LYNWOOD — If you missed Neighborhood Pet Store Day last weekend, you missed out on a tail-wagging, treat-filled extravaganza for pets and their owners. This nationwide fun event led by Mud Bay has turned pet stores into havens for four-legged friends with discounts, giveaways, and lots of love. This year’s annual celebration is bigger and better than ever, with more than 1,000 independent pet retailers across the country participating.
Mud Bay Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Linwood, 2800 196th St SW, next to Whole Foods. Linwood Times | Gerti Katro.
A celebration of community and care
We stopped by one of Linwood’s stores in Mud Bay, where Eric, the company’s social media manager, gave us some inside information. This year marks the second anniversary of Neighborhood Pet Shop Day, and Eric shared his excitement.
“This event is all about thanking our loyal customers and highlighting what independent pet retailers bring to our community,” he explained. “It’s not just about transactions, it’s about building relationships and providing a knowledgeable and personalized experience for pet owners. Additionally, we celebrate the importance of supporting independent businesses.”
On September 28th and 29th, customers could get 25% off treats and toys and free pet food just by downloading the Mud Bay Frequent Buyer app. But it wasn’t just the discounts. The event was also an opportunity to connect with the community, show appreciation, and celebrate all things pet-related.
Have a heartwarming moment inside the store
Chris, store manager at Mudbay in Lynwood, has been with the company for 14 years. For him, Neighborhood Pet Store Day holds a special place in his heart, not only for his business but also for the relationships he has built with pet owners over the years.
Mud Bay Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Linwood, 2800 196th St SW, next to Whole Foods. Linwood Times | Gerti Katro.
“Helping people solve problems with their pets, like not eating or dealing with itchy skin, is really rewarding,” Chris said. “Last week, a customer came in with a card thanking us for rescuing their dog. Things like that make everything worth it.”
Chris also shared one of his most memorable and emotional experiences. “Recently, a man came up to me and asked me to put his dog down. We often hugged and cried together. Moments like this remind me of how important the relationship between a pet and its owner is. It shows.”
But it’s not all tears and emotion. Chris also has a laugh. He told me about the time a mini-horse came to one of his stores on Mercer Island. “It was a therapy horse and it came out of a little cart in the back of the car. We were all like, ‘Wait, what just happened?’ It was interesting! ”
Furry friends and giveaways
The store was buzzing with excitement and the staff checked to see if they had plenty of sweets. One of our sales associates, Katlyn, shared how she prepared for the event.
“We made sure to have lots of tasty treats and even made little ‘Sundae’ toppers,” she said, adding, “It’s always fun to have balloons and decorations around the store.”
Mud Bay Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Linwood, 2800 196th St SW, next to Whole Foods. Linwood Times | Gerti Katro.
One of Catelyn’s favorite parts of her job is interacting with the pets that come through. “I love meeting all the dogs and cats and spending time with them,” she said. “Helping a dog get used to people is one of the best feelings.” She also told me a funny story about a regular customer, Badger, a pit bull with a special attachment. “Whenever the badger comes in, she runs straight to the chicken feed and rubs her whole body against it. It’s funny!”
Of course, working at a pet store isn’t all fun and games. Like many pet store employees, Catelyn has felt the pain of saying goodbye to the furry friends who have become part of her family. “The hardest part is when a dog dies. When you’re so close to them, it feels like you’ve lost a friend,” she said.
The fun of wagging the tail together
We were lucky enough to witness some adorable moments when visiting the store. Aspen, a particularly energetic dog, was thrilled to receive free treats, and Kona couldn’t wait for her sundae to be prepared. She completed it in less than 10 seconds!
Neighborhood Pet Store Day has become a highly anticipated event for pet lovers and their pets alike, and a third edition has already been confirmed for next year. So if you missed it this time, mark your calendars for next September. It’s sure to be an unmissable weekend full of tails wagging and treats.
Mud Bay Neighborhood Pet Store Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Linwood, 2800 196th St SW, next to Whole Foods. Linwood Times | Gerti Katro.
Bonus tips from Mudbay staff
Get the app: Download the Mud Bay Frequent Buyer app and get great deals and giveaways during next year’s event. Become a regular: What’s the best way to get insider information and early notifications of events like this? Come and chat with our experts. Our experts are always ready to share helpful tips for your pet’s health and happiness.
Now, let’s introduce the next “Neighborhood Pet Store Day.” Pets and their people come together for fun, food, and all the love a pet store can offer.
