Terri Goettl was all smiles as she brushed the fur of Losha Willis, who was one happy dog as she got brushed, bathed and her nails clipped at Goettl’s new Dog Hüs pet supplies and grooming store that adjoins the Arrowhead Pharmacy. Appointments for grooming can be made by calling 387-1133.
Sometimes a good business choice can come down to something as simple as puppy love.
When Chris and Terri Goettl—forever dog lovers who have three dogs of their own—had to make a decision about what to do with the Viking Hüs, a nice but underutilized space adjoining their Arrowhead Pharmacy, they decided to transfer pet supplies from the pharmacy next door and began making a place for pet owners to gather and shop.
Thus the Dog Hüs was born.
“We knew there were a lot of pet owners who really cared for their pets in the county, but we were still surprised by all of the people we have met who have come and shopped here,” said Terri.
The pharmacy began carrying dog food about one year ago and has now branched out to carry three lines: Taste of the Wild, Nutri Life and Diamond Naturals, said Chris Goettl.
“In each line there are grain free options,” said Chris. “Some of these cost a little more than other brands. But people find that their dogs eat less and there is less waste with these dog foods than others they may pay less for. For anyone with a dog who has allergies or other health issues, these brands might help.”
In addition to pet food and pet toys the Goettls have also added a grooming area. Terri is certified to cut hair, nails and bathe dogs.
On Monday, December 29, a bright-eyed, bushytailed Losha Willis walked in with her owner, Shauna Willis, a big smile on both of their faces.
After gently ambling about, looking here and sniffing there, the 9-yearold golden retriever mix ate a doggy treat given to her by Terri and then said goodbye to her master without a whimper.
First Terri combed out Losha’s almost blond fur, then clipped her toenails and trimmed the fur near her toes. Next Losha got a good soaking in a tub with a hand sprayer, shaking only once before Terri put conditioner all over her and then gave her a thorough rinsing before drying her off.
As Terri worked she talked gently to Losha, praising her and telling her what a good dog she was. Occasionally Losha would give Terri a quick kiss, a little lick in the face with her pink tongue to tell her that, she too, was sweet and doing a good job.
All in all Terri spent more than two hours grooming Losha, but when she was done Losha was trimmed and triumphant.
“If someone wants to make an appointment they can call the pharmacy and set one up,” Terri said. “I try to do a couple a day, and so far I’ve been busy.”
Most dogs get brushed and bathed every 6 to 8 weeks, but Terri said, “It totally depends upon the breed and the owner.”
The Goettls have also been able to place special orders for pet supplies, but as Chris said, “I can’t promise, but some people have come in and made special orders and we have been able to get the items they want. If our wholesalers have what people need, we will definitely place an order. They can always ask, anyway.”
To help keep costs down the Goettls have expanded Arrowhead Pharmacy’s loyalty plan to the Dog Hüs.
“If you spend a certain dollar amount you can earn points and get money off on products. We have expanded that to the Dog Hüs. If you buy dog food you will get points, and the next time you purchase more dog food or other pet items it will be cheaper,” he said.
The Dog Hüs also comes with supplies for cats and other pets. Suggestions to add new items are always welcome, said Chris, and if someone wants to try a new type of dog food that they have in stock, samples are available.
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