Best of Philly 2005: Pets
Pooper-scooper service: MissPoop This elegantly named pooper-scooping company serves all the major PA counties, is reasonably priced, and de-turds terraces and patios as well as yards (610-933-1506).
Dog beds: Pooch The gorgeous doggie beds here resemble chaise lounges in their chic shapes, and are covered in a variety of cool fabrics, such as leopard print; no wonder the Cameron Diaz movie In Her Shoes filmed a scene here (2020 Locust Street; 215-735-0793).
Alternative to PETCO: Braxton’s A family business since the 1930s, this charming, multi-level Wayne megastore carries dozens of the best organic foods for dogs and cats, plus tons of toys, collars, leashes and beds. They also stock the goods for bunnies, fish, birds and more (620 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne; 610-688-0769).
Dog Hangout: The Bone Appetite It’s like Neiman Marcus, but for dogs. There’s fabulous dog couture — your Shih Tzu will love her pink-striped trench and made-to-order cubic zirconium collar, and male dogs get preppy golf shirts and hoodies. Dog pastries and upscale furniture round out the experience (122 East Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, 610-995-2663; 8505 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, 215-247-4292).
Kennel: Covered Bridge Boarding Kennel
You and the pup will ride through the pretty old town of Gilbertsville, past lots of farms and stands, to get to this excellent Berks County doggie retreat. The staff encourages bringing whatever your pet needs to feel at home, including your own bowls; they even have a fridge for holding Spotty’s roast turkey, if you’re that kind of owner, which we are (53 Tollhouse Road, Oley; 610-689-5345).
Doggie daycare: Karen’s K9 Care This high-end dog facility carefully vets (no pun intended) its clients — all shots, no biters, must be friendly! But once your pooch is in, she’ll love the outdoor playground and special treats on holidays, like puppy Easter baskets; they’ll board their daycare customers, too (457 Lancaster Avenue, Frazer; 610-725-8973).
