Sharon Hanks
Dog owners now have a new place to shop for doggie treats with the opening of Just Dogs Gourmet in downtown Grand Haven.
Located in the former Bodacious Babes store at 107 Washington Ave., owners Jillaine Bunday-Geldersma and her husband, Bryan, offer a delectable selection of gourmet and market treats just for pooches, along with dog collars and leashes.
"The Grand Haven people love their dogs," says Jillaine, explaining why they chose the downtown area for their new business. "It's a terrific dog community; most of the stores allow dogs in (their shops). We love it down here.
"All of the confectionaries are made right here in our kitchen," adds Jillaine, noting the selections including such goodies as peanut butter cups, truffles, lollies and yogurt paw chips.
Showcased in a bakery case, the hand-made, hand-cut, all-natural treats are made with "100 percent human quality ingredients." Prices ranges from 50 cents for "orange blossom" and "sweetheart" snacks to $3.99 for a large milk bone double-dipped in yogurt and carob, she says.
"We're going to add a cat corner probably in early winter," says Jillaine.
Special events are in the works as well, such as Yappy Hours, where dog owners can gain information from experts on such things as obedience, fitness walks and nutrition.
"We're going to try and get a new person each month," she says.
Upcoming events will be posted on the store's Facebook page.
As the owners of two rescue dogs, Jillaine and Bryan also anticipate helping the Humane Society of Ottawa County with pet adoptions.
After spending years decorating cookies for her five children and Bryan's two children, Jillaine thought the business would be a good fit for her skills. Her daughter, Kayla, a sophomore-to-be at Grand Haven Public Schools, is the last one living at home and will help staff the place.
Just Dogs Gourmet will host a grand opening from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 offering free treats for dogs and free hot dogs, chips and beverages for adults.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Source: Jillaine Bunday-Geldersma, co-owner of Just Dogs Gourmet, Grand Haven
Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.