Our pets are important. Very important. That’s why, according to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent $60 billion dollars on their domesticated animals last year alone. And while we Americans find ourselves more divided than ever these days, there’s nothing quite like a video of a dancing cat that can unite each and every one of us. Pets might just be the greatest equalizers of all time, and that’s why we need to continue to pamper, primp and shower them with all of our love – and hard earned money. From boutiques to bakeries, here’s a howling collection of how to show your Very Important Pet how much you really care.
Baked to Purr-fection
We all know that Rhode Island is a foodie’s paradise. Whether it’s the Food Network, The New York Times or Travel + Leisure, our small state continues to receive big props from gourmands near and far. But did you know our culinary chops don’t stop with just human food? In fact, there are several specialized bakeries and food purveyors that only make edibles for pets.
Dog birthdays get a gourmet upgrade over at Bite Me Dog Bakery. Custom and made-to-order birthday cakes are the specialty here, along with healthy, homemade treats and pet portraits. Dogs are welcome to come in and sample the cake varieties – which include carob and peanut – for a special paw-picked celebratory treat. 51 Mashie Circle, Coventry. 527-0323, www.dogbirthdaycakesincoventryri.com
Down in Westerly, Woofie’s Dog Bakery is known for its all-natural canine creations. What first started as homemade treats sold at a church bazaar has turned into a woofing online business that ships doggie delicacies directly to your home. Freshly made cupcakes, birthday cakes and gourmet gift baskets are all just a click – and then sloppy licks – away. www.dogbakeryshop.com
They say “you are what you eat,” and that’s also true with our furry best friends. That’s why Bone Appetit Eco-friendly Dog Store sources sustainable, nutritious and age-appropriate food for cats and dogs. From raw to organic, the healthy selection is sure to keep your pet a lifetime member of the clean bowl club. 102 Main Street, East Greenwich. 885-6259, www.boneappetitdogbakery.com 
Put the Wow in Bow Wow
Let’s face it – our pets reflect our personalities. And they also reflect our individual style. Whether you prefer classic collars or polka-dot tutus, the following boutiques and services offer all types of fashionable and affordable accessories for you and your four-legged companions.
Named after a Yorkie and a Yellow Labrador, Benny and Jack carries a whimsical selection of dapper pet wear and supplies. From cute bowties and locally made leashes to “My Dog Digs South County” bumper stickers and an expanding food selection, this boutique has a stylish bite. 237 Robinson Street, Wakefield. 360-2258, www.BennyandJack.com
Island Animal proves that good things come in small packages. The petite storefront in Jamestown is filled to the gills with unique and creative products for your fur balls, like organic catnip, pet sweaters and stimulating toys. 35 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. 560-0616
Throw your dog a bone with a visit to Fetch RI. This fun boutique has a curated selection of high quality toys and supplies for both cats and dogs such as rugged chew toys, minimally processed treats and holistic and herbal remedial products. 54B Richmond Townhouse Road, Richmond. 539-8080, www.FetchRI.com
While Animal Reflections Photography does carry select boutique items, it’s the custom portraiture that stands out here. The full service photography studio captures the essence of your pets and family, and provides heirlooms meant to be treasured for generations. 610 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown. 218-8454, www.AnimalReflectionsPhotography.com
Primp Your Pooch
From baths to nail trimmings, all pets need grooming. So why not leave it to the professionals who are passionate about what they do, and are also really good at it too? When you pamper your pet, you both walk away feeling great.
Even pets need a break from ruff reality, and that’s where V.I.Pets comes in. The expansive doggie resort offers a large menu of services, like day care, boarding, training and grooming. With a focus on socialization, exercise and providing a home away from home, the shop even has a special “snuggle room.” Cozy and quiet, this is where pooches go for some quiet “me” time. 816 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 884-7387, www.VIPetsRI.com
A decidedly holistic approach is what you'll find at Perfect Pooch. This groomer/boutique uses all-natural essential oils and synthetic-free, oatmeal-based shampoos to thoroughly wash your dog from head to tail. With amenities like aqua massage, teeth brushing and nail dremeling, your BFF will be floating in doggie nirvana. 58 Main Street, East Greenwich. 884-7200, www.PerfectPoochRI.com
Is your dog a good boy? Is he a gooood boy? Then maybe he needs to be rewarded with a spa day at Perfect Paws. The groomers here try to create a personalized experience for each cat, dog and occasional rabbit. With hand-scissoring and de-shedding treatments among some of their specialties, rest assured that Fido will get some well-deserved R&R. 550 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. 580-3439, www.DogGroomerWakefield.com
BFF Grooming is not only the place owners bring their best friends to get primped, but it’s also where groomers become best friends with your furry
companions. This East Greenwich groomer is known for its cheery attitude and passionate staff. Dog friendly and human friendly? Talk about a win-win. 246 Main Street, East Greenwich. 885-7837
Raising the Woof
As much as we love our pets dearly, we can’t always be there for them. Whether it’s long days at the office or a long-planned tropical vacation, all pet owners have to deal with finding sitters once in a while. Lucky for us, there’s plenty of day care and longer care options that not only keep our pets safe, but also keep their tails wagging.
Dogs get their very own play dates at The Gnarly Dog. A combo day care and overnight boarder, the cage-free facility encourages dogs to socialize together under supervision. Dogs, who get put into small or large breed groups, have the option of playing inside or outside for the best of both pup worlds. 1153 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. 524-3612, www.TheGnarlyDog.com
Four Paws Pet Resort is much more than a boarder. With an in-house vet (via Rhode Island Animal Medical Center), an enormous day care area complete with a dog park and a built-in boutique, it really feels like you’re at an all-inclusive getaway. 343 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. 785-1000, www.4PawsNE.com
The red carpet is rolled out for four-legged guests at Camelot Pet Resort. Set in the idyllic countryside out in Ashaway, cats and dogs get their very private own room with each stay. With dedicated space indoors to socialize and over 30 acres outdoors to roam, your pet’s bound to feel like royalty. 163 Collins Road, Ashaway. 377-2764, www.CamelotPetResort.net
Fur Raising Adventures
There’s no shortage of dog-friendly adventures to be had in Rhode Island. From hiking and kayaking to the South Kingstown Dog Park, there’s lots of ways to keep your pooch active.
Furry Fellas Pet Service offers a variety of concierge options for your pets, like in-your-home sitting, dog walking and even escorting them to the vet. One of their really unique services is taking your dog for a hike in a local park. Great for both their minds and bodies, it’s a great way for your mutt to take a walk on the wild side. Based out of Coventry. 374-2230, www.FurryFellasPetSitting.com
If you’re not an outdoorsy person, then Bow Chika Wow Town is the place for you. The only indoor dog park in Rhode Island offers up 13,000 square feet of running, catching, sliding and butt-sniffing revelry for your best bud. 27 Meadow Street, Warwick. 737-2900, www.BowChikaWowTown.com
Learning New Tricks
The Dog Whisperer makes it look so easy, doesn’t he? Whether it’s chewing furniture or doing their business in the middle of the kitchen floor, some pets seem to be beyond trainable. That’s when it’s time to call in the pros, and I’m not talking about watching a show on the Animal Network. Professional dog trainers understand why dogs repeat bad behaviors, and teach both them and their human ways to change them for good.
The trainers at Courteous Canine are ready to turn your brooding pup into a well-mannered dog. With a comprehensive approach and a focus on changing behavior, options include puppy and dog classes at their facility, and also in-home training. 4262 Tower Hill Road, South Kingstown. 954-2699, www.YourCourteousCanine.com
At Canine Behavioral Services, dogs get a tailored behavioral plan based on a full evaluation. Pack training, private at home sessions and doggy manners camp are just a few of the services available to ship-shape your misbehaved hound. Based in Hope Valley. 996-4854, www.RIDogTraining.com
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