Now that the doors are open to their self-serve pet wash, supplies, food and accessories store, the Burlingame’s drive to support rescues is all the easier to fulfill.

“My husband and I are both very passionate about rescue and believe it’s so important for the community to be aware that theses kinds of organizations exist,” Tracy says. “Education is huge. A lot of people go out and buy pets from pet stores because they’re not educated. Promoting the rescues is a great way to raise awareness about the huge number of homeless animals. It’s just shameful what we do to our animals as a society.”

The couple opened the store in October 2007 – a full-service operation with dog tubs (yes, even a very, very big dog tub!), all natural foods, treats, toys, training accessories, supplements and more. The store quickly took off, and now offers educational seminars, dental clinics – even a massage class! (If your Dane could read, he or she would be drooling!)

Not averse to the occasional Miniature Poodle or Chihuahua, the Burlingames are self-proclaimed big dog lovers. While they support a number of rescues, they became familiar with the Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue through a friend a few years ago and have since been involved in a number of fundraisers and promotional activities to support the Rescue.

“We like big dogs!” Tracy says. “We’re not a boutiquey store, although we do have things for small dogs. We’re just kind of big dog people. We have friends with Danes, so it was kind of a natural fit.”

Tracy adds that while supporting the rescue is a good draw for customers, it is really about educating potential adopters and helping the rescues thrive. “Stores like ours are in a good position to help,” she says, “we’re lucky to be able to do it.”