Living in Paw-radise
Caring for our best friends, doggone healthy place to shop
Your dog may never again settle for table scraps.
Estero-based Paw-radise bakes its own line of gourmet pet treats that are yummy and a healthier alternative for dogs, a point that has propelled business since the shop opened in 2009. Most of the treats are human-grade, meaning some could be (and often are) consumed by pet owners, items such as hand-made cakes, pizza and other goodies sold by the pound.
Before opening Paw-radise, owner Karine Belisle baked natural dog treats for her own pets, discovering more about what worked best. She also studied professional cat and dog grooming, earning a certificate as a cat stylist. Paw-radise today offers cat- and dog-grooming services and styling, along with the popular bakery and an array of natural foods and pet products. Belisle’s son, Benjamin Major, came aboard two years ago as a manager and co-owner after completing his studies in Kentucky and Japan and becoming a certified groomer.
WE HAVE A WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM WHERE WE CAN PROVIDE THE RIGHT TYPES OF FOODS AND TREATS.” —BENJAMIN MAJOR, PAW-RADISE CO-OWNER
Paw-radise baker Tony Weeks, a nutrition specialist, pulls new treats from his oven every day, he says, noting that the shop also offers nutritional and other health advice to extend a pet’s life. There are some 80 million American dogs and nearly 100 million cats, Weeks says, many of which are living much longer due to dietary concerns and recognition that standard pet treats and many bagged foods aren’t nutritious, he says.
Cookies and treats that Weeks cooks up are taste tested by staff, which includes Kenya, a bullmastiff and the store’s greeter and mascot. Cookie ingredients include everything from garlic to green beans to peanut butter to carob. Some are also handdipped in carob, yogurt, strawberry, and peanut butter, while others are hypo-allergenic, he says. The cookies, Major says, are very popular. “So much, in fact, that we offer a Loyalty Cookie Card for our cookie lovers,” he says.
Recently added at the shop was a raw bar that offers freezedried treats, a healthy alternative. “The nutrients aren’t cooked out of them, so the flavor and nutrition are locked in,” explains Major.
In addition to all of the tasty homemade goodies, Paw-radise offers dog and cat foods that are holistic and made in America. Brands such as Orijen, Acana and Earthborn can be found on shelves, while brands such as Tucker, Answers and Bravo can be found in the freezer. “Our food is corn, wheat and soy-free, and we also have grain-free alternatives,” explains Major.
Also on the shelves are healthy packaged treats, toys, and products such as vitamins,
along with natural products such as flea and tick sprays.
For those who would like a recommended food, ask the knowledgeable staff about making the right suggestions, depending on the needs of the pet. “For example, we have a weight-loss program where we can provide the right types of foods and treats and owners can come in every week to check their pet’s weight,” says Major.
Paw-radise also offers products and advice for pets that experience anxiety and other issues. “Our Cani Bits, CBDinfused treats, work so well that they never stay very long on the shelves,” explains Major, adding that CBD, or cannabidiol oil, is a byproduct of hemp and works to reduce anxiety and pain, stimulating appetites, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing or helping to control seizures.
Tony Weeks daily is busy in the bakery creating something new or filling an order, such as a bone-shaped (and sugar-free) birthday cake with pink frosting. “Although I was trained in human nutrition, I really enjoy making pet creations―and many of the same nutritional considerations apply,” explains Weeks, while stirring another batch of dog cookies.
Weeks, Major and the rest of the staff at Paw-radise always
COOKIES AND TREATS THAT WEEKS COOKS UP ARE HUMAN-GRADE AND ARE TASTE TESTED BY STAFF.
give the cookies and other treats two thumbs and four paws up before yummy items hit the shelves.