The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
KEEPING PETS HAPPY
Happy Tails Pet Supply opens in Chester Township
Duck hearts and beaver tails are just a few doggie treats that can be found at Happy Tails Pet Supply in Chester Township.
Along with the unusual chews the store is stocked with numerous products for cats, rabbits, birds and other pets.
Owner Mark Widenauer recently opened the business and is working on launching another site in Mentor-onthe-Lake.
After retiring from a lengthy teaching career in the Mentor School District and racking up business experience by operating several area Great Clips hair salons, Widenauer’s interests expanded to include the world of pets.
“I would have never thought about a pet store unless I had a dog,” he said about Mars, a cockapoo who lives with the Widenauer family in Mentor.
Initially exploring pet supply franchises, he decided that a local enterprise which provided personal service was more suitable.
When the former location of Pet’s Life in West Geauga Plaza at the corner of Routes 306 and 322 became available he knew the spot would work well. The 4,300 square-footspace has been renovated and now offers dog wash stations ($13 with shampoo included) along with full grooming services. Mindful of the importance of good nutrition for pets’ health, Happy Tails carries several brands of high quality protein foods, treats and supplements. Widenauer has also made space on the shelves for goods produced by local entrepreneurs.
A fireman who lives in Perry furnishes the store with the “Hound Hose,” a tug toy composed of recycled fire hose material. Chicken jerky treats are also made nearby.
Staff member Jennifer Kluk is a former Pet’s Life employee whom Widenauer refers to as a pet nutrition “guru.”
Kluk noted that over the past few years people have
become advocates for their dogs and cats just like they are with their own health. Thus, she’s pleased with the store’s focus on nutritious products.
Some foods found in stores are comprised mostly of fillers such as corn and are not as beneficial as those containing significant amounts of protein, according to Kluk. Fromm and Nutrisource are among top brands she suggests.
As an owner of three rescue cats, she claims that “everything in here I would feel comfortable feeding my own animals.”
Along with everyday nutrition matters, Kluk works with patrons seeking specialized help for pets’ medical issues. She maintains that allergies, kidney and liver ailments can often be improved with the right food and supplements.
“Pay a little more now for healthy food…or pay more for vet bills later,” she said.
An October 2021 article on the website Forbes. com states that “With people treating their pets more and more like family members, the pet industry continues to see a rise in niche and premium products and services. The one thread tying almost all these trends together is: pet health and wellness. Pet owners are more eager than ever to give their pets everything they need to keep them healthy and happy”
Widenauer agrees with the idea that pets have reached “family member” status.
“That’s why you hear names like ‘fur baby’ and ‘dog mom’,” he said.
In moves to reach out to the community, Happy Tails is working with a local cat sanctuary and also plans to link with the Lake Humane Society and Geauga County Dog Warden’s office.