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The Big Bad Woof
Essentials for the socially conscious pet
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Join Julie Paez, Bodhi and Pennye Jones-Napier at the grand opening of The Big Bad Woof on Friday, April 8. |
Story and Photo by Julie Wiatt
The latest incarnation of the former Arise/Sangha/dZi storefront at Carroll Street and Maple Avenue is the Big Bad Woof, a pet supply store and more, opening this month.
The store's official big bad beast, also known as Bodhi, roams happily around as the owners, Pennye Jones-Napier and Julie Paez, are getting the store ready to open, occasionally slipping him samples of treats. Pennye and Julie's cards give their job title as "AlphaWoof."
What, then, is Bodhi's role? "He handles the complaint department," says David White, the "nuts and bolts" manager.
Penny and Julie opened the store purely out of their love for animals, Julie says. Beyond simply offering catnip and dog food, they are partnering with the Washington Animal Rescue League to help rescue animals and hope to hold events with trainers and pet professionals.
"We want to help provide good nutrition and fun things for animals, as well as an educational resource for the community," says Pennye.
Pennye also envisions the Big Bad Woof making a distinctive contribution to the Takoma economy. Such a specialty shop could draw customers from beyond the city, and strong retail will be an important component of the new Takoma Old Town Main Street initiative, she says.
"We need stores that service the community; that are destinations," Pennye says.
With its focus on healthy foods, nutrition, acupuncture, and massage, the Big Bad Woof seems like a natural fit with the Takoma lifestyle. And like any good local business, the store will also support other locals--carrying retail items from small businesses and the artwork of dog/cat bowl potters, pet portraitists, and pet painters and sculptors.
The goal is to make the Big Bad Woof a fun place to visit for all. And yes, pets and children are welcome, says Pennye--as long as both behave.
Big Bad Woof is at 117 Carroll Street, NW, Old Takoma, DC. Contact the store at 202-291-2404 or visit www.thebigbadwoof.com.
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