Follow Your Nose

"I really appreciate the store employee going above and beyond to check about a specific item despite being busy multitasking. Exceptional service! They also have some adorable pet themed merchandise such as mugs, cards and picture frames."

"Worked here for a small amount of time, and boy did I dodge a huge bullet. Was told upon hiring I was going to be paid a fair and living wage and that I would be doing two separate jobs (which I requested, I wanted to be both upstairs work and dog grooming side of things as to give myself balance.) ramie said and I quote “we have dogs every day lined up for you to work on.” Which in their mind is maybe 2 to 4 dogs max. Sometimes a bit more sometimes a bit less but not enough to really maintain a business. Not even two days in I’m told that “I’m too anxious and stressed, and the customers won’t like me.” This is something I’m pulled aside for and am confused about as I keep things only business at work, but Ramie goes in and in about how life is so hard for her and how her illness is such a burden and I state that I sympathize with her (out of common courtesy and empathy) and she tells me it’s not my business to ask her any questions about it (don’t know where that came from) but not wanting any more trouble I let it go. So they place me only in the grooming salon part, which still interacts with customers, mind you. Weeks of barely any activity or work and I get out most days early, which I don’t necessarily mind but that’s not enough to live off of. After about two months of two weeks of work I get only around $400 sometimes a bit more but not enough. And it kills me inside and makes me jaded. Tips that I’m physically handed I’m told that I’m not allowed to have and forced to give to cashier which I would understand if I wasn’t service based. But I never received that money to my knowledge. Upon asking the boss for a fair living wage or that I would half to start looking elsewhere within a few weeks, in front of my coworker while I am waiting for them, I’m told by Dave (other employee, Ramies husband who gets paid in “Dave bucks”) “Ramie said you are leaving” and when I ask what he means, he says something very unsavory which I won’t say because it really hurt me but also it was very racist, and to pack up all my stuff but he does it while my coworker is using the blow dryer so they don’t end up hearing anything. And when I ask him why he couldn’t just have a regular private conversation in a respectful way, he says “my work is terrible and that I take too long.” And when I question him again on my pay he says “we aren’t going to pay you that” and tries to force me out. Ramie also had a conversation with my coworker instead of me about my request and my coworker thankfully shared this information with me. But no two weeks, no adult to adult conversation, just lies and excuses that are followed by betrayal. Don’t work here, don’t even shop here. They don’t care."

"Very friendly and helpful staff! They have healthy quality food as well as treats and toys for your pet. I won’t go anywhere else to buy for my dog."

"First of all this store is one of the best pet stores I’ve ever found and I make it a point to go to the local spots whenever we travel (which is a lot) and they are killing it. Could not find one toy/treat/good I wouldn’t let me dog have and/or eat and I am super picky. Also I came looking for a very specific toy and the gentleman working there helped me dig through the toy bins and he found it! Then I had to come back the next day and bring my puppy because I had seen what I thought would be the perfect snow suit. Different gentleman working and he was a gem too!! Helped us try the snowsuit on and he helped us find and fit boots for our baby girl. We come up to Chicago at least once a year and we will definitely be back! This store is fabulous; thank you so much for providing such great service to the community and visitors!"

"I dropped in yesterday and was so impressed with the selection and service! I have a cat with oral cancer and want to treat him to some high-quality pates, and the person working was very knowledgeable and helpful. They carry a lot of brands that I haven't seen in other chain pet shops and they seem high quality! My cat liked them. I'll probably bring my dog sometime too. I was pleased with everything here; a little pricey, but not bad for a specialty pet supply store! I saw some low reviews of their pet care services, and I can't speak to that. I just know that I got what I needed and was really happy!"