Shop showcases variety of unique pet items from ‘party collars’ to gourmet treats
Above all else, Terry Johnson is an animal lover.
This fact is apparent in every detail of her upscale shop for cat and dog aficionados, Howl at the Moon, which opened 15 months ago.
Wide aisles accommodate dogs of any size who want to wind between well-displayed tableaus of Halloween costumes and paw protectors for pets on the go, and strategically chosen carpet is a comfortable pick for heavy and ailing dogs.
Not to leave anybody out, Johnson is conscious to stock items for large pets, not just cutesy little dogs, she said.
"I always wanted to go to a place like this," Johnson said. "It has a different feel. It’s not cramped, it’s fun and has a broad appeal. My goal is to be different."
The shop’s high ceilings, groovy color scheme and serene water sounds serve as a funky backdrop for the walls of books and tables of pet-themed wares. A cove of four cozy armchairs serves as a place for customers to browse books or for shopping-weary husbands to wait for their wives.
Many of the 10,000 items in the store come from local artists and vendors, including artwork, jewelry and clocks. The popular Paws Gourmet dog treats – in a glass bakery case – come from Edmonds.
Johnson holds an MBA degree and worked as a computer consultant for 23 years. A couple of years ago, however, she lost her job and was left with the task of picking her future.
"It was a kick in the butt," she said. "I thought, do I want to go back to doing what I’ve always done, or do I want to something closer to my heart – my pets?"
"This is my retirement fund," she said, looking around the shop with a laugh. "But half of my job is to love up other peoples’ pets, so there you go."
The store is not yet breaking even, but word is getting out and she’s developing a base of regulars. Johnson has high hopes for the holiday season.
The Humane Society hands out fliers with coupons for the shop, as do local training schools and some vets. But the single best tool has been the coupon books sold by school kids.
Johnson’s leonberger Belle is a therapy dog who has worked through the Humane Society, which will do pet portraits at the shop during the holidays.
And Johnson’s friendly lhasa opso Chloe could be a premier trendsetter in the doggie fashion world.
"Anything she wears, sells," Johnson said.
