PHOTOS: Capoochino's Hosts Bloomfield Animal Shelter Fundraiser

When the Bloomfield Bunny recently hopped over to Capoochino’s Pet Grooming Galleria in Nutley, it was a good example of how towns, local businesses and philanthropy can come together for the common good.

Representing the Bloomfield Animal Shelter was the big white Bloomfield Bunny, and his furry friend the Dalmatian, who had dropped by to raise money for the animal shelter.  Standing outside Capoochino’s quaint storefront at 21 Franklin Avenue, the critters flagged down cars and curious onlookers, many of whom stopped to take photos and make a donation to the shelter.

When it got dark, the shelter volunteers went inside the cozy and relaxed premises of Capoochinos, chatting with friends and drinking coffee.  Dogs, some wearing cute outfits, were offered treats in Easter egg containers.

“We just love the Bloomfield Animal Shelter,” Capoochino owner Linda Cubellis said with a smile.  “I was always one for rescuing dogs.  I offered our place as a place they could use to raise money for the shelter.”

Cubellis and co-owner Cathy Miller set up their pet care and grooming “galleria” in October.  Among the services they offer is doggie day care from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (“7:00 at the latest”) which includes two walks a day, feeding and lots of love and attention in the home-like environment.  A playroom equipped with a comfy couch, toy box, doggie beds, dishes and a soft rug allows dogs to roam freely while still being supervised by Cubellis and Miller.

As a special added feature, there is a webcam installed in the Galleria, so protective owners can keep an eye on Fido all day. 

Day Care is $25.00 per day; $17 for half day, per dog.  For multiple dog day care rates, “we’ll work with you in a price.”  All dogs must be spayed/neutered and up to date on shots.

The cage-free environment illustrates the owners’ philosophy that family pets “are members of the family.  We hate for them to be in cages in all day.”  And sure enough, the calm, un-confined environment seems to take the stress out of grooming for the dogs. 

“With the webcam, you can watch your pet all day whether you’re at home, work on the road,” smiled Cubellis.

On a recent day this week, Capoochinos was full of activity as three clients, a fluffy shih tzu named Aries and two small mixed breeds, BJ and Bailey, awaited their turns at the grooming table.  As Miller bathed Aries, Cubellis clipped Bailey and talked about her upcoming plans for Capoochinos (emphasis on "POOCH").

“Cathy and I are going to be certified for CPR and pet glucose.  Meaning, if your pet needs an insulin shot, we can do it,”  she said, adding that she is a pet nutritionist as well as a “Cesar Milan Ambassador.”  The owners will soon offer dog-training classes and, beginning April 15, will teach dog grooming “for people who want to become dog groomers.”

Cubellis explained that dogs adopted at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter can come to Capoochinos and get their first grooming free, saying it’s especially important for support animal shelter in tough economic times.

“There are too many pets being let go because people are out of a job.  People need to be aware that they can bring their pets to a shelter instead of leaving them out on the street,” she said.  “We don’t have an animal shelter in Nutley.  The closest one we have is the Bloomfield Animal Shelter.”

In fact, the partnership between the shelter is only one of several pet-friendly ventures Cubellis and co-owner/business partner Cathy Miller have begun since opening their doors in October.   On April 15 Cubellis will begin teaching dog-grooming classes. 

Long-time friends Cubellis and Miller decided to open their business last year after the economic downturn left both jobless.  Cubellis, a career services director and Miller, the owner of a brokerage business, decided their love of animals was a good starting point for a new business venture. Though they’ve been in business a few months -- “We are a baby business but we're doing well” -- they have a system downpat already.  Cubellis grooms the pets and Miller is responsible for bathing (“she’s the pampering, spoiling one”) while both schedule appointments and keep the place tidy.

“We just love these dogs,” said Cubellis, pausing to give Bailey a kiss.  And when it comes down to it, that is what Capoochinos Galleria and Day Care is all about.

Capoochino's Pet Grooming Galleria and Day Care

21 Franklin Avenue

Nutey, NJ (973) 320-5609

www.capoochinos.com