Alexandria PawsGo Shopping! Hitting the Dog-Friendly National Retailers

By Karen Johnson

ALEXANDRIA,VA-We are lucky to live in an area with so many independent businesses that are dog-friendly. From the Greener Cleaner and the Neighborhood Pharmacy in Del Ray to Periwinkle and Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town, it’s easy to run your errands, do some shopping, and hang out with your dog!

In addition to our great independent businesses, two of my favorite national retailers, Anthropologie and Crate and Barrel Outlet, are also dog friendly. Boomer and Poppy know exactly where the treats are at Anthropologie. And I think they have memorized the layout at Crate and Barrel Outlet. We take a specific loop around the store as not to miss anything that we have to have!

In Potomac Yard, both you and your dog can pick out bedding and accessories at Home Goods. Over at Pentagon Row, World Market offers everything from candles to wine, so take your time browsing with your BFF (Best Furry Friend).

I heard from my friend Jess (and her Newfoundland, Brendan) that the new West Elm was also dog-friendly. Boomer, Poppy, and I decided to check it out! It’s located at 925 North St. Asaph Street in Old Town, across from the dog-welcoming Holiday Inn.

Hoping to pick up a few things for summer entertaining, the dogs and I were immediately welcomed by a sales representative. Jess was right, the store was very dog-friendly! We found plenty of things for outdoor entertaining and especially liked West Elm’s support of local businesses and artisans. PawsUP for that! With purchases made, we headed a few blocks south to the Old Towne School for Dogs, so two well-behaved dogs could get a special treat.

Karen Johnson is the founder of PawsGo (www.pawsgo.com) the Alexandria-based online community for humans and their dogs, promoting an active lifestyle for both! PawsGo merchandise can be found online and locally at From Head to Tail Grooming and Spa, Bon Vivant Café and Farm Market, and Reunions (and maybe someday West Elm).