Goin’ to the Dogs … Cats, Too

251423 Highway 101, Sequim

681-5055

Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday

Sometimes when opportunity knocks on your door, you at least need to peek out and see what’s calling. When longtime owner Nancy Tinker approached Melinda Olson about buying her business, Goin’ to the Dogs, Olson said she was a bit reluctant because she didn’t want to work for herself.

“But the deal was too good to be true,” said Olson, a veteran with a decade of working in a natural pet store under her belt. “It’s been exciting and hard work but I love helping people with their pets.”

Since November, Olson’s been building her inventory of all-natural pet foods and supplements for dogs … and cats, reflecting that in the store’s name. There are no dyes, no byproducts and all the meat in the food is up to human quality standards, she stressed.

“Most dogs and cats on a kibble-based diet can benefit immensely with wild caught fish oil, digestive enzymes, probiotics and food-source vitamin supplements,” Olson explained. “I also carry herbal homeopathic products and I’ve brought in hemp products for dogs which helps with inflammation, anxiety, irritability and can fight cancer.”

The store carries at least 20 brands of all-natural, grain-free foods for canines and felines, which Olson rattled off with ease.

“They’re all made by small manufacturers who take pride in their ingredients,” Olson said, “and I am proud to offer complete and balanced raw food for both dogs and cats, made with organic produce and with organic meat that is antibiotic- and hormone-free. I also offer freeze-dried versions of the frozen products and carry high-quality dehydrated brands as well.”

Through extensive training with manufacturers over the past 10 years, Olson knows her products — and their specific benefits — inside out and she stays current on any changes or recalls in the industry through classes and webinars.

“I enjoy helping our community with their pets, especially when someone comes to me with a pet’s health issue,” Olson said. “Sometimes I have to refer them to their vet because it may be more than just changing the pet’s food, but other times the best thing to do is just start the animal on a foundation of healthy, balanced nutrition specifically for that pet,” Olson said.

“I have to say about 70 percent of owners who search out stores like this is because their pet has an allergy they can’t get under control,” Olson said. “Others are looking for something not from China and just healthier food. Everyone wants their pet to live longer — they’re part of the family, now. My happiness comes from seeing owners’ joy in living with a healthy, happy pet.”

Spending time listening to owners talk about about their pets is time well spent for all concerned, Olson believes, and she sends food samples home so pets can try them in their own environments.

“I love helping people select products specified for their pets, whether it’s for an allergy or just a fussy eater,” Olson said. “Better nutrition always is a wise choice.”

Olson is the sole employee but she’s not a bit lonely because pals Gracie, Muffin and Bear keep her company and are the store’s goodwill ambassadors. Gracie is a blue merle collie, Muffin a Lhasa Apso and Bear a pekinese mix. Customers’ leashed pets always are welcome to come in for a nose browse and to check out the toys. leashes and garments in stock.

“I want to educate my customers and help them make better choices — it’s all about the pets — that’s my philosophy,” Olson said.