In Washington, D.C., pet owners aren’t afraid of the Big Bad Woof; they shop there! Meet Pennye Jones-Napier of The Big Bad Woof Pet Store.
Washington D.C. isn’t all about politics. Lucky pet owners in the nation’s capital have the Big Bad Woof Pet Store to find high quality foods and pet products. The following is another in a series of articles to enlighten pet owners to the knowledge of the Independent Pet Store. The purpose of these articles is to highlight the differences between the Big Box Stores and the Independent Pet Food Store.
Each Independent Pet Food Pro listed on ‘Find Healthy Pet Food’ answers the same questions; here is Big Bad Woof’s answers…
How/why did you open a pet food store? (Is there a personal story of a pet food harming one of your own pets?…Motivations of you starting this business?)
Every great concept begins with a story, and The Big Bad Woof® is no exception.
Our story begins with Artemis, a big blond wolfdog that developed Adult Onset Diabetes when she was around five years old. Due to her illness, we had to try to keep her on a diet free of corn and other things that would affect her blood sugars. This proved to be a difficult task when feeding traditional vet recommended diets – so we did the best we could and she ate much of what we ate instead. We took a more holistic approach to her health by paying attention to diet, exercise and supplements, and in turn saw a dramatic impact on her overall quality of life.
As the founders, we incorporated not only what we learned with her, but what we know about living a holistic, green lifestyle and incorporated that into every aspect of our concept for The Big Bad Woof.
What do you see as the difference between your store and a Big Box Pet Store? What advantages to you provide to Pet Owners?
We are dedicated to sustainable business practices including carrying the best in eco-friendly pet supplies, Fair trade items, and merchandise sourced from local and North American companies, with preference given to small manufacturers and minority owned businesses.
What are some of the frustrations you have about the (mis)information your customers have been exposed to about pet food and nutrition?
It is not about being frustrated. It is about trying to provide customers with valid choices so they can make informed decisions about their animal’s well care.
How much of your job is nutritional education and counseling? Do you offer seminars or other continuing education opportunities through your store?
A large part of our job is nutrition both for our customers and ongoing education for our staff. We offer educational seminars to the local shelter.
Do you have some success stories to share about how good nutrition has helped customers to eliminate health problems?
I do but you can start with some of our reviews online: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-big-bad-woof-washington-2
Have any of your foods been affected by a recall? Of so, how did you handle it?
2 skus and we discontinued the food line [this was the melamine recall in 2007]
How do you stay educated about food and news in the industry, and what are some of the challenges to this?
I am a great researcher by training.
Did I miss anything?
See video: http://www.bbwoofinc.com/wooftale.php
To learn more about The Big Bad Woof, visit www.thebigbadwoof.com
Support your local Independent Pet Food Store! These folks are the best!
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
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