we sent our new pet photographer Jess Swazey out to find some ideas. 

 

 The Boston Metropolitan area is filled with>places to pamper our minds, bodies and purseaddictions.  But what about our pets?If you are anything like me, your four legged friend is not only a part of your family, but also a point on your shopping list.  I am always on the lookout for fun toys, tasty treats, and much to my boyfriend’s dismay, new outfits for my darling Olga.  I was fortunate to stumble across Polka Dog Bakery, a fantasy store for both pets and their owners.>>     Polka Dog is located in the South End at 256 Shawmut Ave, a street lined with a delicious combo of salons, eateries and boutiques.  The light and airy store instantly brings visual excitement from people, and wagging tails from pets.  Dogs are greeted with a>complementary biscuit, while owners   are greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff. 




And while the widearray of baked goods sound delicious; the after dinnermints and Happy Birthday cookies are for your dogs,not you!  Polka Dog was founded by Deb and Rob, two friends who were charmed by a one-eyed dog named Pearl that they discovered while traveling through Puerto Rico. Deb used to bake for Pearl, and when the two creatives>decided to open a business together, Pearl was the inspiration. 


While Deb and Rob had no business experience and found the road to success to be difficult at first, they have learned from their customer’s needs and desires.  It is clear from the parade of gyrating tails that filters constantly through the store that they have developed a loyal following.  Grainy black and white photographs of>their first few years of doggie customers adorns the walls and adds to the store’s visual delight.  There are several reasons why Polka Dog bakery is a unique pet store that is not to be missed.  The first is that all treats are baked by Polka Dog using>natural ingredients.  You can find Polka Dog goods in small businesses around the Boston area as well as in some Whole Foods supermarkets.  They also carry a wide variety of organic and natural pet foods, their most popular being raw dog food.  For health and earth conscious pet owners, Polka Dog is a great place to>find food that is great for your pet’s stomach and well being, as well as the environment.   Aside from all the edible options, Polka Dog offers fashionable collars, pet-wear and accessories.  They always make an effort to purchase goods from other small businesses and this results in a unique>inventory of pet stuff that you could never find at a>large pet chain-store. 


Polka Dog caters to pet owners who love the outdoors; offering an in-house designed>flexible water/food dish that can be smooshed into your gym bag or suitcase, and water safety-wear for dogs.  While their cat section is small, they are not>neglected.    Polka Dog Bakery is a great place to stop if you are looking for natural treats, adorable accessories and a smiling and helpful staff.  Find them at 256 Shawmut Ave in Boston, Massachusettes, or at>www.polkadog.com.