all about pets

The first thing a customer notices when they visit All About Pets (1800 Post Road, Warwick, RI) is the big sign in the window that reads:  "Holistic." The word rings a faint bell, but... "Holistic means everything used in our Grooming Process is All Natural," says owner Denise Rachiele, seated behind the front counter.  "No dyes, nothing chemical or artificial.  Also, we don't cage dry."  I ask what that means:  "Cage Drying means the dogs are put in a cage with heat dryers directed at them," she explains. I don't like the sound of it.  Neither does Denise.  "We hand dry with blow-dryers," she says.  

It's obvious this woman loves dogs- including the big, friendly fellow who keeps her company behind the counter, charming customers with her wagging tail.  Denise treats her puppy patrons like old friends.  There is also a frolicsome little puppy with seven "Do not pet" signs around its enclosure (Too much petting can be stressful to a young pup).  Yes, it's obvious the owner loves her dogs... "Dogs are gross," she says.  Wait! Time out!  Aren't dogs cute, cuddly, loyal, helpful, and don't you really want to own one?  Well, yes, but...  "They roll in really disgusting things," Denise points out.  And luckily they do.  There is an iguana giving me a cranky look, goldfish, and a few other critters for sale in the shop, but the Main Event at All About Pets is Dog Grooming.  Dog Grooming done with special care.  By the time our interview concluded, it was obvious to me that the official motto for Denise and the rest of her crew here at All About Pets:  We take special care.

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All About Pets
1800 Post Road
Warwick, RI
(left side of Plaza)
 
401-732-0133
www.allaboutpetsri.com

- G.G.