Tail Waggers Pet Supplies

Stephanie Gau has loved dogs all her life but it wasn't until she discovered Meatlovers, the nutrient-rich organic dog food used by police departments, that that the idea to open her own business took shape. Meatlovers wasn't a new concept, as the company had been around since the invention of dogs in 1949, but Stephanie, who had worked in law enforcement, felt she could combine the time-tested food with other products and services and her passion for canine care.

Today, the dog lover packs her shop with locally made goodies waiting to fill the stomachs of man's best friends. She works with the local Yellow Dog Bakery to outfit canine chompers with treats such as birthday cakes, pupcakes, and decorated cookies. Stephanie also educates customers on proper dog nutrition, while Waggles—the store's dalmatian mascot—attends local events at dog parks and garden shows.

In addition to the retail shop, Stephanie and her team groom pups and run a boarding center. Unlike most kennels, Tail Waggers' crew doesn't keep their furry friends inside crates or cages. Instead, canines spend nights in doggy hotel rooms and days in a play area, where they can bounce and play cribbage with other dogs between regular trips outside.