'Pawsitive' Local Shopping: The Furry Nation

This will be the first of a new line of blogs about the pet organizations of Lakewood.

Lakewood has one of the highest densities of pet owners in the country and from this has grown pet businesses to cover every need you could possibly have. However, without a central location it is easy for many of these to blend into the background and lead the pet owners of Lakewood to shop outside of our city. These blogs will introduce you to our many businesses, so that you can find the ones that best fit your needs without leaving town.

This week I introduce you to Furry Nation, a holistic pet store. Located in the previous location of Daniels Funeral Home, at 15800 Detroit Ave, Furry Nation incorporates the building's beauty without creating a commercial sterile environment. They carry a diverse selection of healthy and natural foods, remedies and products for your cats and dogs. Their products are usually a combination of 3 factors. Obviously, they are “holistic products designed with the animals best interest in mind.” The majority of products are made in the United States and Eco-friendly, both of which help cut down on destruction of our environment and our work force. Third, products from “community companies that treat their employees as a valued part of the process (that includes [her] own store and companies that value giving back to the community. They also, have new services including grooming and a monthly training seminar on different topics. Furry Nation's products are not what truly makes them unique however.

Furry Nation is unique because of their employees. Their diverse and holistic product lines can be a little intimidating to those of us used to the corporate setting. Furry's staff is always friendly and helpful with any questions you may have. Kat Berger the owner (quoted throughout this article), is usally there to offfer a helpful hand as well. If you are lucky enough to have Kat helping you, you will be quickly impressed by the amount of knowledge she has on her products and their ingredients. The Furry Nation staff will be able to personalize your dog or cat's personal needs to their product line.

Animals have been a major part of Kat's life since she got her first dog, Hercules, when she was 22. Now that she has a pet store of her own she has turned it into more than a business to make money off. She has raised money and donation for various local shelters and rescues. She has a program where she receives ripped bags of dog food and passes their discount to dog owners in need. Furry Nation also, hosts an annual fundraiser for rescues called the Spring Fling, mentioned in my last article.

Kat has built a business around respecting animals and treating them right. When asked about her favorite animals she responded: “Elephant, Black Panther, Grey Wolf, Fairy Penguins, and Dolphins [are my top five]. My favorite breed is the Siberian husky. Love them because they are super smart but they don't just "obey" people. They know they are just as smart as people. You have to earn their trust and prove your intelligence to get them to listen to you.” Stop on by to the Furry Nation if you haven't already and tell them Sam sent you.

The Furry Nation

15800 Detroit Ave.

Lakewood, OH 44107

216-539-8226