When I was a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I had pictures of animals all over my walls, and absolutely loved anything cuddly or furry. I even loved reptiles, as well as a few insects. I figured that being a veterinarian would be a great way to help the little critters out when they have problems. What I didn't realize at that
point was that I was a bit squeamish. When I was in lab in middle school, I couldn't dissect frogs like the rest of the class, and I actually passed out. Cutting apart even one living tissue gave me the willies. Since that was the case, how could I possibly work as a veterinarian?
That is why I decided to sell animal products for a living. I didn't start out all at once. At first, I began to sell some products for pets at the local craft market. Not far from where I live, there is a craft fair every Saturday, and it is easy to get a booth there. I would sell small, stylish pet toys to tourists and locals alike. I offered balls for their pets to play with, squeaky toys, cat sweaters, and collars. Although they weren't completely unique – you can get that kind of stuff in any pet supply store – mine were handmade and unusually cute. Pretty soon, my products for animals were selling very well. People were sending their friends over to me, and I was making a nice profit. The problem was that I couldn't hand make these products fast enough to keep up with demand! That is why I decided to open a store selling pet products.
My goal was to sell as many animal products as possible without opening up one of those super huge pet stores. I didn't have the funds to rent that much space, and anyway I have always found those places kind of alienating. I decided to specialize in products for animals that a lot of major pet stores don't carry. I left pet food out of it almost completely. You can get the basic pet food brands at my store, but that is about it. I do, however, offer fresh baked cookies for cats and dogs. They are made with fish, chicken, and other foods that the pets find delicious. Beyond that, I have some pretty novel and unique toys. My philosophy of products for animals is a simple one: Pets are happier when they are more entertained. The more enjoyable the toys, the more pleased the pets.