INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Animal lovers can indulge their canine and feline friends and help the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County continue its mission of educating the community and taking care of the needs of more than 7,000 local animals each year by shopping at the new All for Paws “Pet-tique.”
Visitors can shop and adopt at the store, located at the west end of the Indian River Mall. Trained volunteers are available to assist in the adoption process, including using the Meet Your Match survey to help assure that they find the animal perfectly suited for them.
The Saturday afternoon grand opening drew curious browsers, as well as some serious shoppers who were able to interact with a couple of small dogs and some snoozing cats, who acted as though the guests and festivities were a huge, boring bother.
Matthew Perakis, 10, and his sister, Hannah, 8, were smitten with Scamp, a small dog who was turning on all the charm for the siblings.
As their mom called home to see if the dog would be welcomed, the children fell in love with Scamp, who would be a perfect companion for their one-year-old Schnauzer.
A helpful volunteer even gave tips on how they could convince their parents, involving sincerity and batting of eye lashes.
As volunteers passed plates of brownies and tea sandwiches, shoppers perused the airy turquoise painted space, walls laden with jazzy dog bowls, picture frames, training supplies, no-pull harnesses, and other treats geared for furry friends.
For the dog or cat that needs to stay busy, there is a selection of Busy Buddy toys, made by Premier, designed for longer lasting playtime. There are even items suited especially for thunder season.
The must have for the well dressed beach dog is the “Surfer Girl” doggy t-shirt.
Phaedra Kohler, director of customer and volunteer services, explained that they had only half their stock on display, but expected more later this week.
“We are so thrilled with the response of the community,” she said, as she circulated among the store’s customers. “You can see that we have rooms where families can get to know the animals, just like at our main facility.”
The Perakis kids waited patiently while their mom finished her call.
“He said it was up to me,” she said, smiling at her delighted children. “We have some more school shopping to do today, but we’ll get back to you on Tuesday.”
And before they left the store, the children went over to bid Scamp a temporary farewell.