[Lara's mom]

I deal with one neighbourhood pet food store in my area for all of my dogs needs as well as my cat. Last night I got a call from the store (they have my phone number in their computer). As they were bringing in the bags of dog food, one bag got ripped - it was the outside, not the inside wrapping.

It just so happened to be a bag of the food that my puppy eats. So, the owner called me and said that she couldn't sell it because of the rip in the outside layer of the bag and told me to come to pick it up - free. Of course, once I got there I bought some chewys and cookies but, I was so grateful that she thought to give me that bag of food.

I guess my point here is, support local businesses. In my case, the favour has been returned many times over with good advice, reductions in price when I've bought a lot and now, a free bag of puppy food. Just something to think about...

[Bacis Dad]

I completely agree Lara's Mom! Loyalty means soo much to these local businesses which are many times more knowledgeable and normally carry much better quality products then these Petco's and Petsmart's! I ran a privately owned pet store for 7 yrs and it's loyal customers like you that keep these small businesses around. It benefits you, them and your community! If you're a regular at a Petco or Petsmart seek out your local feed store its a world of difference!

[cigwyllt]

Absolutely. I buy my food from one store where the owner actually tells me what food I need (I can never remember whether I want performance or maintenance or what!) and he will deliver if necessary, for free. I buy my "bits" collars, treats, etc from another small local store and he lets me take things home to try (not sure which size dog collar I needed) and bring back the one I don't want, he delivered all my rabbit stuff in the summer and set up the hutch for me. You wouldn't get service like that from a national chain, only a local store where you know the staff and the staff know you.

[scrofford]

I think supporting local business is very important! Not only can you help them and they help you, but it creates strong bonds and is an excellent way to build relationships especially in the dog world.