Napa Businesses Cater to Pet Owners

Think you’re finished buying for everyone on your Christmas list? Well, like Santa, maybe you better check it twice to make sure you have not forgotten anyone — like man’s best friend.

Fido, Duke, Rocky, Daisy or what ever your loyal companion’s name may be is most likely just as important — maybe more — as the others on your shopping list..

Napa Valley shoppers need not fret. There are a couple of speciality stores that cater to canine and feline species.

Or maybe pet owners could treat their hairy friends to a stay a pet hotel, while “mom and dad” sneak off on a relaxing retreat of their own.

Fideaux in St. Helena and Vineyard Dog in Yountville are stocked full of goodies, designer clothes and every type of “doggie Christmas toy” a pampered pooch could want.

Ashley Beadleston, Fideaux general manager, knows what pleases most dogs when it comes to gifts.

“We have holiday treats bags of health conscious frosted cookies made of wheat and corn. Our most popular treat is the Bailey Bits. It’s made of dehydrated London broil,” she said. “Dogs go crazy for them.”

Walking into Fideaux, which has been in St. Helena for 17 years, is like entering a holiday dog wonderland: The store is decorated from top to bottom in the Christmas spirit.

Throughout the store, shoppers will find tiny to jumbo holiday sweaters, hats and toys. The shop also carries a variety of Hanukkah items.

“We have unique items that you won’t see in the chain pet stores,” Beadleston said. “We have many locals who shop here, but we also have many tourists. People are on vacation and have left their pets at home. They miss them and stop in to buy a present to take home for their dog or cat.”

Noah and Marcia Roman brought their 4-year-old French bulldog, Brando, to check out the goods at Fideaux.

Brando was more interested in sniffing out the Christmas tree as his owners browsed through the store.

“We come here to get treats for Brando at least a couple times a month. The selection is great and staff is the best,” Noah said. “And they are always so happy to see Brando.”

Fideaux, at 1312 Main St., St. Helena, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Gift certificates are available.

Further south in Yountville, Vineyard Dog owner Natalie Bradshaw has turned her store in Washington Square into a holiday showcase.

Every where one turns, they meet with holiday greetings.

“We have it all — the standard holiday collars, sweaters, fleece coats and accessories like reindeer ears and toys,” Bradshaw said.

The main attraction in the store is the Christmas tree decorated with ornaments of dogs of every breed.

“They sell for $21.95 and are a big hit with holiday shoppers,” she said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind item and so personalized.”

The store is filled with holiday sweaters, hats and toys that will  send any pet into a holiday frenzy.

Bradshaw said the pet industry is an annual $60 billion business.

“People love their pets, and many treat them like their children,” she said.

One of the big attractions is the 10-foot long table of doggie treats.

“You can buy them by the piece or the ounce,” Bradshaw said.

Vineyard Dog, 6795 Washington St., Yountville, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Gift certificates are available.

The holidays can take a toll on even the most hearty. Sometimes a few days away from it all can be just what the doctor ordered.

However, if the family pooch isn’t included, don’t feel guilty.  The Ruff Dog Care and Hotel  in Napa is the answer.

The hotel caters to the canine population with 32 rooms, including the standard, deluxe, suite and executive suite, according to its Website. 

The rooms have comfy beds by Blueblood and works of art by Interior Devine, the Website states.

Guests are pampered with gourmet meals of natural balance dog food, tummy rubs, play toys and stuffies.

Gift certificates are available, which make a great present for other dog lovers.