December 6, 2005

When only the best will do

Metro Pooch Dog Boutique and Bakery delivers the goods

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Does Fido need a new bone? Is Kitty out of catnip? If that’s the case, a trip to Metro Pooch Dog Boutique and Bakery is the cat’s meow and the dog’s tuxedo.

Metro Pooch is loaded with clothing for the well-dressed canine.

The pet project of David and Rosa Alejo has accolades coming from all the dogs and cats who receive gifts from the “purrfect” store and from the owners who bestow clothes, carriers, toys and beds to their beloved companions.

“Metro Pooch all started when we adopted our golden retriever Daisy,” said owner Rosa Alejo. “It was hard to find things for her and we kept seeing things on line. We wondered why we couldn’t just walk into a store and buy special things for her.”

And with ideas and help from family and friends, the idea of a dog and cat boutique began, and opened this past Labor Day.

And of course, what is more important than treats to canines and felines? Metro Pooch also has a bakery—with fresh goodies for dogs. Pumpkin spice cookies, truffles of carob and peanut butter, meatball treats and chicken liver pretzels are just some of the mouth watering goodies you’ll find for your faithful companions. There’s even organic, vegetarian and biscuits for the allergic pet. What more could your furry companion ask for?

How about a fur chaise lounge bed, harem bed or a Positively Posh Puppy Nursery Set? Metro Pooch specializes in unique items and special safety products. There’s the three-in-one Wheel Away Pet carrier which is also a back pack and car seat. There’s a harness that doubles as an attachment to a seatbelt for your canine’s ride in a car.

And for the well dressed dog? Leather reversible jackets, lace dresses and crocheted collars are just a taste of what Metro Pooch has available in all sizes. And don’t forget spa items for your finicky pet. Rosa and her sister Christina Jaime will special order if you can’t find the right size. Not only that, Metro Pooch will even try to find whatever you’re looking for if they don’t have it in stock.

“It’s really fun when people come in and see all the items we have,” said Jaime, Metro Pooch’s store manager and Himalayan cat owner. “They’re really blown away. And they bring their pets in and show us their tricks. And I love working with my sister. She puts her heart into whatever she does.”

Metro Pooch has another doggie mascot besides Daisy. The sisters adopted Little Barkley, a Lhasa Apso, right before Thanksgiving. Barkley is at the store most days and also models many of the outfits available for sale. At night, she goes home with either Rosa or Christina.

Sisters Christina Jaime, Rosa Alejo and new mascot, Barkley, are having a dog-gone good time with Metro Pooch. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Metro Pooch also is involved with the community. At the opening of the new Los Gatos Creek Dog Park, the sisters donated the cake [which can be ordered for Fido’s birthday as well] that was cut instead of a ribbon. At Bark in the Park, they supplied the treats to the grateful canines who attended.

“We want to plan adoption fairs at the store,” said Christina. “Right now we have the bulletin board for adoption. And we have a professional photographer coming again in January for animal portraits. It’s all so much fun.”

But both women find that equally important is the positive changes that happen in their customer’s lives because of their four-legged companions.

“The best thing is seeing all the dogs and their people and how happy they are with each other,” said Rosa. “One lady was bedridden and said that if she hadn’t had her dog she wouldn’t have been able to get out of bed. It’s amazing what a difference dogs and cats make in people’s lives.”

So if you want to make this an extra special Christmas for your furry friends, visit Metro Pooch Dog Boutique and Bakery. They’ll be happy you did.

Metro Pooch Dog Boutique and Bakery is located in downtown Campbell at 241b E. Campbell Ave. For further information call (408) 379-BARK or on-line at www.metropooch.com.