Fashion and Accessories
Harmony at Last
The next time you're in the market for a yarmulke for your kitty, look no further than fashionable Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Behind the neon cat in the window of Coventry Cats lies a tiny shop that's a veritable warehouse of supplies for both cats and dogs. Owner Sheila Blecman keeps her shop chock full from head to tail and wall to wall with everything from Kit-Cat Klocks and catnip-lined sleeping mats to healthy chow.
1810 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights; (216) 321-3033 or www.coventrycats.com
Now Bark 'Ahhh'
Don't let the wood floors, cool sage walls and posh bedding fool you: This spa is for dogs. The ultra-chic Breeds Apart on Shaker Square features a grooming area in back and a boutique-style (read: spare and upscale) shop up front with the latest hip gear. Kooky metal dog sculptures abound, along with pet-themed kitchenware, Up Country pet beds and chi-chi dog carriers.
13206 Shaker Square, Cleveland; (216) 295-2725 or www.breedsapart.com
Clothes Horse
Some people just don't understand. But for those who do, Pet-tique on the Lakewood/Cleveland border will cater to your clothing fetish. Their extensive stock includes tiny pink leather jackets, sundresses, rainbow-striped shirts proclaiming "family" acrossthe chest and an exhaustive supply of hats and collars. Your little Mimi will be the belle of the ball.
10906 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland; (216) 631-2050
Dressed to the K-9's
Ole! Have a margarita and get your pet in the party mood with a festive sombrero from The Pets Pajamas in Akron. They can even outfit little Fifi with a "Barkberry" purse or diamond-studded collar. Not the high-end fashion type? Dress Sparky in a basketball jersey or shirts with sayings such as "Does this shirt make me look fat?"
3893 Medina Road, Akron; (330) 666-1243
Services
Say Kitt...er, Cheese!
Let's face it: by the time your friends have seen the 700th picture of Spot "looking really adorable," they've run out of polite compliments. If you want to wow them now, you're going to have to go professional. Miller Photography specializes in capturing your pal at his best moments: inside or outside, action shots or posed shots, with or without you and the family.
6111 Brookside Drive, Cleveland; (216) 741-0839
Puppy Pampering
Sadly, Cleveland lacks its own Fifth Avenue. But if your darling craves the Elizabeth Arden experience, take her in for a day of full manicures, brush outs and styling at The Chagrin Dog in Chagrin Falls. Who needs Tiffany's when pearl and emerald collars are available in-house? Spoil her even more with a chenille bed, personally tailored coats and holistic dog food. It makes another day of errands seem like a day at the beach.
3 North Franklin St., Chagrin Falls; (440) 893-9377 or www.thechagrindog.com
More luxe grooming for your lovey.
Ohio Academy of Pet Styling: 21081 Westwood Drive, Strongsville; (440) 846-6811
Bark-N-Barber: 4795 Memphis Ave., Cleveland; (216) 741-0477
Dog Gone Hairy: 2440 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights; (216) 382-7467
Complex Care
Inside an unassuming strip mall at 9425 Olde Eight Road in Northfield Center, pets are ruling the roost. For starters, there's the all-natural pet food store, In Good Health. The self-proclaimed "an-imal wellness store" stocks puppy and cat chow that's preservative-free, grain-free and designed for animals with special diets. Their neighbor, Nan Decker, DVM, is a certified veterinary acupuncturist who specializes in massage therapy, herbal remedies and other alternative medicine. At press time, she was still waiting on the final licenses she needs to open shop; she hopes to be treating animals by July.
Just down the strip is Classy Cuts Pet Salon and Supplies, a full-service dog and cat grooming facility. Owner Susan Glassner has 13 years of grooming experience. Rounding out the pet extravaganza is Reward Dog Training and Activity Center at 9433 Olde Eight Road. Owner Peggy Baluch offers day care for any breed of dog, with daily rates ($21/dog) all the way up to yearly deals. In the evening, Baluch holds obedience training.
More Complex Care.
In Good Health: (330) 908-1234
Nan Decker, DVM: (330) 908-1030
Classy Cuts: (330) 468-4114
Reward Dog Training: (330) 468-0961
Something Fishy
If you plug your nose every time you walk by your aquarium, it might be time to call in the experts. Stop spraying Febreze and pick up the phone already. Aquatic Dreams in North Olmsted will have your home or office smelling better in no time. They recommend cleaning tanks and aquariums every two weeks and charge $50 an hour for their fishy business.
Aquatic Dreams, 29290 Lorain Road, North Olmsted; (440) 777-2833
Fish Date.
Aquatic Interiors Sea Cave, 459 E. Exchange St., Akron; (330) 253-3168, www.seacave.com
M&M Aquarium Co., 5830 Lee Road S., Maple Heights; (216) 475-9565
Love Fest
It's the eternal problem: You love your pet, but you don't have the time to devote to him. The pet fiends over at Waggin' Tails pick up the slack with services that range from potty break visits for your puppy to dog walking, sitting and taxiing. They also spread their love to cats, birds, fish and rabbits. Services are available for most of Cuyahoga and Medina counties and part of Lorain County.
16605 Shurmerra, Strongsville; (440) 878-0408
You Had Me at Woof
As if finding a date wasn't hard enough, now you can let your pet do the matchmaking for you. At the Date My Pet Web site, pet owners can post online ads with information and photos of them and their furry friends. While it might not be love at first sight for you, your pet could find a match made in doggie heaven. www.datemypet.com
Feeling Frisky
Will the cosmic stars align in the new moon, leading to a day of running for Fido, or will they show a quiet day of napping for Whiskers? At the Pet Horoscopes Web site, owners can get a clue into their pet's behavior for free, which may explain why Fido decided to chew your new pair of shoes. Personalized horoscopes are also available for $14.95. www.pethoro scopesfree.com
All Pooped Out
For those afflicted with pooper-scooper-phobia, local profes-sionals are supplying a solution. Dog Dootie in Independence claims it "does your dirty work for you." These guys work year-round to make sure you never have to clean off your shoes again from an unfortunate misstep. Prices are $8 per week for your pal. For a little excitement with the service, Dog Waste Management of Cleveland cruises to the rescue in their "Dung Beetle," a souped-up Volkswagen bug. The family-owned business scoops up an average of 2,000 pounds of poop each week. They offer a spring-cleaning special of $35 per dog.
Some services that'll take a load off your mind.
Dog Dootie Dog Waste Clean-Up Service: 6134 Crossview Road, Seven Hills; (216) 520-0302 or www.dogdootie.biz
Dog Waste Management: 6455 Fry Road, Brook Park; (216) 267-3498 or www.dogwastemanagement.com
Scoopidy Doo Canine Waste Removal Services: 3660 Center Road, Brunswick; (440) 669-3939 or www.scoopidydoo.com
Happy Tails Pet Services Inc.: P.O. Box 6184, Cleveland; (216) 771-1551 or www.awagaway.com
Who's Your Doggy?
Tired of finding drool in your favorite pair of shoes or feeling like Pluto is taking you for a walk instead of the other way around? It may be time to whip that pup into shape at the Cleveland All-Breed Training Club. The 60-year-old club offers everything from basic obedience to agility training for show dogs. Make "good dog" the new household catch phrase.
210 Hayes Drive, Suite B, Brooklyn Heights; (216) 398-1118 or www.cabtc.org
Health and Wellness
A Little Touchy
Sometimes simple petting just isn't enough. That's when pet owners call Reiki master Aimee Jordan of Earth Angels Consultations. Jordan relaxes the animal through a series of hand placements, using the power of touch to help the animal heal from surgery or behavioral problems. Jordan has seen it all, from horses to skunks, and is willing to make house calls, office appointments or even treatments long distance over the phone.
4446 Warner Road, Cleveland; 9216) 341-8772 or (216) 287-4698
Hands-on Help
While you've been rearranging your house according to principles of feng shui, your poor pet's probably been feeling a little left out. Canine masseuse Anna Docktor is just waiting to get her hands on the pooch. She focuses on a dog's energy and chakras to calm the canines in her care, using massage as medical therapy to improve their state of being. She also provides each owner with a simple do-it-yourself course so you can continue the therapy at home.
Aaron Animal Clinic: 8502 Pine Oak, Parma; (440) 554-5516
All You Knead
If Fido's feeling a little low, a doggie massage may be just what the vet ordered. And you thought Swedish massage was just for people! Pet Kneads in Avon Lake utilizes canine massage to help increase circulation and reduce pain.
Avon Lake, (440) 949-8761 or www.petkneads.com
More from animal-massage land.
Canine Affair Grooming and Training Center: P.O. Box 664, Chesterland; (440) 729-9375
Soothing Paws Canine Massage: Novelty; soothingpaws@aol.com
Bereavement
R.I.P. Toto
It's hard to lose a loved one, even when it's a pet. Western Farm Pet Crematory & Cemetery in Grafton and Animal Kingdom Pet Cemetery in Highland Heights make sure people can bury or cremate their beloved pets at affordable prices. Western Farm handles the return to nature for everything from cats and dogs to snakes, birds, frogs and even horses at prices ranging from $100 to $1,600.
Did you treat your pet like royalty during his lifetime and want nothing less for his adventure in the great beyond? Boston Hills Pet Memorial Park in Hudson offers burial and cremation services on 23 acres dedicated to precious pets.
Find the right place for your pet's eternal rest.
Western Farm Pet Crematory & Cemetery: 12521 Island Road, Grafton; (440) 748-1716 or www.westernfarmpc.com
Animal Kingdom Pet Cemetery & Crematory: 5755 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights; (440) 473-7999
Boston Hills Pet Memorial Park: 7005 Walters Road, Hudson; (330) 653-6457 or www.bostonhillspet.com
Paws Awhile Pet Memorial Park: 3246 Brush Road, Richfield; (330) 659-4270
Suburban Pet Crematory Service: 4225 Mayfield Road, South Euclid; (216) 291-4813
All-County Pet Crematory: 4701 Hinkley Industrial Pkwy., Cleveland; (216) 398-4282
Pet-friendly Places
Take Me Out to the Bark Park
Usually, hot dogs are the only dogs you'll see at the ballgame. But for four years now, The Akron Aeros and the Humane Society of Greater Akron have teamed up for Pet Day at Canal Park. On July 9, some 500 pets are expected to be in attendance as the Aeros take on the Erie SeaWolves. Tickets are available through the society and cost $6 for people and $3 for their pets; a majority of the proceeds benefit the nonprofit. As part of the festivities, the team will host a pregame pet parade on the field. Pet treat and water stations will be located throughout the park.
Humane Society of Greater Akron: (330) 657-2010;
Akron Aeros: (330) 253-5151
Beagle Bites
Dog-friendly dining can be hard to come by, but some spots around town will accommodate you and your best friend. Johnny Mango World Cafe & Bar in Ohio City, the Barking Spider in University Circle and Civilization, a cozy Tremont coffee shop, allow pet owners to "bring the kids" along. In the warmer months, the Ohio City restaurant Flying Fig allows well-behaved, leashed dogs on its outdoor patio. At Market Avenue's Great Lakes Brewing Company, dogs visiting the patio get a complimentary bowl of water. Great Lakes holds its annual "Dog Days of Summer" party Sunday, July 10, starting at 2 p.m., an afternoon of pet psychics and doggie dining on the patio. For a treat at the end of the meal, swing by one of East Coast Custard's eight locations for a "Frosty Paws" non-dairy doggie delight.
Pet lovers who lunch ... lunch here.
Barking Spider: 11310 Juniper Road, Cleveland; (216) 421-2863
Civilization: 2366 W. 11th St., Cleveland; (216) 621-3838
East Coast Custard: Eight locations throughout Greater Cleveland
Flying Fig: 2523 Market St., Cleveland; (216) 241-4243
Great Lakes Brewing Company: 2516 Market St., Cleveland; (216) 771-4404
Johnny Mango: 3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland; (216) 575-1919
Horsin' Around
If you pay a pet deposit, lots of hotels and inns will welcome dog and cat travelers. But it's a bit trickier finding lodging for your four-hoofed, grain-munching com-panion. Shady Oaks Farm Bed & Breakfast offers quaint rooms for you and a cozy stall for your horse on acres of woods, trails and gardens. The boarding fee is $25 per day (cheaper than many hotel pet deposits) and includes grain, hay, bedding, access to pastures, a shower stall and a sand ring for exercising. Dogs are welcome to stay in the inn's heated kennel.
241 Highland Road, Northfield; (330) 468-2909 or www.shadyoaksfarmbnb.com
Sitting and Day Care
Water World
The dogs run wild at Metro Bark in Cleveland, courtesy of 6,000 square feet of indoor space and a 14,000-square-foot outdoor play area. At Metro Bark, summertime equals splash time: Wading pools and sprinklers will keep your baby cool during the dog days of July and August.
3939 Payne Ave., Cleveland; (216) 702-BARK or (216) 881-DOGG or www.metrobark.com
Focus on Fun
Sometimes a dog just needs to be a dog, right? That's the mantra of the folks at Dog-topia in Cleveland Heights. Their exciting, interactive doggie day care service will take your poochie for up to 12 hours a day. Extra points for the top dog parties they throw for birthday boys and girls.
2624 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights; (216) 291-0605 or www.dogtopia.net
Other sitters who'll love your dog almost as much as you do.
Inn the Doghouse: 10237 Berea Road, Suite H, Cleveland; (216) 651-0873 or www.innthedoghouse.com
Pawsitive Influence: 13308 Detroit Ave., Lakewood; (216) 227-1238
Nannimals: Revere Road, Akron; (330) 668-2273
Happy at Home: 338 Edgewood Drive, Berea; (440) 234-7855
Sitting Pretty
Nancy Brown always had a hard time finding a sitter for her dog, Digger, when she went out of town. Solution? She started her own company and named it after him. Fifteen years later, Hot Diggity Dog Inc. of Cleveland is going strong. She offers her services all week and over holidays to all domes-ticated pets. (440) 871-9245
Party Patrol
Have you always had a sneaking suspicion that your dog is throwing a bash while you're away? OK, maybe not, but just in case, there's Cleveland-based Joycares. The "home alone" package sends a sitter to your house to check in three times a day. For the ultimate in pampering, they offer the "slumber party" package: A sitter will stay over-night to snuggle with your pet.
2123 W. 103rd St., Cleveland; (216) 281-8701 or www.joycares.com
More top-notch spots for overnight care.
Meadow Run: 2629 Southern Road, Richfield; (216) 533-4051
Poochie's Resort and Spa: 6210 Broadview Road, Parma; (216) 661-3344
Adoption
Leapin' Lizards
Stepping into Parma Pet Shop is akin to stepping back to the mid-'80s, when pet shops were all the rage and crickets roamed free. This is one of those traditional pet stores -- it smells a little strange, yes, but clearly these guys know what they're doing. What amateur pet-shop owner would willingly take on the responsibility for the vibrant green Asian water dragons, a Dumerill boa that recently shed his skin or the cage full of mice nuzzling in a corner? And yes, they've got crickets. Also known as the "Reptile Specialists," they're located at
5561 Ridge Road; (440) 888-4194
Squawk Talk
Keeping the tropics alive in our often-dismal climate, the Parrot Education and Adoption Center provides a little slice of the exotic. But it's not the decor that creates the atmosphere, it's the wildlife. From little yellow parquets to green and blue macaws, almost 30 birds are currently housed on site, with several more on the waiting list.
32180 Tracy Lane, Solon; (440) 349-1700 or www.clevelandpeac.com
Finding Nemo
Have you always dreamed of having your own cold-blooded killer? Are you secretly yearning for your own Nemo? RMS Aquaculture Inc. has just the right catch of the day for you. For 21 years RMS has specialized in tropical fish, selling everything from guppies to sharks. Don't want Flounder to feel like a lost soul swimming in a fish bowl? RMS also has a variety of aquariums made to fit the needs of a fish life.
6629 Engle Road, Middleburg Heights; (216) 433-1340; 7484 Broadview Road, Parma; (216) 901-8188; 4927 Robinhood Drive, Willoughby; (440) 975-9090
In the Tank.
All Champ Tropical Fish, 4418 Pearl Road, Cleveland; (216) 351-0027
Don't Ferret!
Combine a puppy with a clown and what do you get? A furry animal with a sense of humor at Ferrets Unlimited. The Cleveland-based adoption agency provides care, training and educational programs for potential owners. No matter what the age or condition, they never refuse a ferret that needs a home. Ferrets Unlimited is the only ferret adoption agency in northern Ohio.
4116 Bucyrus Ave., Cleveland; (216) 749-3885 or www.ferretsunlimited.org
Out of the Dog House
Finding the perfect pet can be hard, but the Animal Foundation of Cleveland and Animal Protective League aim to make it easier. While the AFC does not adopt animals, they help potential "parents" sort through area agencies to find the right shelter.
More than 10,000 animals are assisted each year at the APL, which helps find them homes and even acquires legal assistance for neglected and abused animals. With the aid of their 30-foot ROVER RV, they can even bring the adoptable animals to you.
Find-a-friend.
Animal Foundation of Cleveland: 1370 Ontario, Suite 1230, Cleveland; (216) 861-0600 or www.animalfoundationofcleveland.org
Animal Protective League: 1729 Willey Ave., Cleveland; (216) 771-4616 or www.theapl.org
Cleveland Animal Lifeline (C.A.L.L.): South Euclid; (216) 382-PETS
Animal Rescue Center: P.O. Box 110685, Cleveland;
(216) 476-0433 or www.animalrescuecenter.homestead.com
