May 24, 2007

The new Kings Yard store, See Spot Run, opened recently. Shown here are, left, Joann McKee, who will manage the store, with her French poodle, Sparky, and the store’s owner, Cathy Christian, with her Italian greyhounds, Nemo and Ditto, along with her father’s dog, Bugsy. The store is located behind Ye Olde Trail Tavern in the former location of the Village Artisans.

By Tara Miller

Henry Ward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, said the dog “is the god of frolic.” Cathy Christian, owner of the new King’s Yard shop See Spot Run, understands this fundamental canine trait and has stocked her store with dog-related items sure to please even the most particular tastes.

Christian, owner of Italian greyhounds Ditto and Nemo, said that not long ago it was difficult to find any variety in clothing for her short-haired companions. Short-haired dogs need a sweater in the winter, and now, according to Christian, the trade shows offer a plethora of choices.

“I haven’t scratched the surface of what’s now available,” she said.

Even so, See Spot Run is packed with a variety of items that range from the necessary to pure fun. Christian carries a full line of shampoos and conditioners, laundry soap for pets’ bedding and clothing, and rug shampoos to rid areas of pet odor, including a black light to aid in finding the accident zone.

A grand opening is being planned and the first big sale is set for Memorial Day weekend, out in King’s Yard, along with sale events from other King’s Yard shops.

Christian said she strives to find quality merchandise at affordable prices. An example is the Bucchi Bag and leash. The Bucchi Bag attaches to a leash and is big enough to carry your cell phone, credit cards or cash and comes supplied with poop bags. Dog walkers can stop for a coffee, detach the leash from the bag, secure dog to a pole or tree and carry the bag into the store, Christian said, and the product has proven popular in Hollywood, where Joan Rivers had one designed especially for her companion.

“It’s Hollywood style, without the Hollywood price,” Christian said.

Doggie clothing items include t-shirts, jeans, hats, and sweaters. Joann McKee, manager and owner of French poodle Sparky, said cashmere sweaters have been ordered. So have Swarovski crystals, for the dogs that prefer a touch of bling in their wardrobe.

The store has a wide selection of toys, treats and rawhide items that are made in the U.S. Dogs are, of course, welcome in the store to pick out their own toy or try on clothing items and there’s a free treat for furry shoppers. Right now, costumes are on sale with more arriving in the fall, just in time for Fido’s Halloween plans.

Besides the usual pillow beds, there are specialty beds as well, such as a tea cup and a Mercedes model “Furcedes.” If you have a new addition to your family, See Spot Run has available items geared to the younger group, such as a playpen or play pillow, complete with squeakers and chew toys attached.

If your dog enjoys traveling to different locales, the shop carries a variety of travel supplies, including portable water bowls that fold flat, portable potties and an airline-approved pet cabin carrier.

“Many of the items have been moved from Garden Arts and Gifts,” Christian said. “It all started there and did well.”

In addition to the merchandise, Christian, McKee and Pam Adams, who also works in the shop, are planning many social activities for dogs, as well as seminars and special events. A sampling of events includes a pet psychic, first aid classes culminating in a Red Cross certification, and speaker Bob Wisenberg, who is one of two Ohio Humane Society’s representatives who aided in rescuing dogs after Hurricane Katrina. Christian said she has been working with veterinarians and the Humane Society in designing dog events. Those interested in upcoming events and seminars can sign up for the shop’s newsletter at www.seespotrunyso.com.

Immediate plans are for pups to purchase a painting kit and create their own masterpiece, either in the store or in their home studio, that Christian will display during Art Stroll. The “Puppy Picasso” winner will receive a prize package from See Spot Run.

In addition to the shop, there is also a patio, See Spot Sit, which will open soon where dogs, with their owners, can mingle with other pets and their owners while enjoying a snack. It will also be possible to book a private birthday party for your pooch. And if your pet is invited to a party but has a full social calendar and can’t attend, Crunch Cards are available in the shop to send to the birthday celebrant, who after reading the best wishes can then eat them.

“Pets are an important part of society,” Christian said. “People who have pets are generally healthier. Pets are a valuable asset.” And if your pet is a feline, Christian said many of the toys, bedding and clothing items can be used easily by cats.

See Spot Run is located at 230 Xenia Avenue. Summer hours are Monday–Thursday, noon–5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. The phone number is 767-YAPS (9277).

* Tara Miller is a freelance writer and photographer for the News.