By Tanna Friday
Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Dog owners are always looking for a way to keep their furry friends happy and healthy. With that in mind, Springville resident Gail Weiss, has discovered a niche and is sharing a happy and healthy lifestyle with the Trussville community.
The Dog Stop, a locally owned and operated all-inclusive dog care facility, has opened its doors to Trussville. The grand opening on Saturday, March 17, introduced over 400 pet owners and furry friends to services such as boarding, daycare, grooming, training and all-natural dog foods, treats, toys and accessories.
Chris Kane, one of two Dog Spot founders, was present on Saturday and explained the uniqueness of the new facility.
“We are a full-service dog care facility,” he said. “The only thing that we do not offer is veterinary services. We offer boarding, daycare, grooming, in home pet services. We also offer high end retail.”
Kane describes the retail side as organic and exclusive to the area. “We focus on health and wellness,” he said. “We supply food that reduces fat, prevents diabetes and cancer in dogs.
“Everything we sell is from an all-natural setting. Overall, we encompass a non-veterinary atmosphere for dogs to come and play while enjoying a fun, clean, safe environment.”
Kane, along with the corporate staff, assisted Weiss with the grand opening and says the launch of the first Alabama store was successful.
“We came down from Pittsburgh to help Gail open her store,” said Kane. “We set out to get as many people to learn about the business, educate them on how we run our business and the types of products that we carry. It was a smashing success.”
Trussville is the 12th store for both founders Kane and Jesse Coslov, who started The Dog Stop in 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kane says the two started the company after looking at a few all-inclusive pet stores in Dallas.
General Manager, Joanna Garcia, was also happy with the grand opening of The Dog Stop.
“I know that Trussville is a community of dog lovers,” said Garcia. “I have lived and worked here for a while now and have seen, first hand, the community that we have and how they love their animals.”
Garcia, who is a member of the Cahaba Park Auxiliary board, has previous experience as a dog groomer and a veterinarian technician. “I knew that The Dog Stop would be a success because we love our dogs,” said Garcia. “You can ride through Trussville and see people walk their dogs daily. Trussville loves their dogs.”
The grand opening was phenomenal,” she said. “I feel like we didn’t get a whole lot of one on one time, but there is plenty of time for that. Today was more about seeing the facility and introducing everyone to our services and staff.”
Many local vendors were present at the grand opening including the Cahaba Dog Park Auxiliary, Adopt-a-Golden of Birmingham, Blount County Shelter, Snappy Dog Gourmet Treats, and Bama Bully Rescue.
The Dog Stop is located at 3557 Mary Taylor Road and open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Dog Stop is planning to open a location in Huntsville this summer.