How many stores have this kind of checklist?
-- rocking chair out front
-- dog dish out front filled with water
-- dog biscuits at the ready
-- candy
-- pretzel sticks in a jar by the comfortable chairs
-- cups and containers of water
At the Sara Campbell women's clothing boutique, which has been at 137 Elm St. For about a year now, store manager Christie Ryan and her staff handle all of that (and they also sell clothes, but never mind that, this article's going to the dogs).
Sara Campbell, who founded the 10 -store chain in Boston, is a strong believer in making those who accompany the female shoppers in her stores comfortable, not to mention even the canines passing by on the street.
Therefore the rocking chair outside to rest your tired dogs, and the dog bowl to refresh your thirsty pet -- something particularly welcome in the ongoing heat wave. (Talk about puttin' on the dog.)
The dogs who get to know the store don't easily forget it, Ryan indicated: "One of the funniest things is when you're looking out the store window and a woman walking a big dog will pass by and then be jerked back by the dog hoping for a biscuit."
Husbands or other family members not as interested in women's fashions can wait inside the small (well-air-conditioned) shop while their wives, mothers or girlfriends examine and try on the merchandise.
The dog dish and biscuits make the store probably even more popular with the canine demographic than the average homo sapien (half of which are men).
"Sara Campbell likes the store to feel very homey and welcome," Ryan said
And the best part comes on Saturday and Sunday:
"On the weekends," Ryan says, "we have beer and wine."
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