Who let the dogs in? Pups take center stage at Central Arkansas businesses

Dogs have a way of making everything better. They make us happy when we’re sad, give us companionship when we’re lonely and calm us when we’re stressed out. They love unconditionally and without limit; if you want to spend the entire day scratching a dog’s belly and telling him what a perfect angel baby he is, there aren’t many pups out there who would say no.

Maybe that is why seeing a dog in a store is such a treat. It functions not only as a sign that the business is run by people who appreciate dogs (a green flag if ever there was one), but also that this is a dog who is used to people and will probably let you pet him or her. What’s better than that?

We set out to document some of the shop dogs in Little Rock and North Little Rock. For the sake of representation, we even included a cat. While we couldn’t get to all of the business puppers — or even most of them, unfortunately — the dogs below, like the stores they help run, come highly recommended.

Omobono (left), Dolly Barkin’ and Francesco (right) strike a pose at Little Rock Violin Shop. Credit: Little Rock Violin Shop

It is scientifically impossible to look at the three dachshunds at Little Rock Violin Shop without making a sound that is somewhere between a squeal and pure baby gibberish. And that’s OK! Omobono and Francesco (named for Antonio Stradivari’s youngest and eldest sons, respectively) certainly won’t judge you. Dolly Barkin’ might hide, but that’s just because she’s new to the greeter game and still figuring things out, and she’ll come around once she sees her brothers being petted. Keep your eyes peeled for Omo and Francesco next time you’re at Pinnacle Mountain, too; when they aren’t repairing violins or brightening customers’ days, these two badger hounds are avid hikers.

Mashed Potato (L) is a total ham. Moose is more reserved. Both are excellent at customer service. Credit: Brian Chilson

There are two things you need to know about Mashed Potato and Moose at Box Turtle in Little Rock. First, Mashed Potato (left) is a BIG boy who loves laying directly in front of a fan, so you’re going to have to give him a reason — ear scritches or treats work well — to stand up and give you attention. Second, Moose hates cameras, which makes it more or less impossible to get a good picture of his face. Put the camera away, however, and Moose might just be your sidekick throughout the store.

Riley (front) and Kellie may be twins, but they couldn’t be less alike personality-wise, says owner Dave Larson of Angry Dave’s Bicycles in North Little Rock. Credit: Brian Chilson

Riley and his twin sister, Kellie, are all over Angry Dave’s Bicycles in North Little Rock. Their sweet, tri-color mugs adorn windows, socks, stickers and mountain biking jerseys. When he’s not posing for pictures or becoming more famous, Riley is an absolute lovebug, offering a paw for you to shake while looking at you with eyes that say, “You’re going to love on me the entire time you’re in my store.” (He’s right.)

POV: You’re looking at your new best friend, Chester. Credit: Bella Vitta Jewely

“Get ready to meet your new best dog friend.” That’s how Brandy Thomason McNair, owner of Bella Vita Jewelry in Little Rock, responded to my email about taking some pictures of Chester. I can’t admit she was right — my two hounds at home would never forgive me — but I can’t say she was wrong, either. Chester, who McNair calls a “workaholic,” loves to be at the shop so he can greet every person who enters, and he’ll let you love on him to your heart’s content. Then he’ll look at you and suggest maybe you meant to do it a bit more?

This is Reuben and OH MY GOD LOOK AT HIS SWEET FACE I WOULD DIE FOR HIM. Credit: Brian Chilson

Reuben had big shoes to fill when he arrived at Moxy Modern Mercantile in Little Rock. The store’s previous sweet little corgi boy, Fergus, died in May 2023. Reuben has been up to the challenge. He’s already an A+ greeter, hurrying toward customers as fast as his short legs can get him there, and a total ham when he gets any attention. And what kind of monster wouldn’t want to give him attention with that face?

Cooler than the other side of the pillow, Nyx delights Moxy customers and terrorizes Reuben the corgi. Credit: Brian Chilson

Nyx is Moxy’s resident shop cat. He’s also Reuben’s nemesis, as Nyx gets plenty of attention from customers. This annoys Reuben, who firmly believes all the focus in the store should go to him. Regardless, Nyx is an impossibly soft gray tabby who you should make time to pet, preferably away from Reuben’s judgmental gaze. Nyx is also the store’s resident DemoCat, in case you want to discuss Kamala Harris with him.

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.

Who let the dogs in? Pups take center stage at Central Arkansas businesses

WANT MORE?

Footer Widget 1

Subscribe Now