PUBLISHED AUG. 11, 2016
Dog Gone Holistic comes to Riverview
By LOIS KINDLE
Discriminating pet lovers have reason to rejoice with this Friday’s opening of Dog Gone Holistic in South Shore.
The Riverview location is the second for owners Darrel Day and Robert Benscoter, who purchased the popular pet store in Lithia 18 months ago after its original owners retired and moved to Hawaii. Both men loved pets and wanted to open a business related to them, Day said.
The owners, who live in north Riverview, chose to open a store at 13131 U.S. 301 S. in Summerfield Square near Dunkin’ Donuts for several reasons. Besides being close to home, the 2,000-square-foot shop will serve both existing customers and new ones in a community of rapid growth.
“It’s right in the middle of an up-and-coming area,” said Day, who will travel back and forth between the two locations as operations manager. “And we have a lot of current customers who drive all the way to Lithia from south Riverview, Apollo Beach and other South Shore communities. Now we’ll be much closer to them.”
Benscoter will continue as retail manager of the Lithia store and Kim Cullins, who has worked for the owners the past five years, will manage the Riverview store. Her husband, Caine, will be her sales associate.
Dog Gone Holistic specializes in providing top-quality, natural, canned and dry foods for dogs and cats that are free of wheat, corn or soy. Brands include Fromm, Canidae, Nutrisource, Natural Balance, Orijen, Zignature and other four- and five-star-rated products. The store’s frequent buyer program offers a “buy 12, get one free” offer on most of them.
The shop also carries frozen raw food, which “arguably is the best owners can buy,” Day said.
“It’s basically a mix of raw meat, bones, organs, fruits and vegetables,” he continued. “It’s nutritionally balanced, easily digestible, biologically appropriate and great for pets with allergies and other health issues.”
Dog Gone Holistic carries mostly American-made pet toys; natural treats and chews; shampoos and flea-control products; a large line of supplements; and a seemingly endless array of accessories like beds, harnesses, leashes, food bowls and doormats.
Owners whose pets have special health conditions find lots of assistance at Dog Gone Holistic, which by the way, is totally pet-friendly. Leashed pets are welcome to “browse” with their keepers.
“I enjoy helping people with issues regarding their pets,” Day said. “We have food and supplement combinations that help pets with digestive problems, joint pain, weight and dental issues and more.
“We’re also known for our selection of ‘body parts’ for dogs,” Day added. “These include items like chicken feet, duck feet, bully sticks, femur bones and hooves.”
The new Riverview location will have its soft opening Aug. 12 and grand opening the weekend of Sept. 9 and 10. A number of manufacturer representatives will be on hand for the celebratory event, which will feature lots of giveaways and special promotions.
Dog Gone Holistic’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.
All major credit cards, including chip cards, and Apple Pay™ are accepted.
For additional information, visit www.doggoneholistic.biz or call 813-374-4743.