Amy put her first grooming van, the adorably named and wrapped Bubble Bus, on the road in 2012 to provide an alternative to the salon experience. She added a second in 2022.

And Amy opened the 1,200-square-foot Lucky Dogs store in 2017 to create yet another alternative, this time to the only pet boutique in town and national chain stores 12 miles away.

A baby boutique previously occupied the space, and she purchased the white fixtures as they fit with her concept of a “pet lifestyle” store.

Amy chose a fun, graphic black-and-white wallpaper with dog breeds to convey that the store serves a different kind of kid and their parents.

She says, “We have products for pets, but also for people who have important pets in their lives. So we carry home goods like blankets, bowls and treat jars, and gifts for pet parents like pet-themed jewelry and clothing.”

“We have a wall with all kinds of artwork,” Amy says.

Pet memorial gifts also are available at Lucky Dogs.

As are a wide selection of collars and leashes.

Including these by Mimi Green, handmade collars and leashes that use fabrics from the trendy Rifle Paper Co. She likes to carry products not found in other stores in the area.

The toy wall offers plenty of options.

As does the custom-built chew bar.

The store stocks only five brands of food, again brands not available elsewhere in the area.

Customers with pups celebrating a birthday or gotcha day find party supplies.

A bakery case offers additional special-occasion treats.

Behind the checkout counter hang portraits of Amy and Pat’s beloved Labrador Retrievers, whose names all reflect the couple’s deep pride in their Irish roots: the late Murphy and Kennedy, aand current pups Saoirse and Caoimhe.

Lucky Dogs has become known for its whimsical window displays. This one celebrates boating, a popular activity for locals and tourists alike in the lakeside town.

Amy changes the window with the season or holiday, often making props for the themed displays.

She says, “For Valentine’s Day, I chose the restaurant scene from Lady and the Tramp. I couldn’t find a decent spaghetti and meatballs prop, so I used ivory yarn for the spaghetti, wound brown yarn into balls for the meatballs, and cut red wrapping paper for sauce. It is such a compliment when I see people stop in front of our window and smile, laugh and take a photo.”

A winter-themed display featuring dog taking a toboggan ride. To read more about Lucky Dogs, check out the America’s Coolest profile.