Pet industry unaffected by slow economy

A man should be judged by the way he treats the animals.

- Mahatma Ghandi

People with pets have lower blood fat levels and lower blood pressure levels than people without pets, according to a recent study completed at the University of Pennsylvania.

Doctors and dentists

Given the physical and psychological benefits of hanging out with our furry friends, it is no big surprise that Americans spent approximately $31 billion on their pets in 2003 (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc.). It's a dog-eat-dog world out there in corporate America, but the pet industry is howling with joy straight to the banks.

Phoenix, Ariz.-based PetsMart, Inc. is the largest specialty retailer for pet supplies in the United States, with 590 stores nationwide, including four in Colorado Springs. The pet chain's overall bottom line continues to grow. According to PetsMart's 2002 annual report, sales grew 8 percent to $2.7 billion, earning $0.63 per share in 2002, up from $0.35 in 2001.

But it's not just the top dogs in retail getting the bone. Jeri McGinnis has owned Gigi's - the Animal Lover's Gift Shop in Manitou Springs for 13 years. After 9/11, McGinnis toyed with the idea of closing the store for the week; instead, she stayed open and business boomed. "I think people found solace in shopping for their pets," said McGinnis.

The 1,200-square-foot shop is wall to wall with items as unique as a travel pouch for birds, Doggles - eye goggles for the dog who sticks his head out of the car window one too many times, and pet costumes like a Super Dog outfit. "What I love about this store is you can hear people giggling all of the time," said McGinnis. Customers are laughing at things like platters inscribed with "Everything tastes better with dog (or cat) hair," and posters that read, "We got rid of the children because the cat was allergic."

There are the animal versions of Monopoly - Dog-opoly and Cat- opoly, and yes, people will pay $200 for a super elaborate pet tent - a canopy cat bed made of tapestry. "The majority of our customers buy practical things such as books, T-shirts, jewelry and throws and pillows featuring various breeds of animals," said McGinnis. The shop's best season is summer, where repeat out-of-state visitors return to see what's new in dog or cat merchandise. The fickle economy has not rained on Gigi's parade.

Head up north to Top Dog Daycare and Boarding Center at Interstate 25 and Fillmore Street, and one might ask, "What fickle economy?" Tom and Joelle Hilfers are dog lovers who found their perfect recession-proof business four years ago.

The Hilfers leased a 10,000-square-foot building, and sectioned off areas for kennels, grooming and training. In the dog zone, a room the size of a gymnasium, dogs romp freely with one another, snooze on a doggie bench, play a game of fetch, chase tails, or meander to the fenced outdoor area whenever they please. No worries about carpet colors or furniture designs - overhead is cost effective. And about 60 to 70 dogs visit the day care center everyday while their owners are hard at work or play. At an average of $17 per day, the Hilfers are pet smart.

The atmosphere at Top Dog Daycare is not for mail delivery people or anyone allergic or adverse to dog hair. If you don't like dogs between your legs, paws on your chest or dog breath in your face, it's not for you either.

However, the dogs love it. Gus is a black Labrador retriever who gnaws on the doggie chairs without a harsh word from anyone. Cina, a Siberian husky, was the first and only dog at the center when the Hilfers opened their doors. Now Cina is still the "top dog," but she has 50 to 60 canine pals, frolicking madly amidst observant seeing- eye humans. It's a dog's heaven.

And dog owners (in Boulder the "owner" or "pet" reference is politically incorrect - the preference is human or animal companion) are happy too. Busy people are relieved of the guilt associated with leaving their animal companions home alone for an eight-hour-plus day. "A lot of dogs experience separation anxiety," said Joelle Hilfer. "This is also a great place to socialize puppies."

Pueblo and Denver commuters take advantage of the doggie daycare center. A Springs lawyer brings her eleven-month-old border collie to the center six days a week. Another client drives from his home at Ft. Carson to the daycare center every morning to drop off his dog, returning to Ft. Carson for work, and driving back again to Top Dog to take has hound back to Ft. Carson.

Top Dog Daycare offers long-term boarding too, but the dogs must be friendly to be in the daycare center. Man's best friend has it made at Top Dog, and Joelle Hilfer has made it work. "Not one day have we been affected by the current economic issues," Hilfer emphatically relayed.

The APPMA national pet owners survey reported that the "continued growth of giving gifts to one's pet confirms the emotional (and financial) connection owners have to their pet."

And dog treats are little gifts that keep the tails wagging, especially after a doggie bath at the West Uintah Street Wag n' Wash, a do-it-yourself dog wash (there are two regular feline customers), retail store and all-natural bakery catering to, of course, dogs. The wash end of the business houses tub space for 12 dogs, and bathers get their choice of the basic or premium wash, the hydrosurge super wash and extras such as cologne, moisturizers, etc. "It's a bonding experience and an outing for dogs and their owners," said Dan Remus, who fled the corporate world four years ago to open Wag n' Wash.

After bathing, the mutts can trot over to the bakery and find all kinds of treats. There are many different flavors and shapes of all- natural dog biscuits, from multigrain men to nutty squirrels to bark bars. At the deli, one finds gourmet goodies like liver brownies (the most popular item), peanut butter pie, liver ravioli or ice cream bones.

Remus and co-owner Jef Straus expanded in November 2002, adding a retail shop complete with dog tents and sleeping bags, organic and natural dog and cat food, toys galore and much more. "Even though Petco is down the street, our customers wanted to shop local, and they direct the business," said Remus. Despite a dogged economy, the customers are plentiful. Remus said the retail store has exceeded all expectations. "After 9/11, I think people redirected their spending habits toward the household - to family, and many people consider their pets a part of the family," added Remus.

Jeanette and Varden Bogart bought a Pet Pantry franchise (an all- natural dog and cat food delivery service) at the end of February 2003. The Bogarts are 450 customers strong, and Jeanette Bogart said the economic pitfall has not been an issue. A second franchise in the county, owned by another couple, is getting its share of the pet business as well.

Judy Swanson started her pet clean-up business, Double Doody, one year ago with plans to grow into a citywide service. Her motto: "We pick up where your pet left off," and in just six weeks Swanson cleaned up with 10 customers. It's a dirty business, but Fido is precious and so is time; although Swanson's clean-up service might seem like a luxury expenditure, to many people, it's a necessity.

Business owners who pamper pets aren't running with their tails between their legs when it comes to the bottom line. The pet business is here to stay (sit, whatever), and it's the only business where customers are eternally grateful for something as simple as a pat on the head.

Gigi's - the Animal Lover's Gift Shop - 685 - 4772

Top Dog Daycare & Boarding - 448-9600

Wag N' Wash - 457- WASH

The Pet Pantry - 227-9125

Double Doody - 330-3562