Ciao! Bow Wow Caters to the Health of Pets

Ciao! Bow Wow, a unique pet supply retail store recently opened at Butcher Boy Plaza. The store which moved from Rowley to North Andover specializes in all-natural and organic foods and treats for dogs and cats.  

Store owner and President Melanie "Mel" LaRocca said, "We outgrew our space after three successful years in Rowley, and we had been interested in this location for a while."

LaRocca who owns two dogs and three cats knows first-hand the benefits of healthy food for pets. "If I can't eat it, I wouldn't give it to my animals," she explained. 

It all started 10 years ago when LaRocca began preparing all natural and organic stew for Holstein, her elderly Akita after giving up on finding something healthful in stores.

"The results were immediate," she said. "My dog had more energy and vitality, and she lived an additional three years."

After hearing similar stories from other pet owners, she began to make biscuits and treats for dogs, cats and horses and stew for a few clients. By word of mouth, her reputation grew. LaRocca boasts that her treats had been sent to canine clients in Italy and France as well as the White House.

At first she sold her treats at the winery she worked until it became apparent that LaRocca needed her own store. Her dream, she said was to offer the best food and treats, friendly advice and a great selection of high quality gear at at competitive prices.

She said her pet food ingredients are all-natural, human-grade and minimally processed. "We research the manufacturers of every product in the store to ensure the highest quality and price value." 

The business is a family affair. Mame, her 10 year old Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the official spokesmodel and taste-tester. It is her likeness that is on the Ciao! Bow Wow logo. 

Upon entering the store, patrons will be greeted by Maude, her 2 year old Cardigan Welsh Corgi from England who LaRocca said "barks with an accent, and has an official passport."

"I want it to be a fun shopping experience. We have treats for pets to sample, as well as snacks for kids who come into the store," she said

The store's large selection of collars and leads, beds, crates and toys are all made by local artisans including the designer Douglas Paquette of Rhode Island and Schnoodleware Dog Toys of North Reading.

LaRocca stressed the important of keeping it local and green. The cat beds have organic catnip, and a Rowley furniture maker used recycled wood to build the shelvings.

According to LaRocca, Ciao! Bow Wow was voted "Best PET Supply Shop" in 2009 and 2010 by Community Newspapers 'People's Choice Awards', and "Best All Natural Dog Food"by New Hampshire Magazine in 2007.

The hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 10am-2pm. The phone number is 978-975-3647 (DOGS). For more information on products, check the website.