My trip to the pet store

I had my first visit to a large chain pet store last weekend. Boy, was it an experience. Not only did the store offer cat and dog supplies, it had items from just about any pet you could imagine. From the moment I entered through the door, I knew I had entered another world. This wasn't a pet store for people who like their pets. This was a pet store for people who LOVE their pets.

I was immediately suspicious of the salad bar set up near the entrance of the store. What was that for? Then I realized that it wasn't salad that they were peddling. No. It was a treat bar…for dogs. Every type of artificial meat-flavored treat formed in various shapes were on display is separate bowls. I had a dog growing up who like to chew on metal. I doubt he would have been impressed with the set up.

For a pet store, I was surprised that they didn't sell puppies or kittens. Just birds, fish and rodents of every size and shape – much like the dog treat bar. I thought for a moment that it could have been a treat bar for cats, but decided against it.

Moving on, I found the cat litter. I wasn't looking for litter, but found it anyway. It was hard to miss. It was a giant container filled with sand and big scoop. I suspected that this was the bulk cat litter section and one should bring their own bucket.

The row next to the litter station was dog supplies with just about every type of dog bad ever made. There was one made with memory foam with a cost of $159. Really? That's more tha
I paid for my mattress at home. My old dog slept on my grandmas old wool coat and it was just fine with him.

For such a big store, it was surprisingly void of people. I only saw one dog in the store. (Did I mention that pets are welcomed in the store?) I was expecting to see little old ladies with baby poodles sticking out of their purses, but there were none. Then I began to wonder. Just how many people actually brought their cat to the store? I can't imagine anything more tormenting, for me and my cats, than to put them in the car and make them walk about a huge store on a leash. At least they would be entertained by the mice.

As I walked toward the counter to pay for my cat food, I came across a photographer setting ups shop. I guess getting your picture taken with your dog or guinea pig was bigger than just Christmas now. Somehow I missed the memo.

When I did make it to the front of the store, the person behind the counter looked less than amused to see me. Apparently, she enjoyed being with four legged creatures and not the two legged kind. The next time I need cat food or dog supplies, I think I will stick with my local grocery store.