Business & Tech

It's High Couture For Dogs at Just Dogs!/Trendi Dog Boutique

High-end dog items, not hot dogs, are store's feature.

At the Westlake Promenade’s Just Dogs! Gourmet/Trendi Dog Boutique, the pooch-only product names flow like puns.

Store visitors, after being greeted by one of four miniature poodles that often visit the boutique, can select from a variety of high couture items from manufacturers including “Pawda,” “Jimmy Chew” “Fabuleash” "Faux Paws" and the “Wooflink” line of items.

Store owner Lori Aldrich is at the counter, reviewing catalogs from Cha Cha Couture and Dog in the Closet, the latter of which including 800 custom designs that allows customers to create a custom T-shirt for dogs, and people.

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Unique is the store’s specialty.

“I think we’re the only ones in Ohio who sells them,” Aldrich said of the specialty T-shirts.

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The store will soon be undergoing a name change from “Just Dogs! Gourmet" to “Trendi Boutique.” Although the store is independently owned, it is part of a franchise and a dispute with a Minnesota company with the same name means this store will become Trendi Dog Boutique.

It may be for the best. Aldrich said it’s not unusual for people to stop in the store thinking it is a gourmet hot dog restaurant.

The store stocks almost everything but. Although Aldrich does have hot-dog shaped dog treats as well as a selection of other hand-made, all natural treats for the pampered pup, the focus is on the canine.

While both dog and cat food are in stock, the store primarily stocks hard-to-find upscale dog boutique items, including posh clothing, leashes, treats (including a “yappy meal," a hamburger and French fry shaped treats.

"The Yappy Meal, that’s probably one of our more popular items,” Aldrich said, noting she also sells a lot of elk antlers and “pupcorn” popcorn treats. 

Many of her treats, including bite size candies, are fit for human and canine consumption.

The high couture items include dresses and shorts, all of which include harness rings for leashes.

“The Wooflink line starts at about $40; some of the others go up to $60,” she said of several of the handmade canine clothing items, some of which are elaborately decorated.

She carries sizes that will fit dogs up to 90 pounds.

Not surprisingly, the store draws customers from as far away as Pennsylvania for treats. Last year it won the Cleveland Hot List for “Best Couture.”

Aldrich is expecting a delivery of a dog swing in the immediate future. She will be the only store carrying the item in the United States.

Items are posted on the store’s Facebook site.

The boutique is located at 30323 Detroit Rd. next to Subway and near Five Guys Burgers in The Promenade.

Upcoming fundraiser

The store regularly partakes in dog benefits, including an upcoming fundraiser,

Four Hands For Paws pet adoption and fundraiser on July 28, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 815 Crocker Road (across from Bonne Belle). Donations of $5 will be accepted. 


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