Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty Too Announces Official Grand Opening; New Pet Store More Than a Lick and a Promise.

Business Editors/Retail Writers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001

Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty Too Monday announced the official grand opening of its first store.

Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty Too offers the largest selection in USDA grade natural pet food -- raw, frozen or freeze-dried meals commonly known as the B.A.R.F. diet (Bones And Raw Food).

"We take the holistic approach to pet wellness, including homeopathic, herbs and supplements," said owner, Dawn Burdo. "Our shampoos are oatmeal, aloe and coconut based. The line of aromatics is naturally scented with roses, peppermint and similar flowers and herbs."

Fetch offers unique accessories such as the booster car seat that helps ease motion sickness and provides viewing pleasure for your pets. Fetch rubber toy products are Grade 1 rubber, not recycled; they won't crumble apart. Its tennis balls are the only non-air injected tennis balls with double felt covers, making them almost indestructible.

Fetch also has a selection of pet novelties for humans, including cards, stuffed animal collectibles, garden statues, local artist collectibles, T-shirts, girly purses and more.

Because Fetch is predicated on humane canine and feline friendly products, it promotes martingals and gentle leaders for training. These products are safer than choke chains and do not restrict breathing. Items offered to indulge your pet include Kitty Kaviar, Kitty Treehouses, "Chanel" Knock Off Pet Clothes, European leashes, home baked treats, Champ-Pagne, pet sitter videos and more.

As Mickey Blue, the Yorkie proprietor, said, "'Cause we're worth it!"

Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty Too is located at 14202 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 153, on the southwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Acoma (one light north of Thunderbird; one light south of Greenway) in E. Thunderbird Square North Shopping Plaza. The north end of the center that faces Acoma is fondly being known as "Pet Row."

Fetch is first in the row, along with the 24-hour emergency animal clinic, eye clinic for animals, dermatologist and a pet collectible store.

Burdo received her degree at F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology; New York) and has worked in wholesale and retail for 24 years. The idea for Fetch came from a personal need. After searching Phoenix and the Internet extensively, she felt frustrated -- that there was a missing link in the Arizona pet world for safe, natural, great quality unique items under one roof for her Yorkie.

As Burdo explained, "The Internet was a 50/50 proposition. I like to see and feel an item. If the product is substandard, you're still out the shipping and handling charges both ways."

So, she created Fetch, the only healthy and happy pet alternative in a one-stop shop.

"Mickey Blue tests most of the products and is only on a natural food diet. It will not be in my store if all the ingredients are not natural and human grade," Burdo added.

Fetch is a place that takes and disseminates free literature, referrals, information, reference material and other information at its knowledge area.

"What we don't know, we will research and get back with the customer. I'll even call the FDA if I can't clarify/satisfy my mind with an ingredient in food," said Burdo.

Fetch is currently aligning itself with various no kill shelters, non-profit organizations, holistic vets, animal behaviorists, doggie daycare, pet sitters, etc.

While it has been open for business since July, Fetch is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7.

As Burdo explained, "I wanted the weather more desirable so the animals could roam outside the store and socialize with each other and the human guests."

Dr. Lisa Newman, founder of holistic animal care, will speak and answer health questions on Oct. 6. Also, included in the day's events will be a pet psychic, animal behaviorist, doggie daycare specialist and pet adoptions. A raffle will be held with all of the proceeds going to animal rescue programs.

Join Fetch in celebration of pets and the joy they give!