It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!
Although animals were always a part of Troy Harrison’s life, he’d never thought much about pet food until he started working for It’s Raining Cats and Dogs on Academy Road. Five years later he bought the business.
Q: What’s the history of It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?
A: The original owner opened it sixteen years ago as a boutique store, selling pet clothing and toys. Then she started researching nutrition. She had a friend who was home-cooking her dog’s food. She thought that was crazy. Why would you do that? So much work. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Like humans, dogs and cats thrive on real food, quality food. She got really passionate about that. I learned from her. Realizing what’s really going on in pet food was interesting and now I’m passionate about it. Back in July, I bought the store.
Q: What’s unique about It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?
A: We’ve researched the product before bringing it in. Raw and dehydrated foods are our speciality, along with naturally prepared dry and canned pet food. When the customers come into the store, whether they want to go with kibble, dehydrated, canned, or raw, they know whatever they pick up is good. The companies are trustworthy.
Q: What advice would you give to a new customer about feeding their pet?
A: I believe in variety. Pet food companies traditionally would want you to stick with one brand. You have to eat something different all the time to get a well-rounded diet. If you get your pet used to change, they aren’t picky, and their stomachs are used to it then you should try something new. I feed my dog something different all the time.
Q: Other than food, what items do customers most ask for?
A: Dental things. In our opinion here, raw bones are the best thing for dogs’ teeth. Scraping all the way up to gum line naturally.
Q: What’s next for It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?
A: I’m just trying to get our name out their more. I think there’s a lot of people that don’t know we are here. Also, there is a change happening. People are learning more about what is going on with pet food. More customers are looking to go with a raw food diet. It’s a huge part of our business here. We have a larger selection than some stores. I would love to have more raw foods.
