Bright Businesses: Best Buddies

"Safe, stylish and affordable" is its motto, and "treats, apparel and events" is its game. The inspiration behind Best Buddies Dog Boutique and Bakery lies within 28-year-old owner Alan Ronay's love for his three dogs - Happy, Dusty, and Buddy. 

“They are 100 percent honest and loyal,” Ronay said. “My dogs are my best buddies.”

Best Buddies opened in October 2008 off of Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg. After being at that location for over two years, the dog boutique moved to 6498 Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach in November 2010. With 1200-square-feet, double the original venue, and twice as much traffic, Best Buddies has found its home.

"Overall it's more laid back here," Ronay said. "I love it, and plan on staying for a long time.” 

Ronay did freelance and film for four years after graduating with a Bachelor in Fine Arts at the University of Central Florida. After returning to his St. Pete childhood residence, he began to notice “there were a lot of dogs in downtown but no dog boutiques,” with the support and guidance of his family, Ronay researched business management and opened his first business, Best Buddies. 

Happy, a 9-year-old white Bichon Frise; Dusty, a 8-year-old tan Silky Terrier; and Buddy, a 5-year-old black Rottweiler mut, are the stars of Best Buddies logo, and the quality control testers of all the products. 

The celebrity pups lounge around the boutique about once a month, but not all at the same time. "One time I had all three, it was nuts. They know they get free stuff, so they go wild," Ronay said.

The boutique caters to only dogs and cats. No human pet-loving paraphernalia is sold – It's is all about the pets. Although Ronay doesn't own any cats (he is allergic), Best Buddies carries a small selection of cat necessities: catnip, collars, wet and dry food, and toys. 

"We just started carrying some cat products two months ago. Cats are people too," Ronay said. "As of right now, we don't have very much, I would need a whole other store just for cat supplies to hold all of them; maybe one day."

All food and treats contain no chocolate, salt, or sugar. Best Buddies will match all food and treat prices. The boutique doesn't carry any potentially harmful pet products, such as nail polish or fur dyes, and every product goes through the "Buddy test" before being sold. 

"He is little but ferocious and will tear up anything," Ronay said. "If Buddy can't destroy it, most other dogs won't be able to either." 

Happy gets jealous and will assist Buddy during the toy testing, while Dusty taste tests all the treats. 

Owners can hand-pick any gourmet dessert from the Fill Me Up table for $6.50 dollars a container. From carob-covered sprinkled pretzels to bite-size carob chip cookies, the treats look real and taste good too. The animal crackers are Ronay's favorites, he steals a few when the pups aren't looking.

Customizable antibacterial water bowls are a specialty item at Best Buddies. Pick any font, any color, and any design to personalize a stick able vinyl for each pet's unique style. Besides the basic grooming needs, food products, and dog accessories, Best Buddies sells a variety of pet clothes - doggie plaid overalls or pink poke-o-dot dresses, ranging from $10 dollars to $20 dollars each. 

Best Buddies partners with local animal charities such as the SPCA, Friends of Strays, and Pet Pals. In early May, the dog boutique hosted the SPCA Tampa Bay dog adoption event, which is in the works to becoming a regular event at Best Buddies.

Other special events include birthday parties and private shopping days. The birthday parties are $250 dollars which include a cake, invitations, treats, and party hats and plates. All parties are personalized for each individual pet. The parties can be at home or in store. The store is also closed during private shopping days, for the owner and pet to shop at their leisure. The private shopping days are free with a minimum purchase of $200 dollars. 

"Some kids aren't fortunate enough to have a real pet, so this is the next best thing," Ronay said. 

Starting at $9 dollars, Adopt-A-Bud plush pets give non-pet families the opportunity to experience the love of having a pet. Gift boxes for new puppies, spa time, and sports fun include related items for each category, starting at $78 dollars. 

Whether its real or plush, Best Buddies pampers pets and treats every dog and every cat as a person too. 

Best Buddies is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday the store is closed, and Monday is by appointment only.