Bark Bark Luxury Dog Boutique and Pawtisserie, located at 643B Main Ave., joined the downtown business scene on May 1, and has since been pampering pooches across Durango .
Owner Tracy Campbell is a seasoned business owner, having opened four businesses in town before Bark Bark, but this is her first time dabbling in the luxury dog supplies scene.
“I just kept thinking over the last few years how we’re so dog-friendly in Durango, and how great a little dog boutique in downtown would be,” Campbell said.
Bark Bark truly being a boutique – versus just any old pet store – matters to Campbell. One of the things that classifies Bark Bark as a boutique, says Campbell, is the specialty gifts, like handmade leashes.
“I go and search deeply for items and gifts that are really unique, that you wouldn’t find in just your typical pet store,” Campbell said. “I have items that are coming in from Australia, the UK and Canada.”
The term “luxury” doesn’t mean that Bark Bark is only accessible to Durango’s wealthiest pet owners; Bark Bark features something for every price point, ranging from dog macaroons for $3 to luxury Pendleton dog beds for $300.
One of the most popular elements of Bark Bark, says Campbell, is the pawtisserie – the doggie bakery.
Campbell sources some of her treats from bakers out of state, and makes Bark Bark’s custom dog cakes herself out of oatmeal, apple sauce, pumpkin puree and yogurt.
A few new elements will be coming to Bark Bark this summer, including an online Shopify version of the store, and in-store doggie energy readings by Intuitive Animal Communicator Marcie Draheim.
Draheim will visit the shop on Sunday, Aug. 3, at Bark Bark’s Grand Opening event, and provide “intuitive energy work” and communication services to dogs and their owners. Though Bark Bark has been operating for several months, the business has yet to have an official Grand Opening celebration.
“Marcie does everything, from readings to reiki,” said Campbell. “She can communicate with pets, and a lot of people reach out to her to try to figure out issues that their pets are having, whether it's a food issue, or some ailment, or them being timid. Any number of things.”
Campbell said she has just as much fun meeting her canine customers as they have visiting the store. “It’s been fun, because people bring their dogs in, and they can literally pick their own treats, whether it’s a toy or a cookie,” she said.
“The dogs seem happy, and people are happy to treat their dogs,” she said. “It’s a really fun environment.”
epond@durangoherald.com
