Dogs get their day on the town.

« Inspired Home Lifestyle

Share

Story by Chris Wolfgang
Photography by Daniel Johnson
Photo Styling by Chris Christen

Each month, the staff at The Bookworm shares its reading list. Baxter and Duncan recently recommend “The Art of Racing in the Rain” and “Wag!” For a pair of Cocker Spaniels, they're quite literary. Not surprising, though, given their ambassador role at the Countryside Village bookstore.

Owner Beth Black says Baxter and Duncan have free reign and consider the bookstore their personal domain. “They tolerate other animals, even ferrets and the occasional parrot,” Black says. “We've always been pet-friendly. The fact that we're in a neighborhood setting means that we're really accessible to people out walking their dogs. Owner and dog can just pop in.”

Greater Omaha has a number of pet-welcoming retailers like The Bookworm. Some stores even lean more to pet than master. Customers at Three Dog Bakery, with locations at Midtown Crossing and Village Pointe, stop by every couple of days for a Snickerpoodle or Pup Tart. Birthdays and other special occasions bring requests for canine cakes, says owner Crystal Talha.

Talha caters to a fashion-savvy clientele, too. Of special note: Locally made collars with blinding bling. Buy one from the in-store display or custom order in your choice of color, rhinestone embellishment, width and length.

A pair of boots from Soggy Paws will go a long way in protecting doggie pads from winter salt. “It's more about practicality than a fashion statement,” says Regi Rae of Omaha's downtown location