Writer and animal welfare activist Roger Caras once said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” However, we are our dog’s whole lives. We have careers, hobbies, and other things to keep us busy, but at the end of the day, our dogs will be waiting by the door to greet us when we get home. My dogs often try to follow me out when I leave, so I thought, why not bring them on an outing? I decided to bring my two shih tzus, Romeo and Juliet, to five different dog-friendly places in Connecticut to enable them to experience life outside of our neighborhood.
Books & Company (Hamden, CT)
Books & Company is a welcoming environment for bookworms and pet lovers alike! Opened in 1995 by Linda Mooser, Books & Company is a local bookstore featuring “new to you” books, locally made items, an in-store café, greeting cards, unique gifts, and dogs. Linda describes her business as a “little oasis, a place apart from the stressful world around us, an extension of home.” The café’s signage reads, “if our dog doesn’t like you we probably won’t either” (which, in my view, is a completely valid statement). Romeo and Juliet were very excited to be there, sniffing the numerous books, along with anything and everything else in their path. They dragged me along by their leashes to explore with their tails wagging furiously the whole time. It made sense, a bookish place for two bookish dogs.
Bark & Vine (New Haven, CT)
Evolving from an online shop to a brick-and-mortar store in February 2021, Bark & Vine is an indoor plant shop carrying a variety of plants, gifts, accessories, and many other goods. Owned by Ralph Saldi and his husband, Luis Galindo, Bark & Vine is, “a destination spot for plant lovers where they can find easy-care plants to start their plant journey all the way to more unique and uncommon plants for the plant collectors near and far.” The first thing I noticed upon entering was the crisp earthy fragrance. The space was brimming with unique green life in every corner, including succulents, trees, and ferns. They had paw print stickers tagging any pet-safe plants, clearly indicating which plants are suitable to be around your beloved animals. They also had a pet corner where they sold treats, toys, and other items (of course, I had to buy them new toys). After a few minutes of nosing around the store, an employee approached us, offering treats to my delighted puppies.
Dog and Hen (Cromwell, CT)
Dog and Hen is a new family-owned pet supply store that has only been around since about November 2023. I didn’t even know about this place until stumbling across it while shopping, but I was so glad that I did. The business is run by a mother and son who are passionate about the wellbeing of dogs. Walking in, I was immediately greeted to the sight of Christian, the son, kneeling down to give treats to my very happy puppies. He explained that their gourmet jerky, chews, meal toppers, and treats are handmade on-site. We decided to buy their Original Chicken Jerky and their Chicken Meal Topper. Romeo and Juliet have been going crazy for them every time they see us pull them out. The pair also gives back to less fortunate dogs by supporting rescues, animal control, and K-9 officers by sending them monthly treat deliveries. They also donate and repurpose old and new dog houses to provide shelter to dogs that need it.
Elizabeth Park (Hartford, CT)
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Elizabeth Park is home to America’s oldest public rose garden. Opening to the public in 1897, Elizabeth Park offers numerous amenities. This includes green spaces, recreational facilities, formal gardens, walking loops, and the Pond House Café. They also present special events, tours, and concerts. Elizabeth Park is free to the public, and open from dusk to dawn, 365 days a year. The walking loops were perfect for my dogs, who absolutely adore walks. Their jovial expressions and swishing tails remained throughout our whole visit. As they trotted along cheerfully, I was able to take in the pond, dotted with ducks and geese, and the lush foliage that surrounded the walking paths. Later on in our expedition, we happened upon the Conservancy’s Robert A. Prill Tulip Garden, which quite literally looked like a scene that would be put on a postcard. As Romeo and Juliet quizzically sniffed the tulips, I admired the orderly rows of colorful blooms. It was here that Juliet decided it was time to sprawl out like Supergirl, her arms and legs stretched out as she watched the people around us.
Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal (Windsor, CT)
Mondazzi Book, Bead & Crystal sells a vast assortment of spiritual items, including crystals, beads, books, jewelry, incense, candles, tarot decks, and more. They host numerous diverse events and workshops. Mondazzi encourages bringing (leashed) pets on your shopping trip. “We love seeing your fur babies.” As we ventured into the store, the pups eagerly pulled me along, eager to discover. One of the first things I noticed was a sign advertising psychic readings for dogs and people, which I absolutely would’ve done, had it not been scheduled for another day. Romeo and Juliet led me straight to the back of the store, which had walls lined with bookshelves and tarot cards. It was in this room that Juliet, ever the princess, decided to plop onto the floor, exhausted from adventuring.
Regan Bissoni is a staff writer for Blue Muse Magazine.
Photos courtesy of Regan Bissoni and PrimeDesignArts.
0 comments on “Unique Places to Bring Your Dog in CT | Regan Bissoni”