How much is that doggie in the window?  If you have to ask, you simply cannot afford it — especially if it's one of the more famous furry associates that belong to business owners around Rochester. 

On a recent shopping adventure I ran into cats, dogs and one smart bird who have taken up shop around town.

Here's who I met:

Panda the poofy cat

Amazingly, Panda found her permanent home at Bark Place Avenue after someone dropped her off for grooming and never came back. (I simply could not believe that someone would leave a cat as gorgeous and friendly as Panda.) Panda places herself  precisely in the middle of the front desk,  just in case you might walk by and somehow not notice her. She is lovable, friendly and has made Bark Place into her very own kitty castle.  She will tolerate the lesser species of canine in most cases, especially if they are coming in for a grooming. 

Just ask Chewy. 

Chewy, ready for the holidays

Actually, you will have to ask Stan about that. Stan is Chewy's owner, as well as the owner of The Silk Worm. Stan has an easier time speaking than Chewy, considering Chewy is a 9- or 10-year-old AKC-bred golden retriever. Stan and his wife rescued Chewy from a shelter a year and a half ago. Stan said Chewy seemed to respond very well to people, so he started pulling the second shift at The Silk Worm.

Chewy was all decked out in a holiday bandana and laying happily on his side when I came in. Apparently he just came back from a "day at the spa" at Bark Place, and that's where he met Panda.  Stan was surprised that Panda didn't even so much as bat an adorable eyelash when Chewy walked in to get groomed.

I guess Panda's place is pretty much established as the front desk clerk who doesn't have time to swat or even hiss at a big ol' dog. 

That cat has attitude.

Phoebe: Smart and gorgeous

After I spoke with Stan and petted Chewy until he fell asleep, I proceeded to walk down Main Street to Firebrick Gallery & Pottery Studio.  I had heard a bit about Phoebe, the new poodle in town, and I wanted to say hi. I had not yet been inside the shop, but after this visit, I am hooked, lined and sunk. Phoebe is fantastic, as is her owner, Christine.

For starters, Phoebe is a black and white "parti" standard poodle. (Part black + part white = very rare.) She is simply sensational. In addition to her looks, Phoebe has an intelligence that rivals Mensa. When I visited, Christine had just picked Phoebe up three days ago, and already this dog was practically running the show. Phoebe stood close to her owner and watched every move that Christine made. Christine would discreetly give her commands, and Phoebe would follow. (I didn't even know what was going on, and I train a 6-month-old Australian shepherd puppy!)

Scruffy the book dog

After leaving Firebrick Pottery, my travels took me to Downtown Booksellers for a quick visit with Scruffy, the gentle giant lab mix. I had to pick up a book that I had ordered on dog training. 

Sally, owner of Downtown Booksellers, had my book on hand, and I was able to get a little petting time with Scruffy before I dashed off to my next animal encounter. I actually saved this one visit for last because I knew once I set foot in this store, my "list" and my budget were going to have a major overhaul. 

Everybody knows Charlie

Who0 U R Upscale Resale for a Cause is one of my favorite haunts — I just love this place, what it stands for, the downright bargain pricing and, of course, Charlie the cat.

Charlie has been a mainstay on the unofficial Rochester business pet list. Whenever I talk with anyone about cats and dogs in businesses, it seems like everyone knows who Charlie is. If you don't know Charlie, you must meet him and say hi to the gals at Whoo U R. Lonna, the owner, is one of the most delightful woman that I have had the pleasure of meeting. Lonna's style is impeccable and the store merchandise is an intriguing mix of antiques, art and estate pieces including jewelry and clothing for men and women. Proceeds from Whoo U R are donated to The Rainbow Connection.     

Louis, a 'Refined' dog

I thought I was finished after visiting Charlie, but the ladies at Whoo U R  told me about Louis the dog at Refined. Refined recently opened, and since Louis was a new addition to the local pet scene, I just had to meet him. I'm glad I did — I haven't seen a Coton De Tulear in years.  And there he was, all of maybe 8 pounds — a little white bundle of glory in a festive red vest for the holidays. I snapped his photo and moved on.

This parrot likes jewels

Next, my shops-with-pets adventure took me south on Rochester Road to see about a parrot.

Yes, a parrot named Candy.

Candy is 37 years old and brilliant.  The bird's owner, Duane, owns Hoefener and Sons Jewelry at 2669 Rochester.  Duane told me that "people call up and ask if I'm the store with the bird." I guess it's better to be known as the store with the bird than not be known at all. The store has the most amazing collection of moving and musical Seiko Wall Clocks I have ever seen.

Now, back to the shopping!