Retail Roundup

Catherine Eberhard

Pets can be a source of joy and comfort in difficult times.

No matter what mood you are in, your pet always loves you and wants

your attention. Two Huntington Beach businesses can help give back to

your animals the care they deserve.

When you enter Noah’s Ark Pet Kingdom, you will likely be greeted by a

colorful green and yellow Amazon who cheerfully says “Hello” in his best

bird voice.

If you’re looking for a new little member for your family, this pet

store, located in the Huntington Harbour Mall, sells adorable puppies,

kittens, birds, reptiles, small animals and freshwater fish.

In business more than 20 years, Huntington Beach residents John and

Debbie Knox sell a variety of pet supplies and also offer professional

grooming for dogs and cats. They offer all natural flea baths during

grooming if necessary, but avoid flea dips because of the harsh

chemicals. Appointments for grooming are recommended, but walk-ins are

welcome if space is available.

John Knox, 36, enjoys owning and working at his pet store and has

several regular customers he knows on a first namebasis.

“The people in the Huntington Harbour area are very loyal to my

store,” he proudly reported.

Knox told me how he avoids the out-of-state puppy mills that produce

animals like a product in a factory. The puppies and kittens at Noah’s

Ark are only bought from local breeders.

“I usually go to the people’s homes to see both parents and the litter

and make sure the animals are in a loving environment,” he said. “That

way, I can see their weight, color, size and disposition. I never carry

more than three puppies at a time and they are all hand chosen.”

At Noah’s Ark you will find several brands of specialized pet food and

supplies for whatever animal you may have, whether it is a Golden

Retriever or an Iguana. The Knox’s are more than willing to answer any of

your pet related questions and give out their expert advice on how to

give your special animal the best care.

Noah’s Ark Pet Kingdom is at 16843 Algonquin St., in the Huntington

Harbour Mall. Additional information can be found by visiting its Web

site at o7 https://www.noahsarcpetkingdom.com f7 or by calling (714)

840-3400.

Another Huntington Beach business that caters to our furry companions

is Wiskers Pet Beastro and Bowteek, at 301 Main St.

Focusing primarily on canines, Wiskers is described by owners Jim Poer

and Scott Rinehart as a “unique gift shop for pets and their parents.”

Poer, 36, and Rinehart, 41, just opened their Huntington Beach store

on the Fourth of July this year. They have one other location in Belmont

Shore, which has been going strong since it was founded three years ago.

The most popular section of Wiskers is the bakery case where freshly

baked doggie treats with names like Bark-la-va, Sushi Cookie and

Breakfast Bacon Croissants, are temptingly displayed. The treats are low

in fat, contain no preservatives and never include dairy, refined sugar,

or chocolate, which is harmful to dogs. The store even has lusciously

frosted birthday cakes that will feed up to 10 dogs at a doggie birthday

party.

“Dogs have been dragging their owners in from blocks away,” Poer said.

Dogs and cats alike, are always welcome in Wiskers and every animal

visitor gets a free sample treat. On the sidewalk out front of the store

there is a welcoming water dish filled to the brim and every passing dog

is invited to help himself to a cool drink.

Wiskers is not only known for its bakery, it also features a full line

of gifts for the “parents.” Customized watercolor or oil portraits of

your dog or cat can be commissioned, and there are pet painted ceramics,

metal sculptures of animals, coffee mugs, picture frames, greeting cards,

fashionable leashes, collars and colorful pet bowls displayed throughout

the store. There is even a line of pet clothing that includes Hawaiian

shirts, bandannas and rain coats for your dog. If you consider your pet

to be a princess, you can purchase a rhinestone-studded tiara for their

furry head.

“We describe the store as a Mrs. Field’s Cookies store for dogs and

cats and a Hallmark store for dog and cat lovers,” Rinehart said.

Wiskers is hosting a Halloween costume contest for pets and their

owners next month. On Oct. 13-16, a unique festive setting will be

created in the store and a professional photographer will be on hand to

capture you and your pet in the Halloween spirit. The pet who is judged

to have the best Halloween costume will win a designer solid oak sleigh

bed to be given out on Halloween Night. Additional prizes in the contest

include mouse pads, tote bags, posters, magnets and coasters.

To learn more about this unique pet store, you can go to o7

https://www.ewiskers.cof7 m or call (714) 969-8478. Better yet, put your

dog on a leash and explore the store together at 301 Main St. #105.

* CATHERINE EBERHARD is a Huntington Beach resident and her column

focuses on local businesses. If you have items for Retail Roundup, e-mail

them to RetailRoundup@aol.com or fax to (714) 965-7174.