Located in DeVargas Center in Santa Fe, it spans 3,200 square feet and puts a New Mexico spin on the pet boutique concept.

The store’s name is a play on words. Original owner Diane Buchard found a little white dog on the side of the road in a town called Tecolote, which means “owl” in Spanish. When Wilson bought the store, she felt the name was good karma and decided to keep it.

Native grasses and flowers fill large planters in front of the exterior entrance, with signage and awning in a traditional Santa Fe color palette. A complementary umbrella offers shade for a small patio furniture set.

Manager Joanne Buchanan (shown here) and senior manager Mira Lopez have been with Teca Tu for more than 25 years, contributing to a welcoming experience at the store.

Inside, Wilson uses warm woods throughout against a white background to continue the desert-inspired color palette.

Wilson says, “Buchard began the store by designing and making vests and coats for dogs out of Pendleton trade blankets. The business grew from there, and now the vests and coats are our signature item.”

Store dog Mowgli models a custom size.

Other New Mexico-inspired pet products are a hit with locals and tourists alike.

Wilson draws out-of-towners via display windows at prominent Sante Fe hotels La Fonda on the Plaza and the Eldorado Hotel & Spa.

Wilson pushed Teca Tu past the $1 million annual gross sales mark in 2020, with that number continuing to climb by 10% yearly despite the challenges of operating during a pandemic.

Teca Tu regularly hosts adoption events at the store.

A cat habitat with a window opening into the mall also attracts customers. Operated by Felines & Friends New Mexico, it has helped hundreds of cats find good homes. Volunteers from the organization come in twice a day to feed and play with the cats, which has also proved to be good for business. Read more about Teca Tu in its America’s Coolest profile.