Health-conscious pet store opens on Corpus Christi's Southside
Kathryn CargoThrowing a birthday party for a dog or cat?
Earthwise Pet Corpus Christi is a stop a pet owner might want to consider while planning out such a bash.
The wellness pet store on the city's South side sells party hats, cookie and ice cream mix safe for pets, toy, birthday outfits and more.
"It’s a reason to celebrate. You have a family member with you another year," said co-owner Jennifer Baird. "We try hard to help our pet parents have their pets a little longer, so let's celebrate it."
Earthwise Pet opened in July at 5625 Saratoga Blvd. Suite 119, near South Staples Street.
The store sells dog and cat food that has no by products, corn, wheat, soy or other fillers. A certified pet nutritionist and a dietitian are available at the store to help pet owners pick the best food for their loved ones.
Baird and her husband, Rick, decided they wanted to help other pet owners find better pet food options after their basset hound, Freckles, died in 2017.
They soon opened their home to an English Bulldog named Dottie. It wasn't long after that they discovered Dottie was very sensitive and allergic to most foods they served her.
That meant hours of Google searches to track down higher-grade recipes for sensitive pets. That's also when Baird started planning to open a local pet health store.
About a year and a half ago, they started feeding Dottie and another English Bulldog, a German Shepard and three cats more nutritious food.
Jennifer Baird has noticed her pets are happier and healthier.
"I was able to get rid of (the bulldogs') gas issues, able to firm up their stools and get rid of hot spots and itching and paw chewing," Baird said. "I was able to stop refilling their allergy medications form the veterinarian."
"The cats have less fur balls and more regular litter box activity."
Baird previously worked from home for a family wellness company. She's one of dozens of franchise owners who opened Earthwise Pet or Nature's Pet locations across the country.
The store also offers a grooming salon, skin and coat treatments and self-wash stations with pet-safe shampoo choices, dryers, towels and brushes.
Whole Pets Market has also opened at 1420 Airline Rd. That store offers "Premium and Super Premium, Natural and Holistic pet foods and supplies" and has more than 10,000 items in stock, according to its Facebook page.
"People are starting to treat their pets like family more and less like pets," Baird said. "They want to have them live longer. In order to do that they need to start with a better nutrition regimen."
Kathryn Cargo follows business openings and developments while reporting on impacts of the city government’s decisions.Help support local journalism with a digital subscription to the Caller-Times.
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