Good day to be a good dog

COEUR d'ALENE - Every good dog deserves to go to heaven. In North Idaho, heaven might be at GoodDog, a new pet boutique that will hold its grand opening on Saturday.

Pam Nordby worked at Daisy's Pet Boutique in Dalton Gardens for more than a year before that store shut down.

"My husband (Harold) and I couldn't stand to see all that good stuff going away," Nordby said.

The new store in Suite 3 at 3115 Government Way stocks much of the same merchandise of the former store, including several brands of grain-free dry, canned and frozen dog food.

"I learned a lot about nutrition for dogs and cats," while at Daisy's, she said. "We have something for about every dog, from the big chow hound to ones with allergies and picky eaters."

But that other popular family pet has not been forgotten.

"We also have a good cat corner," Nordby said.

Some of the same brands of dog food are available for cats. Origin, which is 70 percent protein and 30 percent fruits and vegetables, and Acana a 60/40 blend, are "all very tasty," she said.

Taste of the Wild brand comes in bison and venison, salmon and poultry. The Frozen Raw brand is 100 percent chemical-free, she said.

"They will eat less, poop less and shed less," Nordby said. "We are proud of the foods we carry."

Leashes, collars, supplements, shampoos, grooming tools and "toys, toys, toys" fill the shelves and line the walls of the store.

For smaller dogs, Daisy Mae's tres chic boutique offers a selection of designer attire, including raincoats, polar fleece and "bling stuff" for the haute couture hound in the family. Small harnesses are made from soft fabric to be more comfortable for smaller breeds.

Custom collars can be made with the dog's name on them. And for hardier breeds who like to tag along on two-wheelers there are biker vests and "doggles" to protect their eyes.

There is a good selection of beds, including a fleece model that can be equipped with heating or cooling pads, and another that has its own storage bin at the base.

Rawhide chews are not part of the inventory. Those can become clogged if a dog inhales a piece, and Nordby believes they are not healthy. Alternatives include chew toys made from ligaments and trachea. Those will soften when chewed and shred instead of coming apart in chunks, she said.

"Wipe your paws" doormats, and stuffed toys that squeak, quack and chatter like monkeys or weasels are among the wide choice of toys in sizes from a handful to a couple of feet.

Also available are canine greeting cards for all occasions, including an apology card that shows a pair of Labrador retrievers baring their teeth in hard play.

Food bowls and storage canisters also come in a variety of sizes, in metal and ceramic.

The store promises "anything a good dog needs," Nordby said.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

During Saturday's grand opening, there will be hot dogs and a drawing for a basket of food, treats, toys and accessories, with proceeds from that and 10 percent of sales going to the Kootenai County Dog Park Association.

Information: 664-4364 (GDOG)