I searched for a self-serve dog-wash station on the Yelp app and found Pet SAV. It was down the street from my location at the time: the parking lot of Trader Joe's. I drove the short distance, parked, and entered the store with my beloved 7-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Ella. [Note: "Ella" is short for Cinderella since she is a rescue and was a starved and ragged street urchin before I adopted her.] I was greeted by Mike, the owner, and his current pack of four rescue dogs. My impression of him was positive from the start. He was very courteous, kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. And, he clearly has a strong commitment to helping rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need. Mike showed me the single wash station (a small room) and the grooming supplies, and then let me give Ella a bath. He came back to check on me to see if I had any questions or needed anything about halfway through the process. When I was done, I walked Ella to the front of the store and inquired about the raw food diet and dog nutrition, since I had learned this was a main purpose of the store. Mike explained the history of dog food and recommended that I watch the documentary "Pet Fooled" to learn more about why "regular" dog food is not healthy for dogs. In brief, he told me that the traditional dry dog food ("dog chow") was created for the convenience of pet owners, not the optimal health of the dog. I told Mike that I would watch the movie and return to the store soon -- both to use the wash station and to further discuss how to better meet the nutritional needs of Ella. I love my dog and I want her to live a long, healthy life.
Update: I have been back to Pet SAV three times since my first visit. I am now feeding Ella Small Batch Pet sliders -- small meat patties. I have been buying the chicken, but there other flavors like beef, lamb, turkey, duck, and rabbit. You can also buy the regular-sized meat patties. They come frozen and you feed your dog a daily portion based upon his or her weight. Ella eats 6-7 sliders per day. I thaw the sliders by placing them in a small bowl in the refrigerator. After she eats, I wash her bowl and place 3-4 frozen sliders in there and then put the bowl in the refrigerator. These are thawed by the next time I feed her in 12 hours. Repeat. Mike taught me the importance of reading labels on pet food and checking the meat content. I am so grateful to have switched Ella to a raw food diet. She is happier and healthier and now looks forward to being fed. She now quickly licks her bowl clean! I feel confident that I have added years to her life. I asked Mike about a good chew treat for Ella that would also help clean her teeth and he recommended the Northwest Naturals Frozen Beef Bones. I gave Ella her first one today. She absolutely loved it and her breath is already smelling cleaner! She ate the marrow and the bit of meat clinging to the bone. And, not only does she continue to chew on the bone, but she was thinking about that bone hours later and went to the back bedroom to retrieve the bone and bring it to the living room where she was sitting on the couch with me! Go to Pet SAV soon and talk to Mike. There are healthy food and treats, and important information and wisdom (from Mike), waiting for you and your canine and/or feline. read more