Animal Kingdom

Official shop pets are some of Uptown’s most effective sales “people”

IN tHIS toUGH ECoNoMy, SoME staff members at Uptown Westerville shops are in the business of attracting customers through superior cuteness. And business is good.

Official “shop pets” are more common than you might think Uptown. Keep your eyes on the windows as you walk by; you just might spot one.

Ralphoto Studio

They won’t interfere with others’ photo shoots, but put Katie and Lizzie in front of a camera and they’ll be happy to ham it up.

The two 9-year-old Boston Terriers belong to Ralph and Imogen Geho. Ralph used to own the studio, though these days it is run by his son Alan. Katie and Lizzie accompany the elder Gehos to the studio whenever they visit.

“Katie is more or less the greeter,” says Ralph.

It makes sense to have dogs around, given that the studio often includes the family pets in family photo shoots.

“People bring in snakes and rats and all sorts of things,” Alan says.

Westerville Bike Shop

These days, Penny is a friendly sight for customers who stop in at Westerville Bike Shop, but her path there wasn’t easy.

The 6-year-old Staffordshire Terrier –also known as an English pit bull – was a rescue. A friend of shop owner Mason Morgan found her chained to a Dumpster; the evidence suggested she had been used for breeding before she was abandoned. Thankfully, her days are easier now.

“We have a couple of people who come in just to see her,” Morgan says.

Though some people have a negative perception of pit bulls, they’re apt to be convinced otherwise by sweet and wellmannered Penny, says Morgan – even if she is underfoot on occasion.

“She’s perpetually in the way of just about everything,” he says.

A Gal Named Cinda Lou

Henry is so popular among A Gal Named Cinda Lou’s customers that he has his own fan club whose members own buttons with his face on them.

Henry, a 3-year-old Boston Terrier, belongs to Juli Bennati, daughter of store owners Jim and Debbie Bennati. He’s always popular with the customers Uptown, as well as at Cinda Lou’s two other locations in east Columbus and in the University District. Henry is a particular fan of the latter location.

“He’s Big Dog on Campus,” says Jim. A bowl of dog treats customers can buy for Henry is kept perpetually filled by an Uptown neighbor who’s a big fan. Henry even has his own Facebook page.

“Henry is one of the finest dogs I’ve ever met,” offers a customer at the store.

Westerville Antiques

Don’t let the name fool you – Stinky is actually very pleasant to be around.

Stinky is a Maine Coon, also known as an American Longhair. She was a stray before being rescued by the owners of Westerville Antiques, so it’s hard to say how old she is, but she’s a big draw for customers.

“I don’t hear the end of it,” says Jake Danieri, assistant clerk.

A sign near the door warns customers not to let the cat out, “no matter what (she) tells you,” but Stinky is usually perfectly content to stay in the store, testing out the new arrivals.

“Every time a new piece of furniture comes in or a new spot opens up, she’s there,” Danieri says.

Foul Play

Who are the most popular employees at this bookstore? It’s no mystery.

Foul Play’s three long-lived store cats – Fannie Mae and Desiree, each 15 years old, and Harriet, 18 years old – are all rescued strays. Each has her own quirks; Harriet loves attention, Fannie Mae likes to sleep wherever she can find a place to lie and shy Desiree rarely comes downstairs to meet customers.

“Harriet’s the one that everybody sees on the desk,” says store co-owner John Cross. “Fannie Mae’s the one (painted) on the back of the van.”

The cats are forever finding new ways to wend through the store’s shelves, and they make for effective sales representatives, Cross says.

“People don’t come in to see us – they come to see the cats,” he says.

Doctor Shoe

Here’s one dog who has no trouble catching the eyes of passers-by.

Baby Girl is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu. She often sits in the window of the shoe repair shop, drawing the notice of people outside.

“She gets a lot of attention,” says shop owner Randy Birge. “Some people just come in to pet her.”

Like several other Uptown pets, Baby Girl was a rescue. She is missing her left eye, though it does not appear to detract from her appeal or her demeanor.

“She’s never had a problem with it,” Birge says.

Garth Bishop is editor of Westerville Magazine. Feedback welcome at gbishop@ cityscenemediagroup.com.