Boutique Brings High-Quality Pet Products to Clarendon Hills

Although she was raised in Lisle and now lives in Chicago, Lila Mufti didn't base her business in Clarendon Hills by accident.

“It was just the perfect location. I was looking for that quaint little downtown and I wanted to be in the western suburbs,” the owner of  said.

Mufti said she has always had a passion for dogs and a dream of opening her own business. It just seemed logical to combine the two.

“It's been two years since we opened and, going into our third, business is still strong,” she said. “I did know going into this that even in a recession, there is a demand for these types of pet products.”

Modern Dog, just like human boutiques, specializes in items that you won't find a major retailers. Specifically, it's all about all-natural products.

“All-natural means all the ingredients in the food and treats is real and there are not preservatives,” Mufti said. “They are also all made in the U.S., Canada or New Zealand.”

Mufti said her store contains no shortage of unique, high-quality items.

Modern Dog carries the most recent lines of pet toys, a huge assortment of fashionable collars and sweaters, and even Dog is Good apparel to help dog owners show their love.

“I hadn't planned on carrying any of the human clothing, but the 'It's all fun and games until somebody ends up in a cone' shirt has just been a great seller and all of the Dog is Good merchandise is very high quality.”

Mufti said that customers range from people coming in just to poke around and buy some of the apparel, to people who stop in religiously for all their food and treats.

As for the future of the business, Mufti plans to continue selling the same high-quality and all-natural merchandise and will be starting up some basic puppy training at the store.

She is also revamping the store's website for sales that will even include a mobile app, in case you need to place an order on the go. Mufti said she is considering food-delivery, as well.

She also said that she is working with her neighboring business, , for a Yappy Hour on Oct. 20. The event will feature wine and doggy photos at the Classic Kids photo studio in Hinsdale.

Modern Dog Boutique is open six days a week: Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the Modern Dog website.