Put yourself in your dog’s place…
That’s what the folks at Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty Too want you to
do. This pet supply store tucked away behind Costco in the Scottsdale
Airpark, is more than just a place to stock up on kibble, cute clothes or
toys for your dog or cat; it’s a portal into the growing world of
holistic pet care.
Owner Dawn Burdo is uncompromising in
her commitment to keeping the highest quality human-grade pet foods, raw
foods and herbal supplements in stock. She and her staff are truly
passionate about raising their pets holistically, and they practice what
they preach. She won’t stock anything she wouldn’t feed to her own four
dogs. Burdo says that the holistic approach is “really catching on” and
the manufacturers who produce high quality, natural pet foods are
constantly researching and improving their products.
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Burdo started in the natural pet food
business in the Valley in 1999, and had her first storefront up and
running in 2001. Fetch is the largest pet health food business in the
area, and was one of the first to carry raw foods. She has rounded out
her store with an impressive selection of pet accessories ranging from
beautiful beaded collars to pet strollers and clothing (a must for
Burdo’s own hairless dogs).
The shop also offers grooming and
self-wash facilities which have a dedicated soft-water tank, all natural
shampoos and grooming products, and high velocity dryers.
Burdo and her staff aren’t
veterinarians, but they are well-read and are happy to make
recommendations. They’ll also provide references to vets, trainers and
other services that they have used for their own pets and can personally
endorse. There are racks of educational materials in the shop for those
interested in exploring holistic feeding or supplements for their pets.
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Here are some tips from Burdo on getting started on a healthier road for your pet:
- Know what’s in your dog’s food.
- If you are feeding kibble, try
switching to a higher quality kibble.
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Read the label and look for the first few ingredients to be a real protein
source and a protein source meal.
- Avoid grains, preservatives and
fillers.
- Any changes in diet should be made gradually.
- Add a digestive enzyme to your dog’s diet.
- Add an Omega 3 & 6 supplement. Burdo says this is a must in the dry, desert climate.
Of course, this is
just the tip of the holistic iceberg. Every pet owner should talk with a
vet and do some research on what’s best for their particular pet. A
good place to start is www.naturalrearing.com.
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