If your dogs seem intent on heading in a certain direction while walking around historic Fairhaven, it’s possible they are tempted by the delicious smells wafting from Village Green Pet Supply. Owner Sally Noble carries a wide selection of high-grade dog and cat food, along with conscientiously selected treats in bins and bags throughout her boutique. “I watch people’s dogs try to pull them in here. People try to resist. I’m like, ‘Just walk through. You don’t have to buy anything, let your dogs come smell the place,’” Sally shares. “I had a lady who came in and she’s like, ‘I was dragged two blocks. I was trying to figure out where we were going and now I understand.’ Two blocks and you can smell this place, apparently!”
For Sally, the idea for Village Green Pet Supply began on a walk with her own dog. Moving back to Washington after a long stint in Portland, Sally missed the pet boutiques she used to frequent with her dog Lily. Seeing an empty storefront in Fairhaven, she pictured the type of boutique she wanted. With a little guidance from the Small Business and Development Center, she eventually made the leap from employee to pet store owner. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs — her parents successfully changed business ventures throughout their working careers — Sally feels she is carrying on the family torch. Installed as her front counter is the original wooden desktop her father used in his home office years ago.
With a degree in Community Development and experience as a Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Portland, Sally continues her passion for community and sustainability within her pet store as well. The sustainability part comes in with her careful selection of products. “When I was picking out my products here, trying to make sure that companies have some type of manufacturing that’s sustainable or the fish is from the ocean, not from farms, just sort of thinking carefully about product selection,” Sally explains. “The toys are really durable. I don’t have toys that are just going to fall apart and you have to buy them again immediately.”
When it comes to pet food, Sally researches and works closely with representatives to ensure their product fits in with her level of integrity. “I want to carry things that are safe for dogs and cats, so I am careful about the product selection. I’m trying to be thoughtful about what I’m bringing in,” Sally explains. “The companies have to be transparent about their process too. If they are really closed about how they are doing things, that’s not a good sign. High safety standards are really important, too.”
Within the store, customers have access to human grade pet food options made with humanely raised livestock, high in proteins, free of grains commonly known to cause allergies or digestion problems, and brands that have a great reputation. Pet food is also available in a variety of forms. Kibble, canned, raw, dehydrated, and freeze-dried are all available. Sally also offers samples for pet owners wanting to try a new food, but who might be concerned about whether their pet will like it.
Each day in the pet store, Sally experiences a sense of community. People have a need for connection and pets are a part of that. The store attracts customers and conversation from near and far. During my short visit at the shop, visitors from the UK, San Francisco, and the store next door all came in to share stories and find treats for the pets in their lives. “People love to talk about their dogs, too,” Sally shares. “I find some people just need to talk. It’s like a little bit of support. I have people that are becoming friends that are customers.”
Dogs also have their own reasons for coming into the pet store. “I think dogs are on good behavior too in the pet store,” Sally shares. “They’re just like, ‘I’ll do whatever you say. You have everything I want.’”
Sally shared a story about one dog that frequents the store just to check and make sure his pet food supply is still in stock on the shelf. Even dogs on strict diets still enjoy the pleasure they get taking in all the smells during a short tour around the store. Others enjoy a treat from the bulk jar or chomping on a yak chew while laying down on the boutique’s floor. “I actually do have dogs that lay down and they don’t want to go,” Sally shares. “They’re not moving. I literally have to grab a treat and walk out the door with the owner. They want to stay.”
Village Green Pet Supply can be found in Fairhaven at 1200 10th Street, Suite 104. Doors are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays.
