NATURALLY DOGS & CATS

Naturally Dogs and Cats

Naturally Dogs and Cats is not only a great place to purchase locally made, natural pet food and treats, it’s a great place for pet meet-ups.

According to its Facebook page, Naturally Dogs and Cats is “East Windsor’s gathering place for pets.” Owner Bob Marshall said that was what he envisioned when he opened the business in 2014 – a hangout for pets and their humans.

“Folks will find an at-home atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone,” said Marshall of his shop. “Customers will find two individuals with a wealth of knowledge in the pet industry. Both Anna Burdick – the store manager – and I will take the time to discuss what your needs are and find solutions for them. You and your pet will become part of a family, and you will feel like a family member versus a customer or number.”

Marshall said that includes trying their best to remember the owner's name each time they come in, “but more than likely we will remember the pet's name first.”

Located at 148 North Rd., East Windsor, the shop first opened in Hartford in 2014.

“When COVID[-19] hit and business dried up downtown we decided to move the store closer to home – relocated in April of this year,” Marshall said. “In total we have been in business for over eight years.”

Naturally Dogs and Cats specialize in locally made products as well as American made food and treats. The store features what Marshall calls the “Bone Yard” with all natural chew options that continues to grow. Pig Ears, Cow Ears, Beef Back straps, Chicken Feet, Femur Bones, Bully Sticks of all sizes and OxTails are a few of the chews that are currently in stock.

“I want to stress that we don’t carry rawhide products that are not good for the dog’s digestive system,” Marshall said.

The store has a “Barkery” section that features fresh baked goods from a variety of local bakers. There are seasonal treats as well as favorites like a “I love my dog” bone, “S’mores” and birthday cakes. There is also a “Scoop Your Own Cookie Bar.”

“These cookies are weighed and sold by the pound, but gives you the opportunity to mix and match flavors,” said Marshall. “Cookies are named after customers’ pets. There are a few cookies that still need to be named in the store and naming contests will be held in the coming months. The dog that gets the most votes [donations] toward one of the local dog parks or rescue organizations wins their name

and photo on the cookie.”

Naturally Dogs and Cats is not only a place to gather and try new products, it’s also a pet party venue. Yes, you read that correctly.

“Looking for a birthday celebration for your dog? Naturally Dogs and Cats will help you set up your party with customized bone shaped birthday cakes or any other design you can think of,” said Marshall. “Anna makes custom bandanas for the dogs and we offer treat bags for dogs that attend with the birthday boy or girl on the label.” Marshall said he is open to ideas on expanding this area of the store, currently called the “Celebration Station.”

Marshall, an Enfield resident, said his customers in Hartford were very sad to see the store leave after he built a sense of community with pet owners downtown. Marshall has been working in the pet industry for the past 15 years and the store originally opened as part of the I-Connect program in Hartford to bring life to empty storefronts as the housing industry flourished and people had nowhere to shop.

Marshall has also been on the board of the Enfield Dog Park Action Committee for the past year and is charged with fundraising for the group. Marshall was instrumental in getting the Enfield Dog Park re-opened after storm Isaias damaged the park when he had his full-time employer, Optum, step in to help cover some of the costs and employees volunteered time to rebuild the park.

Marshall said he was lucky enough to convince his friend Burdick to manage Naturally Dogs and Cats. She had been working for a national pet chain for the past 15 years and is a local dog walker.

“Anna definitely brings her craft and decorating skills as well as organization to the store,” said Marshall. “Her friends Laurie and Kelly worked with her for two weeks painting and decorating the new location.”

Marshall said his future plans include fencing in an area in the back for a “sniff spot” as well as installing a selfservice dog wash.

Marshall and Burdick love to plan events for pets and their owners and will host the “Bark and Boo” Oct. 22, which includes a vendor fair, dog adoptions and costume parade at the store.

“Santa will make his appearance every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said Marshall. “This is one of our favorite events. Pet Parents can take a picture of their loved one with Santa with their camera and we ask for a small donation to benefit the Enfield Dog Park. We do the same thing when the Easter Bunny arrives.”

NATURALLY DOGS & CATS IS LOCATED AT 148 NORTH RD., EAST WINDSOR, CALL 860-249-8780 OR VISIT ON FACEBOOK