Puppies are easy to love at Berlin Pets
By Joanne Lehman
A visit to the country yields many wonderful things to take home, but for long-term enjoyment nothing surpasses the small furry friends you find at Berlin Pets. Vernon, owner of the store, has put his love of animals into the business he operates one mile east of Berlin on SR 39. A large wall area beside the counter is filled with pictures sent or brought to the store by happy humans who have connected with canine companions throughout the years he’s been in business. The photos are proof positive of the joy these pups bring to their homes.
Berlin Pets specializes in many small breeds of puppies. The store is kept spotlessly clean at all times. It is a major attraction on weekends and holidays. Vernon said that at times there are up to 40 people clustered around the “play pens” where a half dozen or more small puppies frolic and vie for attention from the people who may become their new families. Pink and blue collars help identify the male and female puppies.
Each animal at Berlin Pets gets plenty of handling and care during their temporary stay at the store. Vernon quickly puts to rest any fears his customers might have about puppy mills. He uses a careful selection process with breeders he knows well. That way he knows he is offering only healthy, well-cared-for animals.
Regular visits by the USDA inspector ensure compliance with government regulations at the facility. A veterinarian from an area clinic makes frequent rounds to keep the animals healthy and make sure they have the required immunizations before they meet their new owners. The veterinary clinic personnel are also happy to provide references and records for any new owners who request them.
Every morning, except Sunday, each animal is given a bath and is free to romp with other puppies in a large open area in the back of the store. The store has glass-front pens along one wall, where visitors to the store can view some of the animals. None of the puppies stay in the pens at night, Vernon explained.
By keeping his business small and offering only a few puppies at a time, Vernon can give each animal the kind of attention needed in the first few weeks of life. He said he raises some of the animals himself and works with six to nine local breeders who also comply with USDA regulations. Besides visiting the store itself, inspectors visit each breeder site he works with regularly.
Vernon enjoys helping families from the local area, as well as people from miles away, as they select a pet that will meet their needs. Small breed dogs such as the Shih-Tzu, Yorkie, Maltese or Westie terriers are an ideal choice for families with small children or older folks who want an indoor companion. Other breeds the store offers regularly include the English bulldog, Chihuahua, Pugs and designer breeds such as the Yorkie-Poo, the Morkie, or the Parti-Pom. Daschunds are also occasionally available at the store.
People who are looking for a new dog enjoy logging onto the Berlin Pets Web site, where they can see photos of the animals currently for sale along with the price of each animal. Many people select their dog and have the store hold it until they can make the trip to Berlin to pick it up. The store offers a few pet care items, including beds, crates and carriers.
Stop by Berlin Pets and take a look. Who knows? You just might see your new best friend. For a preview of what is currently available, see www.berlinpets.com or call Vernon at 330-893-7038, ext. 2. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is closed on Sunday.
