While “dog-friendly” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Short Pump area just north of Richmond, during a recent excursion I found that the area has a lot to offer people and their pets.
On the hunt for a Thundershirt for our storm- and firework-phobic dog, Sadie, I called around and found that Fido Park Avenue Dog Boutique had her size in stock. I leashed up Sadie and headed out to see if I could manage to turn the shopping trip into a girls’ lunch date!
Fido Park Avenue Dog Boutique has a lot of fun accessories for your dog – especially if you have a small dog. As our dogs are either too big or not at all inclined to wear doggie dresses (cute as they may be), Sadie and I perused the stylish collar and leash offerings before sniffing a few selections from the large display of spa-quality shampoos and soaps. I’ll admit my gaze lingered on the collar-and-bowtie display, but I figured that the dogs would much rather I bring home an array of hand-decorated cookies than some swanky bow tie.
Sadie picked out these cookies to share with the dogs we left at home.
The shop also had some festive (and timely) patriotic gear for pups, beds, toys, and other fun dog accessories - and if you head out today, you can take advantage of their 20% off Sidewalk Sale! The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable; after I told them I was looking for a Thundershirt, they helped me fit Sadie and told me about the 100% guarantee provided by the manufacturer.
Sadie at Cafe Caturra
After leaving the dog boutique, Sadie and I were ready for lunch. Thanks to some suggestions from Facebook friends, we made a bee-line for Cafe Caturra. The shaded patio was a perfect place for Sadie and I to share a BLT (she only ate the B) while I sipped on ice tea and she enjoyed some ice cold water. Again, the staff was very accommodating – I made sure to check with the waitstaff before placing my order, and they assured me that the fenced-in patio was dog-friendly.
Because we were so close, we had to stop by Ginger’s Eatz and Treatz (which is in the same shopping center as Cafe Caturra). Sadie got lots of attention from the kids who were picking out toys for their new dog, and another family was ordering a new Red Dingo tag for their pup. We picked up a few more treats for the dogs at home before I decided we needed a reward for all of our hard work.
Back down Three Chopt Road to Maggie Moo’s, where it was a small scoop of Cinnamoo ice cream for me, and plain vanilla for Sadie. Although their outdoor seating is dog-friendly, with the sun directly overhead there wasn’t much shade so we enjoyed our treats in the car with the air conditioning.
The take-away? Short Pump can be a great place to shop and eat with your pup, if you know where to look!
Also, be sure to mark your calendars for July 15 – Bar Louie is hosting a dog-friendly Pups on the Patio party to benefit BARK. The night’s events include a raffle, and they’ll provide your pup with ”a water dish, some treats, and a little doggy pool to cool off in. It’ll be a DOG-gone good time!” Check out their Facebook page for more info.
Do you know of a great dog-friendly area of Richmond? Let us know – we’d love to check it out!
P.S. We’ll be doing a blog on our experience with the Thundershirt, after we’ve had a chance to see if it helps Sadie. Our friends at Go Pet Friendly have been using a Thundershirt for their dog Buster with success, and will soon be having a giveaway – make sure to check out their blog for the contest, as well as tips, tricks, and advice for traveling with your pets!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fun dog afternoon. So many people don’t realize all the fun things they can do with their pooches. Love Sadie’s underbite.
Hi Sarah,
I’d love to see feedback from any readers who use the Anxiety Wrap for their stressed furkids. I have several clients testing these products and have read some good comparisons online. The Anxiety Wrap has butt straps (seriously – that’s what they are called in the instructions) and is a bit more difficult to suit up, but may have different benefits. I can see some owners leaning towards the Thundershirt as it is so much easier to use. The costs are similar.
Thanks,
Elyse
I can’t wait to hear if the Thundershirt helps Sadie – and thanks for the mention of our review and giveaway! Also, we’ll be adding Cafe Caturra to the GoPetFriendly database.
I really appreciate this information and it led to what started as a beautiful experience and day at Short Pump with my dog. First we visited Cafe Caturra and it was as fabulous as you said. Then (because of this post) we visited Fido Park Ave to purchase the Thundershirt. Even though it was there Grand Reopening, they only had 1 small shirt and it was blue. The cashier said they could easily order us a pink one and ship it to us for a small fee. Today the owner called and left a message that she mailed the shirt and I owe her $17.81 for shipping! Outrageous!! I called to speak to the owner and she is the most pompous and rude business owner I have ever spoken to. She does not know how to run her business or satisfy her customers. After this terrible experience, I will NEVER shop in her store again and recommend no one else either.