September/October 1999 Issue

Pampering Your Pet

Tradition says man’s best friend is a dog, but recent surveys show that this country actually has more cat owners than dog owners—certainly the islands have their fair share of both. The islands are also full of bird lovers, both residents and visitors. And what better surroundings could there be to raise tropical fish? Then there are always those whose interests extend to the exotic—iguanas and snakes and the like. Whatever your preference in pets, the islands offer a variety of products and services for your animal friends.
   Although the islands’ only pet store, Tarpon Bay Pet Shop, recently closed (owner Max Keys retired), there are some interesting shops and other alternatives where you can find those necessary or just-plain-fun items for your pets.
   Of course, the islands’ grocery and convenience stores sell dog and cat food, animal health products, and toys, and some also carry birdseed. Bailey’s General Store has an off-the-beaten-track toy: The Aspen Pet Soft Bite Floppy Disc. It is written in English, Spanish, and French, just in case your dog is trilingual. Corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 941/472-1516.
   Coral Veterinary Clinic’s Sanibel Outpatient Office can help you keep track of your pet by implanting a microchip or ordering a personalized pet ID tag. Receptionist Martha Nichols says they also carry many types of shampoos, as well as flea and tick treatments for pets, carpets, and homes. They do not compete with stores by selling leashes, but they do offer specialty pet foods, including Science Diet, Iams, and Hill’s. 1530 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/472-8387; 9540 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, 941/481-4746.
   Just behind the clinic, Kenbre Dog Grooming, owned by Marion Smith for 25 years, has a large selection of leashes, combs, and collars, including some collars that are jewel studded. Smith used to groom both dogs and cats, but now limits her services to canine clientele. If your pooch has a hot date and cannot find a thing to wear, Smith also sells dog clothing. Most popular, she says, are sweaters and raincoats for little dogs. Smith can also order many items not in stock.
   For your winged friends in the wild, The Audubon Nature Store at the Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center is a great place to find birdhouses. The Bird Beakin’ is a functioning birdhouse made in Maine and in the shape of a tall black, white, and red lighthouse. Decorative bird feeders by Kathy Hatch are hand painted and come in many styles, including sailboats, rowboats, little cottages, cafés, or garden houses. Also available are butterfly houses in the shape of tall lighthouses. Just put milkweed and grass in the bottom and wait for a monarch to flutter by. The shop sells a very sturdy birdbath made of a composite of crushed rock from Oklahoma. It is decorative, with an ivy-and-frog design. 1985 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/395-2050.
   At the east end of Sanibel, the Sporty Seahorse Shop also sells Kathy Hatch bird houses. In addition, it carries a competitor’s brand: Polly’s Perch of Charleston, South Carolina. Those styles include a wisteria cottage with copper hangers, a Charleston manse, palm tree decorations, and, for a change, even a snow scene. 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/472-1858.
   Spices ‘n’ Spoons used to have a store in Tahitian Gardens but owner Marie Stevens is now running her shop as an online business. That is fortunate for fans of its ceramic bowls for dogs and cats, which are decorated with blue paws and inscriptions such as “Lovable Mitt,” “Mini Mutt,” “Bone Appetite,” “Tuna Breath,” or “Cat From Hell.” “The bowls can also be customized,” Stevens says. “Just order from our Web site.” www.spicesnspoons-sanibel.com.
   Animal lovers will find an abundance of clothes, totes, T-shirts, and stuffed creatures celebrating dogs, cats, and other critters at Jena Fish in The Village on Sanibel, or on Captiva. The store has just as many unusual and fun items that pets will love, too. Forchewin’ Cookies have real doggie fortunes that you can read to your canine pal. Or give your dog a chance to try gourmet pasta cookies.
   Jena Fish carries Montana-based Pet Pals’ organic catnip in a shaker and a Rat-a-cat-cat toy. The company also makes a cat-shaped cat bed. Collars and leashes are for sale, including Upcountry cat collars decorated with fish. Litter scoopers are available, as are cat-food scoops.
   Want to freshen Rover’s breath? Have him chase tennis balls flavored with mint, licorice, frosty orange, or peanut butter and jelly!
   Jena Fish owners Joan and Jennifer Chiaramonte will have bowls customized with your pet’s name. Their shop sells Donald Lappert’s Macadamia Nuts from Hawaii, with proceeds going to the National Humane Society. Also on hand are helpful guides listing U.S. accommodations that book people and pets, too (For a look at local accommodations that allow pets, see Concierge, page 56). At the end of October, the Chiaramontes plan to have another Halloween Day for dogs and cats, which is “probably going to turn out to be an annual event.” 2040 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/472-3098; 11514 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 941/395-9495. — Libby Grimm