Lake Country This Month
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/109327
Page 4A • FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE LAKE COUNTRY FEBRUARY 2013 An alternative experience Pet store dedicated to natural foods, holistic practices opens in Pewaukee ment of dog and cat foods and a wide variety of paraphernalia – ranging from toys to treats. But Bower is quick to point out the PEWAUKEE – It all began with a sobering differences, including the time and effort trip to the vet 12 years ago. put into investigating the ingredients in all Susie Bower's Gordon setter had develof the foods sold. oped cancer, and the prognosis was grim. "Our focus in the store is primarily on But instead of euthanizing her beloved nutrition," said Bower, who currently has pooch or having it go through an aggressive two dogs – Molly, a Gordon setter and Sam, form of radiation, she sought out holistic a hound mix who was rescued from options. Louisiana in the immediate aftermath of "I wasn't happy with the diagnosis, and I Hurricane Katrina. wanted to see what I could do," Bower said. With an emphasis on natural, healthy "As it turned out, my dog lived a year foods, the edible dog and cat products sold longer than had been expected and at End of the Leash feature little to no remained happy up until the end." grains and are devoid of the processed At the same time, Bower began making ingredients common in many commercial and selling natural dog treats that were pet foods. sold at select local grocery stores. "Dogs and cats are carnivores, and they The dual experiences sparked an idea. benefit from a meat-based diet," Bower As a faithful believer in the benefits of said. "A raw-fed diet is the most ideal." holistic practices and the importance of Bower opened her first End of the Leash nutrition for animals, Bower set out to open store in Mukwonago eight years ago. The a store that would become an alternative to response, she said, has been so positive that traditional pet shops. The end result was she decided to open a second store on the End of the Leash, a store Bower describes opposite end of Waukesha County A . as a boutique for pets and their owners. Pewaukee location was unveiled in July . At first glance, End of the Leash might "I can honestly say I like what I do," resemble a regular pet store with an assort- Bower said. "I've had such nice experiences By Dave Fidlin Special to The Freeman Mary Catanese/Special to The Freeman Susie Bower, owner of End of the Leash, 214C South Rochester, Mukwonago, lets lavender essential oil "rain" on Molly, her 2-year-old Gordon Setter. in Mukwonago and have enjoyed getting to know people and their pets. I'm having the same experiences in Pewaukee." Bower said the decision to open a second location was spurred, in part, by the lack of any such store in the immediate Lake Country area. With a location on Wisconsin Avenue along Pewaukee Lake, Bower said the reception thus far has been good in an area where dog walkers are abundant. In addition to selling a variety of natural foods, End of the Leash's Mukwonago location routinely features visits from a holistic veterinarian and an animal communicator. The experts dispense advice on a wide range of issues, including allergy remedies and urinary treatments. "A lot of these issues tend to go back to the dog or cat's diet," Bower said. While nothing has been set in stone, Bower said she is open to the idea of opening additional locations in the future. She also is looking to grow the store's presence online. "We'll just see what additional opportunities present themselves," she said. THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR COMMUNITY Robert Borkowski/Special to The Freeman Taking the White Ribbon pledge • Raw Frozen Diets • All Natural Treats • Aromatherapy & Homeopathics • Flower Essences • Fun Toys, Collars, Leashes & Bowls • Clothing & Unique Items for the Pet Lover! 230378004 David Merkow, left, addresses spectators during halftime of the Catholic Memorial at Arrowhead varsity boys basketball game recently while his brother Gabe Merkow, an Arrowhead junior, holds a poster about the White Ribbon campaign.They asked men and boys to sign a pledge to take a stand against sexual assault and harassment against women and girls.White Ribbon was started in 1991, and is now in over 60 countries, promoting gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. SUBSCRIBE TODAY www.gmtoday.com From Ordinary to EXTRAordinary FULL SERVICE Kitchen and Bath REMODELERS Visit our showroom: Monday-Friday • 9am-5pm 20880 W. Enterprise Ave., Brookfield, WI 53045 262-782-7185 www.snkpump.com 230570001