12 minute read
RHODY GEM: Full-service
SOS reTAIL
Pet Shop
We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!
What it is:
A full-service pet supply store, SOS reTAIL o ers plenty of gear and treats along with in-house dog grooming, training, DIY wash stations, educational workshops, and adoption services.
Where to find it:
Located along Kingstown Road, watch for the sign with a lifesaver for an “O” in SOS, and you’re there.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Little Rhody’s only pet store to donate 100 percent of their profits to animals in need, SOS is an ideal spot for spoiling your own critter with healthy treats and toys while also feeling good about the furry friends you’re helping with a purchase. As part of Save One Soul Animal Rescue League, the shop is committed to creating a personalized customer experience to help you find the perfect products and services for your pet. The shop also houses The Pooch Parlor and Bad Dog Basics, which o er grooming and training, respectively. “We strive to make each guest in our store feel like family: comfortable enough to share their stories and challenges, and safe enough to be open to good advice and new ways of looking at things,” says founder Emma Dawley. She adds, “SOS reTAIL is a collaborative e ort of several great organizations… and that’s the feeling our customers get when experiencing our store – that they are part of something bigger than themselves.”
SOS reTAIL
577 Kingstown Road, Wakefield SOSRetailRI.com @sosretail
To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com
Pretty much every street in this historic fishing village is a joy for dogs. Notable stops are Shayna’s Place (45 Brown Street) with dog-friendly cafe seating along the walkway leading to the marina, as well as award-winning sandwiches, raw juices, and nitro cold brew. Over at Serendipity (3 Main Street), four-yearold Chocolate Lab Lacey snoozes contentedly beside the squirrel-shaped dog treats as owner Melissa Beckwith showcases made-with-love Rhode Island artisan gifts in what was once a pet store (especially cute are the baby onesies with Ru Life logos and the beach/bath hoodies appliqued with a floppy-eared pup).
Would a house overrun with 10 puppies be your idea of heaven? Katie Hutchinson and Jim Fusaro of flatfish cottage (12 Main Street), a home decor and accessories shop, lived that dream while fostering for Heart of RI Rescue and literally had the pick of the litter when it came to their store puppy. Twelve-week-old Abbie now models Beware Of Dog Kisses pillows and lavender-scented paw balm in this artfully curated, neutral-hued home store. “Abbie’s favorite walk is to the grassy area outside the First Baptist Church; it’s just a few minutes but she has to stop and meet every person on the way!” says Hutchinson.
Dog-themed gifts at Serendipity Puppy Abbie at flatfish cottage
Wickf d Village
Jamest n
Portrait by Alexandra Kent
Jamestown is home to artist Alexandra Kent (AlexandraKent.com) who paints endearing and affordable animal portraits in her garden studio amid a flutter of butterflies and cluck of chickens. Kent’s long-haired German Shepherd Rosie watches over every brush stroke and makes sure she takes breaks to stretch and throw a ball. One local spied Kent’s work on display at Island Animal pet store (35 Narragansett Ave) and commissioned a portrait of her late Carolina Dog mix: “Alex so captured my dog’s essence that my heart skipped a beat – for a moment it was like seeing him again!” she shared.
Once you have sighed at the Newport Bridge views from Conanicus Avenue or frolicked at Fort Wetherill State Park, venture inland to the Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe (2 Watson Avenue). You might spot a feisty Morkie (Maltese-Yorkie) relishing a slice of thick bacon amidst shady outdoor spaces. Consider a Portuguese mu n for your breakfast sandwich and a Newport Craft Blueberry Ale for your beverage. Artist Alexandra Kent and German Sheperd Rosie
N aganse & S th Kingst n
Sandy paws are always welcome at the walkup window to The Pour House (3 Pier Marketplace). Co ee connoisseurs and owners Joshua Katz, Katarina Reisch, and Dwight Albrecht, Jr. dote on every canine customer and dispense Doggacinos: little espresso cups filled with dog treats; they even named one beverage after Labradoodle regular Maizey, who frequents the spot with owner Kristin Urbach, executive director of North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce.
For a sunset tipple head to TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill (210 Salt Pond Road). While your pal enjoys the complimentary dog biscuits, sip on a Bloodhound Cocktail made from Tito’s vodka, muddled strawberry, basil, and lemon, content in the knowledge that 25 percent of every sale benefits Animal Rescue Rhode Island. You might even come nose to nose with an ARRI pup as sta take adoptable pets on mini outings here, and to Java Madness (134 Salt Pond Road), as both have decks overlooking the marina, o ering lots of pleasing sea dog sni s.
Rescue dog Alfredo from ARRI
Bloodhound Cocktail at TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill
BE A GOOD DOG
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, pet waste le on the street or lawn does not just go away or fertilize the grass. Rain washes it down storm drains and into waterways like rivers, bays, and beaches. This can make people sick from salmonella, E. coli, and other infections. Pet waste is very toxic – the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that waste produced by just 100 dogs in two or three days (or one weekend) can contain enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shellfishing. Pet waste also provides a nitrogen source for algae blooms, which deplete the water of oxygen and can make people and animals sick.
• Remember to scoop the poop and dispose of it properly – at home and in the community.
• Follow local rules for pets at the beach. State beaches do not allow dogs during the on-season from April 1 to September 30. Town beach rules may vary, but they are generally posted at the beach.
• Follow the leash laws for your city or town, and always keep your dog on a leash at state parks and beaches.
• Dispose of pet waste properly: Place sealed bags of pet waste in the trash. It may help to double bag dog waste or kitty litter. Do not throw waste near or into storm drains, and do not dump kitty litter outside. Do not flush pet waste down your toilet.
Like a scene from The Lion King, Tayla Luddy lifts her five-pound Shih-Poo puppy Beckett aloft, marveling as the sunlight illuminates his strawberry-blond fur. The pair limber upon the banks of the Saugatucket River for the Wakefield portion of the South County Bike Path. This seven-mile trail is hugely popular for dog-walkers, yet you can still have quiet, leafy stretches all to yourself.
The quickest way to restore any calories burned is to order a Morning Bun at South County Bread Company (333 Main Street). Described as the love child of a croissant and cinnamon roll, you’ll also picture a Parisian culinary school as you experience the caramelized crunch and rich buttery flavor. Dog-friendly tables are set European-style on the sidewalk. Just don’t be surprised if your pup tries to head home with owners Je and Keri Lyn Collins – word is their Australian Shepherd Bridget lives in crumb heaven.
Across the street, Caf Bar (396 Main Street) boasts a lovely pet-friendly patio with Moroccan rugs, maple bourbon lattes, and connecting doors leading to Rarities Antiquarian & Vintage Books. This is a truly charming new addition to downtown Wakefield with a grand opening planned at press time for Labor Day weekend. Signings include the authors of A to Z for D-O-G and Dash: My Diary of Love, Life and Cookies, written from the perspective of a South County Yellow Lab with Christine M. Connolly.
Owner Kelly Allen Kujawski (a two dog mama) is a bookbinder by trade and o ers hand-bound notebooks plus fascinating vintage reads, including a 1950s copy of Kasha’s Dog Owners Guide which sagely notes: “It is not necessary to make a vaudeville performer out of your dog.”
Rarities Books
BARKING AREAS
Open spaces to enjoy with your dog, sticks included
Bruce G Ladd Memorial Dog Park
35 Larry Hirsch Lane, Westerly
Compass Rose Beach
1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown
Fort Wetherill State Park
3 Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown
John H Chafee Nature Preserve
1419 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown
Ninigret Park (including Charlestown Dog Park)
5 Park Lane, Charlestown
Point Judith Lighthouse
1460 Ocean Road
Point Judith Lighthouse
1460 Ocean Road
Richmond Dog Park 55 Bu onwoods Road
South County Bike Path SouthCountyBikePath.org
South Kingstown Dog Park
55 St Dominic Road
Tayla Luddy and Beckett in Wakefield
West Kingst
Shaidzon Beer Company (141 Fairgrounds Road) has a pup-friendly beer garden set by the train tracks for a whistle-by thrill, and if you’re lucky, Captain Cheese’s food truck will be parked in the lot. Sara R and her Doodle Lemon were in from Portland visiting family and enjoying craft brews including Sea & Sand Pale Ale.
Richm d
If a dog designed a pet store, it would look exactly like Fetch RI (91 Kingstown Road). This cute white clapboard house has such a bountiful treats bar there’s even a section dedicated to birthday cookies and cake mix. One room brims with toys, while another features catwalk-ready leashes and collars. Best of all, owner Johnna Devereaux is a clinical pet nutritionist who can o er safe, natural solutions to pet problems. This makes for a worthwhile and scenic excursion, especially with Alaina’s Co ee + Kitchen next door. Slide onto one of the colorful Adirondacks and enjoy a yummy Local Hot Honey Grilled Cheese or Acai Bowl with Nutella drizzle while your pup chows down on its healthy no-hide chew.
Ch lest n
Despite its vantage point of vrooming Highway 1 tra c, Dave’s Co ee (5193 Old Post Road) has a secret garden quality to its sprawling grounds. Petite Cattle Dog mix Lacey happily takes in every Instagram-friendly aspect, from the flower-draped gazebo to the iconic vintage green truck, with a clear favorite being the shady grotto area with its cooling rock pool. Providence-based owner Susanna Hall recommends the iced Co ee Milk and outsize strawberry and white chocolate mu ns, still warm from the oven.
Looking for a fun keepsake? The Barn at A Shore Thing (2183 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road) has fun Nauti Dog tea towels and sturdy shopping totes repurposed from dog food sacks. Designed to take the weight of 14 pounds of kibble, they are a practical if unconventional resource with every dollar received going to Charlestown Animal Rescue. “I get goosebumps thinking about the customer who added a $100 bill to her purchase!” says The Barn owner Patty Surname. “That’s a true animal lover!” Fetch RI owner Johnna with Pitbulls Diego and Lola Sara and Lemon at Shaidzon Beer Company Lacey loves the grounds at Dave’s Co ee
Misquamicut
The prettily pink Sea Shell Motel (19 Winnapaug Road) is just 200 yards from Misquamicut beach and has a waterfront backyard so you can step directly onto Winnapaug Pond. Kayaks are free to use and there is an outdoor shower, ideal if you are introducing your pup to the water for the first time; rinse, repeat, and take a snooze break in your room in between sessions! Look out for Lola the Pomeranian perched on the check-in desk – she has startled guests who mistook her for a fluffy toy.
@charlotte_thequeencharles on the Quonnie at the Weekapaug Inn
West ly
Savoy Bookshop & Cafe (10 Canal Street) could double as a movie set with its 1886 architecture, stay-a-while brown leather armchairs, and barista-frothing soundtrack. The styling may be classic but the books are keenly current, including Jim Davies’ Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are and the beautifully illustrated recipe book My Dog Eats Better Than Me. Louis M. came in for a cappuccino with his Labradoodle Buddy, before heading to artsy, elegant Wilcox Park (44 Broad Street) to burn o some of his pup’s evening energy. Time your walk for 2pm on Sunday, September 19 and you’ll hear 20 violinists performing Vivaldi for the Summer Strings concert as you wander around the beautifully landscaped arboretum.
Weekapaug
The Weekapaug Inn (25 Spray Rock Road) o ers the ultimate dog-friendly staycation bliss. Canine guests are welcomed to this peaceful peninsula hideaway with dog beds and bowls, house-baked treats, and even, on occasion, peanut butter rewards and carrot birthday cakes. “So many of our guests are regulars. We have seen their dogs grow from puppies to seniors,” says General Manager Corinne Finn-Heyl. Use of paddle boards and kayaks are complimentary and dog-friendly, as deftly demonstrated by a Portuguese Water Dog. Preferring a regal glide across Quonochontaug Pond in the Inn’s boat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (AKA @charlotte_thequeencharles) looks in her element and earns a new nickname: Queenie on the Quonnie! Even if a five-star stay is not in your wallet, you can enjoy the tranquil vista by coming for lunch or dinner. On Friday and Saturday nights, classical guitarist Tommy Giarratano creates such a mesmerizingly mellow atmosphere it seems preferable to dine alone with your furry friend so you can sit back and relish every strum, not to mention every bite of your cooked-to-perfection meal.
Mobile Bar & Catering Service 3 Draught Lines Custom Craft Cocktails
WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • PARTIES • SPONSORED EVENTS
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GARDEN CITY • 401.942.2720 | WAKEFIELD • 401.783.4433 WWW.SWEENORSCHOCOLATES.COM
